2.) Describe what makes you want to live a life with passion.
3.) Write a poem describing who you are and/or who you are not.
4.) Describe how motherhood has changed you?
5.) Describe how you are hoping motherhood will change you?
My close friends who have known me for years probably chuckle at the changes in my lifestyle and personality over the past few years or so. I like to think that those personality traits were always there, just hidden under another superficial, self-centered, materialistic layer.
Way back when, I wanted to have 3 children, and/or be done having children by the time I was 30. (yes, God, we all know how you chuckled) After Abby, and the subsequent demise of my first marriage, it didn’t look like that was going to be the case. I was OK with that ….. I was busy being a single mother, working full time, and getting back into the dating world to be too concerned with planning more children.
Ever look back on events in your life, and realize many years later that God was guiding your path??
Case in point: I was seriously dating someone, when it came up in conversation that he did not want children. Did not want children, to the point of he was considering a vasectomy. This evoked such a visceral response in me — I wasn’t planning to have more children, per se; but to have the choice removed from me completely at such a young age was unthinkable. Couple that with the fact that this fellow was not keen on the Catholic Church, and the relationship ended.
Fast forward to one of my early dates with Brett. He made the comment that he had always wanted have children, “a big family”, but had never met the right person. Once again, another visceral reaction – I wanted to have more children. It was like a light bulb went off in my head.
Now, 3 years later, 3 more children later, for a grand total of 4 incredible blessings, how have I changed? What kind of changes do I want to see in myself, from being a mother?
** I’m a better mother now that I am older. I don’t know if it’s because I’m older, more mature, or what. I definitely have a better support system/sounding board of friends. Maybe I realize that moments with my children can’t be taken for granted, because they go by in a flash.
** I don’t put myself first, ever. Children get fed first, clothed first, and bathed first. My children’s wardrobe is current Gymboree and Hollister. My closet? Filled with Ann Taylor, all right ….. from 5 or 6 years ago.
** I take better care of myself, physically. In order to chase after my young children, and have the stamina to hang with my teenage daughter, I have to be in tip top shape. This has meant better food choices for the entire family, as well as exercise.
** My faith is much more important to me, and I want my children in church. I want my children to have a solid foundation in our Church, since it’s been such a solace for me.
Changes that need to happen ….
** I need more patience. Which brings me to my next point ….
** I need more sleep, thus I would have more patience.
**Take more pictures of ME with my children. I worry that my kids will wonder why I’m never pictured with them.
** Read and sing to them more, instead of being too tired/grumpy/busy.
I want my children to know that I am SO blessed to have them (on loan from God, as Brett says), and love them to the depths of my soul. They bring me unspeakable joy and laughter on a daily basis, and I truly look forward to many more days with each of them.
Head over to Mama Kat’s, for more Writers’ Workshop. She’s hosting a giveaway this week!
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