All the Ways I Misjudged Motherhood

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I’ll be honest—I really dislike admitting when I’m wrong. It’s right up there with enduring a painful bikini wax or an extensive medical check-up. Yet, here I am, ready to face the music: I was wrong. In the spirit of honesty, it’s time to acknowledge my misconceptions and extend a heartfelt apology to every mom I’ve silently critiqued.

Before stepping into motherhood myself, I held a very narrow view of what it meant to be a mother. I thought mothers were disturbingly self-sacrificing, giving up their own dreams for the sake of their families. I envisioned them drowning in laundry, dishes, and endless after-school activities—essentially settling for a life of monotony. I imagined them being so kind-hearted that they’d never speak up for their own needs, forever craving a moment of solitude.

I presumed they lacked ambition, swapping professional attire for comfy sweatpants, trading a structured job for an endless, thankless role. I thought mothers were dull, only capable of discussing diaper changes and spit-up, perhaps throwing in an eye roll if the day happened to be particularly riveting. I saw them as sidekicks in life, always playing second fiddle to their partners’ dreams and ambitions.

I also believed they didn’t care about their appearance, letting their figures fade away in favor of stretch marks, choosing to binge on snacks while lounging on the couch in the name of parenthood. I thought intimacy was a thing of the past—like, they never had sex. Not even on special occasions.

I viewed them as condescending, convinced that those without children couldn’t grasp the complexities of life—like exhaustion or early risings. I thought they believed their experiences somehow elevated them above others, simply because they had taken on the monumental task of reproducing.

But Thankfully, I Was Mistaken

A mother can be selfless while still demanding time for herself. It might not happen exactly when or where she wants, but she understands that to care for her family effectively, she must first nurture herself. Her dreams take on new significance, fueling her determination not only for her sake but for her family’s well-being.

A mother never settles; she aspires for greatness, setting a high standard for her children. She is kind enough to advocate for herself—a fierce love that, at times, can be overwhelming to those around her.

She is more driven than she ever thought possible, knowing that her successes resonate beyond herself. A mother works harder and sacrifices more, reaching for higher goals to uplift her family.

Far from dull, a mother is passionate and engaged. She is proud to talk about her family, though there are moments when she’d gladly discuss anything else. She cares about her appearance, knowing her self-love sets an example for her children, especially her daughters.

And while intimacy may be less frequent, it’s far more meaningful, filled with appreciation and depth. A mother can empathize deeply, recognizing the struggle in others because part of her heart is now walking around in human form.

I can’t stand to admit when I’m wrong, but I was undeniably mistaken.

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In summary, my preconceived notions about motherhood were not only off-base but also deeply flawed. Motherhood is a complex, inspiring journey filled with strength, ambition, and love—qualities I now deeply admire.

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