What I’d Tell My Younger Mom-Self

I entered motherhood in my late twenties. Like many people, I was transformed for the better through parenthood. It was a transformation I eagerly welcomed and feel immense gratitude to be able to experience.

As fulfilling and transcending as motherhood has proven to be, it’s the one role that has me questioning myself — ahem criticizing myself — for every seemingly wrong choice and stumble I’ve made along the way.

On any given day, motherhood can feel like an emotional roller coaster. There is a surplus of emotions readily available to ingest, like: love, calm, joy, curiosity, humour, care, pride, confidence, awe and fierce protection. Oddly enough, within the same day, hour or sometimes minute, it can quickly and without warning shift to: worry, fear, surprise, disbelief, doubt, frustration, sadness, anger or complete and total bewilderment.

Motherhood is complex! Yet, the buy in to be 110% devoted to the role, has felt very simple. I’d go to the ends of the earth for my children. Some days it feels like I’ve done exactly that.

My devotion stems from my desire to first and foremost, keep them safe and alive. Then it’s to support them to be who they are, to know the importance of liking who they are, and to always treat other human beings and animals with kindness and compassion along the way. Of course, I…