Updated: Jan. 19, 2017
Originally Published: Jan. 19, 2017
Six years ago today marked the final day before I embarked on the journey of motherhood, captured in this photograph taken just hours before my world transformed forever. Gazing at this moment, I reflect on a significant realization: each year, we diligently celebrate our children’s birthdays. Despite the chaos that often accompanies these gatherings, we embrace the joy of honoring our little ones’ lives.
But what about the mothers behind those celebrations? Why not dedicate a day to honor ‘Motherhood Eve’? The truth is, we often overlook the woman in the photo—who was not yet a mother. It’s crucial to acknowledge who we were and to celebrate the profound changes we have experienced since then. This photograph has become a cherished reminder for me, and I connect with it every year.
The day your first child arrives, you are reborn. Whether we admit it or not, the woman from the day before motherhood and the new mother are distinctly different, yet they coexist as one entity, akin to a divine being. Motherhood does not solely define us; it is merely a new role, a fresh chapter in our lives. It is the choices of that woman from before that have shaped who we are today.
Dear Woman in the Picture
I write this message after six years of motherhood, hoping to inspire others in the process.
Dear woman in the picture,
I understand that you are feeling a mix of joy and fear. You are filled with dreams and aspirations, yet you are anxious about the unknowns ahead. You envision your child’s face and are hopeful, but doubts linger. You wonder about the birthing process, the pain, and whether everything you meticulously planned will unfold as expected. You question the significance of all that has led you to this moment.
For months, perhaps even years, you have contemplated this moment, making promises to yourself. You vow not to wear yoga pants, to keep your home immaculate, and to never let toys clutter the living room. You assure yourself that you will always look put-together, that your children will never throw tantrums because you “know how to raise them.” You believe they will never be sick and that they will thrive on your organic meals.
You declare that you will manage everything with ease, convinced that you won’t be one of those mothers who complains, and if magazine models can regain their figures in two months, so can you.
I won’t spoil the surprise, but I have to tell you this: You will find happiness. It won’t matter if you keep those promises or not—none of that will be significant. You are mere hours from hearing a sound that will forever alter your life in the most delightful and chaotic way. From that point forward, you will become a different person.
Motherhood will reveal a strength you never knew you possessed, allowing you to accomplish things you once thought impossible. You will understand that every decision you make is the right one, irrespective of the outcome. Your ability to listen to your heart will deepen, providing you with a new perspective on life. Instincts you never knew existed will awaken within you. You will begin to appreciate the simplest of pleasures, from sunrises and the taste of morning coffee to a glass of wine shared with good friends.
Your relationships will evolve; some friendships will strengthen while others may fade, and new ones will blossom. You will love fiercely, your heart bursting with emotion each day. The love you share will grow exponentially, and while challenges will arise, you and your child will navigate them together, learning from one another. You will shift from being two individuals against the world to a united force striving to improve it.
I promise to honor your dreams, continuing to pursue them even if it requires more time or adjustments along the way.
Today, I celebrate nearly 32 years of being a woman before motherhood and the six years I have spent in the world of motherhood. Let’s raise a toast to both of us—on this special ‘Motherhood Eve.’ Your resilience, determination, choices, fears, promises, triumphs, and mistakes have paved the way for my journey. Because of you, I have come far and will continue to grow as a woman. Together, we will navigate life with our heads held high, regardless of what challenges lie ahead. Life may not be easy, but only we can determine how to appreciate and honor it—that’s a bond between us.
For those interested in enhancing their journey into motherhood, check out this resource on the IVF process, as well as this blog post that discusses fertility boosters for men and another post that covers fertility supplements, which are essential topics for those on a similar path.
Summary
Each year, I honor my ‘Motherhood Eve’—the day before I became a mother. I reflect on the transformation that motherhood has brought, acknowledging the fears, promises, and dreams of the woman I was before. This day serves as a reminder of the strength and love I have gained, celebrating both the journey of motherhood and the woman who paved the way for this new chapter.
Keyphrase: Motherhood Eve celebration
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