Why do so many of us turn the challenging journey of motherhood into an impossible race? The reality is, motherhood is not a sport you can prepare for. It’s not a competition with a clear winner. There’s no shiny medal waiting for you at the finish line.
You pour your heart and soul into this role. You forgo indulgences like cheese, wine, and deli meats for nine long months. You may stop coloring your hair. Many of us sacrifice a piece of ourselves (for me, it was my sanity). You relinquish sleep, intimacy, and moments of solitude. It means saying goodbye to hobbies, leisurely Sunday newspapers, Saturday naps, and even spontaneous road trips. Some of us even let go of our professional identities, financial independence, and dreams.
But here’s the kicker: there is still no medal in sight.
Once you become a mother, that title stays with you for life. The journey may ebb and flow, becoming easier and then harder again, but it never truly ends. Think of it like a recurring headache — you may feel relief, but it returns unexpectedly. Ultimately, what lies at the end of motherhood? Mortality. Even then, you may find yourself revisiting those experiences in therapy sessions.
Motherhood is not the Olympics. You won’t receive accolades for crafting artisanal Rice Krispie treats or for your child’s packed schedule of extracurricular activities. You won’t stand triumphantly on a podium simply because you decided your child should enjoy muddy playtime instead of structured sports. Your dedication to driving your child to multiple practices or encouraging them to study Latin won’t earn you a trophy. There’s no record to break based on how little sleep you manage or for how long you breastfed. Regardless of how you fill your days or the types of cakes you make, a medal is not in your future.
There’s no silver trophy for blending kale into tiny cubes or a bronze for attempting honesty in your parenting journey.
Motherhood is not a race. It’s not an endurance competition that demands training and hydration stops (unless we’re talking about wine, of course). We all strive for our personal best, but that shouldn’t revolve around the quantity of activities or the lack thereof. Instead, it should focus on achieving balance: nurturing our children to grow into healthy, functioning adults while also caring for our own well-being.
Trying to do it all or be the best at everything may give the illusion of accomplishment, but in the end? Still no medal.
If you’re fortunate, you might receive some flowers and brunch on the first Sunday of May.
You can bake exquisite cakes, throw unforgettable parties, or create Pinterest-worthy Halloween costumes. You can assemble Instagram-worthy lunches or volunteer for every field trip, attending all assemblies and concerts. Or you can proudly declare that you do none of those things. Regardless, there’s still no medal.
Women are intelligent, skilled, and creative individuals. Yet, upon becoming mothers, that multifaceted brilliance often gets channeled into a narrow definition of motherhood, leading to a pressure cooker effect. We end up competing for gold medals in a race that doesn’t exist.
Being a good mom — or even a less-than-perfect one — doesn’t have to define your entire existence. It can be a significant aspect of your life, especially if you choose it to be so, but don’t let others dictate that choice for you. Even though motherhood may sometimes feel like a competition, remember: it’s not.
There are no podiums, no awards, and no national anthems playing in your honor. You won’t be featured on a box of diapers or receive a ticker-tape parade. The only reward is the hope that your children grow up to lead respectful, meaningful lives, contributing positively to society — even if that contribution is simply being kind.
That reward is far more valuable than any medal. Just be sure to take care of yourself along the way so you can truly appreciate the fruits of your labor.
For more insights on motherhood and parenting, consider checking out this excellent resource on pregnancy or explore at-home insemination options if you’re on that journey. You can also find further informative articles here.
Summary
Motherhood isn’t a sport or a competition with a finish line and medals. It’s a lifelong journey filled with sacrifices and challenges, and the true rewards lie in raising respectful, kind children. Your worth as a mother isn’t measured by accolades but by the love and effort you put into nurturing your family.