by Courtney Fanning
I became a mother shortly after turning 20. I was young, naive, and all the things a 20 year old is! I thought I knew what it would be like to be a mother but I’m sure you can agree that it has been so amazing, beyond my wildest dreams!
Now I have always known I wanted to be a mother. I looked forward to the day I had children of my own and I am so thankful that I was given this gift! But today I thought I would share a few things I’ve learned that were completely unexpected.
Patience
Well this doesn’t come as much of a surprise, does it?
What was unexpected for me was how much I needed to learn patience. I would definitely call myself a patient and calm person…. until I had kids! It’s like they find every hidden button to push your nerves and push them. HAHA In all seriousness, I am still trying to grow my patience and understanding with my children. I think it will forever be a constant thing and I am actually really grateful for that! They challenge me to be a better person everyday, even when they don’t try to.
How to Dream
I have always been a dreamer. Like a big, wild dreamer. And when I became a mother I still felt I could accomplish all these amazing things and still be a present and perfect mom. Well I’ve been humbled in that thinking but I definitely still dream and found importance in it now more than ever.
My children need to see me dream. They need to know that it is okay to be a parent and still want more. That is so hard for me to say because my kids will always be enough but they don’t have to be the only thing important to me. I want to teach them that. There is no balance but incorporating both family and career (or whatever your dream is) can be such a beautiful thing! For me, that is the difference between feeling fulfilled and not.
Slow Living
Now I am certainly no pro at this but I am finding its presence to be more important every year. For me, living slow means to be completely present in the moment. To avoid distractions and simplify life to what truly matters.
I am on a constant rollercoaster trying to find balance but being focused on one thing at a time definitely helps me. When I am working, I 100% work and when I am spending time with my kids, my attention is 100% on them. It doesn’t always work this way but I try and will always try!
Related
