A New Decade
As I enter a new decade, I am also entering a new decade of motherhood. Exactly 10 years ago I was pregnant with my oldest child. I was preparing to become a mother. I had no idea that journey that awaited me ahead. I was focused on what I should and shouldn’t eat, should and shouldn’t do. (I recall asking my OBGYN a million and one questions, to which he always responded: “Have you always done that? Then yes. Of course.”), not to mention what I needed for the baby nursery, clothes for the baby, equipment for carrying, feeding, sleeping, rocking the baby. My focus was entirely on what was best for baby. Because baby (she now has a name - Lauren!) is going to care a lot about the colour of the walls of her nursery!!
Most of these things have importance, no doubt. Preparing for the needs of a baby are important. But it has taken me a long time to realize that my needs as their mom are also important. Critical, in fact. Critical to my well-being which is intertwined with theirs, particularly in those early early days and years.
So, as I enter this new decade, armed with 10 years of mothering and life experience, I am now asking myself different questions, ones more focused on myself. It makes me uncomfortable putting these questions out there when I know that self sacrificing is more celebrated in motherhood, but alas, a new decade brings a new determination to do things differently! If things never change, things never change.
What do I want to leave behind?
Shame and guilt over things I wish I had done differently.
Fear of being judged. For everything!
What do I want to bring forward?
The wisdom and perspective I have gained.
My increased capacity for self awareness, self reflection and self compassion.
Energy and commitment to my purpose.
How do I want to be?
More connected with myself. I want to be in alignment with my and my family’s values that we have cultivated and developed together.
What do I want to do differently?
I want to start sharing my experiences of motherhood more broadly in hopes of offering other women the opportunity for their own transformation!
I want to let go of the fears and limiting beliefs that have been holding me back.
So here’s to a new decade of opportunity, growth and an abundance of love!
