It’ll Go in a Blink of an Eye
If I could say anything to a young mother, it would be to listen to the mothers who’ve gone before you, and know that when they say it’ll go in a blink – it will go in a blink.
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Yes, while you’re in the thick of it – it’ll be exhausting, overwhelming, frustrating, and bring you to your knees. It’ll feel like you’ll never sleep again. It’ll feel like your child will never listen to you. It’ll feel like the overwhelm of one or multiple little kids will never get easier. And then, suddenly, you’ll be on the other side of the chaos. It’ll be peaceful and quieter, and you’ll wonder where the chaos went. You’ll want it back.
Okay, so I’m presuming a lot here. I could be wrong. Not every mother has the same experience as my friends and I, but the chances are fairly good you’ll feel all these feelings when your kids are grown and gone. Or, even when they’re just teens and never around anymore because they’re with friends, at school, and working.
My sons are all grown up now. Well, to be precise, I have a 21, 18, and 16-year-old. So technically, I do have a middle teenager still, but he might as well be grown. He’s driving, he’s acing school, he is a good kid with his teenage quirks. He doesn’t hold my hand anymore, tell me he loves me, and hates to give hugs. You know, a teenager and all.
I miss the past. I miss their childhood, while still enjoying the moments of now.
Even in the present, while fully enjoying these moments, I’m able to look back and miss what I used to have as well. It was chaos. It was exhausting. It was trial and error after trial and error, but it was good, sweet, and the time of my life.
I haven’t lived the fullness of my motherhood journey yet, so I can’t quite say it was the best time of my life, but I really think it’ll have been the sweetest time of my life.
When little kids hold their parents’ hands, look up at them with wonder in their eyes, and enthusiastically announce how much they love their mama or daddy. THAT is the best!
It’s a treasure.
Hold onto it, dear mama.
But also, don’t be afraid to get some help when you’re overwhelmed, burnt out, and need a recharge. It’s hard being a mama, especially of little kids, so you should look into ways of self-care that will work for you.
In the end, there’s nothing more magical than being a mama – watching your babies experience their childhood, reliving your own, or healing your childhood at the same time. It’s all magic.