We all have that one cherished photo of our moms, don’t we? You know, the one that brings back all those warm, fuzzy feelings every time you see it? It’s the image that perfectly captures who she is—just her, in her element. Maybe it’s faded, perhaps with a greenish hue, and the edges are starting to curl from years of love. Still, it’s a treasure that represents the essence of your mom.
For me, my favorite picture is of my mom lounging in a black bikini on a weathered teak chair, looking effortlessly beautiful and carefree in the summer of 1980. It’s a snapshot of pure joy, with not a child or toy in sight.
Now, let me ask you this: Do you have a picture of yourself like that? Not the one from the hospital bed, proudly holding your newborn, or the glamorous wedding photo, or even that silly selfie with your kids enjoying ice cream. I’m talking about a striking, beautiful photograph of you—just you being yourself.
I recently embarked on a quest to find such a photo of myself. Surely I had one hidden away, right? I sifted through at least a dozen scrapbooks stacked on my living room shelf, filled to the brim with countless memories—first steps, birthday parties, and holiday celebrations. Page after page showcased my kids as they grew: playing, laughing, and creating chaos. Yet, there was a glaring absence: I wasn’t in any of them.
After flipping through several albums, the only shot I found of myself was in a hospital bed, cradling a newborn baby. But what about the years that followed? What about the woman who transformed alongside her child? She got lost in the whirlwind of motherhood, fading into the background as I took on the role of family photographer, capturing every moment of my children’s lives while neglecting to document my own.
Sure, I’ve taken my fair share of selfies and occasionally manage to snap a photo with my kids. Yet, when rummaging through albums, boxes, and memory cards, there are no images of the woman who also happens to be their mom.
The last time I found a picture of myself looking relaxed and carefree was on a beach during my honeymoon—two decades ago. Back then, I was just a woman, with no little ones clamoring for attention or sandcastles to build.
Over the years, I’ve taken on the roles of chef, chauffeur, and planner, working tirelessly to create a childhood filled with fantastic memories for my children. But in the process, I’ve forgotten to capture the woman who made it all happen—the one in yoga pants, ponytail swinging, who deserves to be seen.
So, what happens when my sons grow up and want to look back at their childhood, searching for a picture of their mom? They’ll find nothing—unless I take action now.
Right this moment, I’m making a promise to myself: I will ask someone to capture a beautiful portrait of just me. It’ll be a serene moment, free from the chaos of life, where I can smile and show my children that there was a woman before I became a mom—and she still exists.
I will embrace who I am, regardless of any insecurities about age, weight, or appearance. Because to my kids, I’m not defined by those things. I am the woman they will one day look for in old photographs. And if I want them to have a favorite picture of me, I need to make sure I’m in one.
Moms, let’s not delay any longer. Have your kids snap a beautiful photo of you. Do it today, so decades from now, when they’re asked for a picture of their mother, they’ll have no trouble finding it.
And while you’re on this journey of self-discovery and motherhood, if you’re also considering home insemination, check out this informative guide on various options. You can also find a great resource for pregnancy and home insemination here.
In summary, it’s crucial for moms to step into the frame and capture their own essence, not just the moments of their children. By doing so, we not only create lasting memories for our kids but also celebrate our own identities as women.
Keyphrase: capturing the essence of motherhood
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