By: Emily Carson
Let’s face it—I’ve always had a tendency to shy away from things that scare me. From creepy crawlies and feathered friends to awkward social encounters, and even the daunting idea of speaking in front of larger groups, I’ve let these fears shape a rather timid version of myself. Oh, and clowns? No thank you. And don’t get me started on the dark. Phone calls? Yikes! You get the picture.
As an introverted worrywart, I spent years comfortably nestled in my little bubble of fear until one monumental event catapulted me into a world where bravery became a necessity: motherhood. From that cold day 20 months ago when I welcomed my first child into the world (seriously, it was -40 degrees outside), I’ve had to confront my fears head-on. Parenthood doesn’t allow for cowardice, and my children have pushed me to step outside my safe little bubble and embrace courage.
Here are five ways my kids have made me braver every single day:
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Farewell to Comfort Zones
Becoming a mom quickly made it clear that comfort zones don’t exist in parenting. Sure, there’s comfort food, but the idea of a comfort zone? Gone. I believe the delivery room was where my comfort zone went to die (along with a bit of dignity). Now, I find myself wearing bunny ears in public and dancing like no one’s watching in the grocery store. Singing silly songs in the library and making goofy faces at the park? All in a day’s work. Letting my inner child out is far more exhilarating than clinging to comfort, anyway. -
My Give-a-Damn is Kaput
Before I became a parent, I was overly concerned with what others thought of me—friends, family, and even strangers held too much sway over my self-image. But once I entered mommyhood, I realized that to survive, I had to let go of that anxiety. There have been days when I’ve left the house in yesterday’s yogurt-smeared leggings, and you know what? Nobody’s opinion matters as long as my kids are fed, clothed, and happy. -
Daily Therapy Sessions
There’s no better way to face your fears than by consistently confronting them, and parenthood provides that opportunity daily. Terrified of making phone calls? Tough luck, you have to book multiple appointments for your little ones. Dislike unfamiliar places? All your child’s activities are at locations you’ve never heard of. Scared of creepy crawlies? Your child just caught one and is now presenting it to you for a kiss. Talk about exposure therapy—being a mom gives me free sessions every day! For additional insights into parenthood and fertility, check out this article. -
Finding My Voice
As a natural introvert and a people-pleaser, being assertive has never come easily to me. However, parenting has pushed me to find my voice and assert myself more than ever. This newfound courage has been invaluable when navigating the challenges of parenting a strong-willed child. Not only am I learning to stand up for my kids, but I’m also modeling bravery for them, which is a gift that will last a lifetime. -
Chasing Dreams
I have so many aspirations for my children—aspirations I was too fearful to pursue in my own life. Now, as a mom, I realize that the best way to inspire my kids to chase their dreams is to actively pursue my own. Whether that means taking creative risks or asking for a promotion, knowing they’re watching me motivates me more than any external reward could. And for those interested in home insemination, I recommend visiting this resource for further information.
These five acts of bravery may seem small, especially when compared to the acts of courage displayed by others daily. But that’s perfectly okay. I’ve come to understand that bravery can manifest in countless forms. For this recovering chicken, these small yet significant acts inspired by my fearless kids have felt like donning a superhero cape—at least one that allows me to step out of my comfort zone.
Summary
Motherhood has transformed me in unexpected ways, compelling me to confront my fears and embrace courage. From stepping out of my comfort zone to becoming more assertive and pursuing my dreams, my children have played a pivotal role in this transformation. Each day presents new challenges, but they also offer opportunities for growth, reminding me that bravery can take many forms.
Keyphrase: courage in motherhood
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