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Parenting
The Empowered Mama Manifesto
by Julia
Dec. 15, 2015
Embarking on the journey of motherhood is monumental. It requires immense bravery to follow in the footsteps of our female ancestors and bring new life into the world. This message is for all mothers who took the leap before feeling fully prepared. Because the truth is, no one is ever truly “ready.”
We placed our trust in the process, believing we would evolve into our roles, much like our mothers believed we would grow into the oversized shoes they gifted us on our seventh birthdays. We faced our fears head-on, reassuring ourselves that we would navigate this new territory. So what if we had never changed a diaper or soothed a crying baby? How difficult could it really be?
We pushed past the fear of missing out and the twinges of envy as we observed our childless friends living carefree lives. We brushed off the critical gazes of those who chose to wait until they had everything figured out, as if that state of perfection ever truly exists. We, the mothers who lie awake at night, worrying about affording art classes or gymnastics for our children, are determined to find a way. We can achieve our goals while nurturing our families, instilling in our children resilience and courage.
We, who struggled to keep our romantic relationships intact with the arrival of a new baby—how could we have anticipated the challenges of motherhood and the profound changes it would bring? We read every book, watched countless documentaries, and endeavored to accomplish what seems impossible, but feels instinctual in practice. The initial six months were tough, yet we came to realize that each new hurdle stretched our limits further. Daily, we cultivate patience, and if we truly engage, we learn presence, discovering that our child is not just a gift, but our greatest teacher and source of motivation.
There are days filled with joy, and others shadowed by challenges. We have healthy relationships, yet also experience moments of sadness. Some nights, anxiety grips us tightly, while on others, overwhelming gratitude brings tears to our eyes. We witness rapid transformations in ourselves and our children, often not realizing these shifts until we reflect on who we once were. A new version of ourselves emerges, subtly and without fanfare—a fresh chapter of womanhood that is both a celebration and a farewell to the person we used to be.
Reconnecting with old friends can leave us tongue-tied, as we grapple with maintaining our sense of self amid the demands of motherhood. While there is no shame in embracing this identity, we are so much more than just “mother.”
Never before have we faced such a multitude of decisions as during conception and the early years of parenting. We ponder endlessly about what is best: Should we co-sleep? Should we breastfeed? Should we vaccinate? The questions are limitless, and we find ourselves navigating a vast sea of comparisons. Eventually, we understand that these choices must be made from within. We learn to heed our intuition and prioritize what we believe is best for our children.
We discover our strength exceeds our previous expectations, and we also find ourselves more nurturing and compassionate than we ever thought possible. We strive to be exemplary role models, continuously asking ourselves what that truly means. Perfection is a myth in motherhood; there will always be mistakes and missteps, but there will also be moments of affection and boundless love that empower us to overcome any obstacle.
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In summary, motherhood is a transformative journey filled with challenges and triumphs. It requires courage, patience, and a willingness to learn from both our successes and our mistakes. Through love and resilience, we navigate this incredible path.