Seasons of Life
Lately I’ve been thinking about the temporary nature of life. Specifically-seasons or chapters of life as it relates to motherhood. For me- motherhood has been the greatest life teacher and biggest catalyst for personal growth. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, while simultaneously being the most beautiful, dynamic, and multi-faceted. It’s truly wild to me that I’ve been on this journey for 17 years and that my husband and I are raising three wonderful humans, providing for them, feeding them, and emotionally connecting with them-all while holding careers, a long time marriage, friendships, creative outlets, and all of the many many things that this busy chapter of life asks of us. It is no small feat.
Recently, we’ve been looking at old photos and videos from the children’s younger years and it’s WILD. Just reflecting on how full on it was to have a 5 year old, a 3 year old, and a baby - and then all the different stages along the way.
I definitely remember at times being deep in those chapters - and they seemed to last forever. Looking back - I remember the hard moments less and the sweetness more. And from where I’m standing now, it’s gone by so fast.
I know new moms can tire of hearing “the days are long but the years are short” - because when you are all encompassed by feeding, changing, holding, comforting, and caring for little ones - it’s a lot! And if you’re struggling (which is completely normal given the modern day context that we raise babies and children in) then it can truly feel unending.
But it does end. It changes dramatically. Continuously. As mothers- we are asked to grow and adapt and respond to countless unknowns for years upon end. And so much wisdom is gained in the process. And it certainly is not an easy ride.
I guess the point of musing over all of this is to say: remembering that each stage is temporary - can be such a helpful perspective to take while in the chaos and beauty of it all. Because I’m pretty certain we will look back on these days as some of the best. And the sleepless nights, long hours, hundreds of meals, millions of dishes, loads of laundry, endless cleaning, little hands helping, voices calling ‘mama!’ and on and on….. will be a distant fond memory -and possibly even the greatest thing we’ve ever done.
The art of motherhood (and maybe of life in general) - I think - is to be truly present in the little moments day to day, find the beauty, wonder, joy and lessons—— while also remembering the fleeting and temporary nature of it all.
In the words of Thich Nath Hanh -
“Smile, breathe, go slowly”.
