“Is motherhood really worth it?” My coworker, Lisa, posed the question with a hint of skepticism while we sat across from each other at the cafeteria. We were perched on tall bar stools—hers looked like a natural fit, while I was acutely aware that I was merely a temporary occupant of this breakfast nook.
Having just joined the team two months ago, Lisa didn’t know much about me. My life felt like a disjointed quilt of early morning wake-ups, occasionally coffee-stained blazers, and weekends that rarely held any excitement. Yet, behind that patchwork was something deeper—my unique personality, work habits, and the backstory that makes me… me.
“But is it really worth it?” she pressed.
I fumbled for an answer, but before I could articulate my thoughts, a pre-packaged response slipped out, and I could tell it didn’t resonate. Who could blame her?
I’ve never had the guts to revisit that conversation, but what I should have told her—and you—is that YES, it absolutely is worth it. Not because it’s the pinnacle of life experiences, or because I light up at the memory of my kids’ antics while at work. It’s about the extraordinary insights into their lives that I would have missed if I hadn’t become a mother.
I know it sounds a bit whimsical, but bear with me: the treasure lies in the little things I’ve discovered about them. These details make me the expert on their lives, knowledge that I wouldn’t possess otherwise. It might seem nonsensical, but every moment spent uncovering their quirks is, without a doubt, the greatest reward of motherhood.
Discovering Their Quirks
Take my five-year-old son, for instance. He adamantly refuses to sleep with socks on. Night after night, he orchestrates the same elaborate scheme to sneak his bare feet out from under the blanket, waiting for my shocked reaction as he bursts into giggles. I understand exactly what he means when he asks, “Mama, please give me a dream,” or when he refers to someone as his “baddest chap.”
And had we not welcomed our second child—who could have predicted that our fair-haired firstborn would have a little brother with dark, curly locks?—I would never have known that my two-year-old prefers to drift off on a blanket spread across the floor, meticulously arranging his stuffed animals in the bottom corner, covering them with his own little blanket first. He invites me to “fweep” beside him, and while he doesn’t form the same bond with toys as his older brother did with his beloved blue Bear, he has a quirky affection for his miniature horsey, whom he calls Hersey.
I’ve learned from him what it means to have a fiery spirit. His fierce expressions, complete with clenched teeth, signal his readiness for a passionate hug or an enthusiastic round of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”—a game I invented just for him.
The Bittersweet Journey
I now fully grasp the bittersweet pangs of watching my kids transition through various stages of childhood—a feeling many parents speak of, which is undeniably part of the journey.
Absolutely, it’s worth it. You’ll become like an explorer charting unknown territories, both external and internal, with your heart and a stroller. You’ll marvel at the discoveries, like realizing you’re the creator of the clay, not just the mold.
Just look at him! Who could have imagined that my younger son would meticulously align toy cars, becoming distressed at the slightest disruption? His pride shines through when he exclaims, “Look, I did!” emphasizing that “I” like it’s the biggest achievement in the world. Who knew that such a simple act could fill me with a strange mix of wonder, curiosity, and—most surprisingly—immense pride?
And yes, you’ll find yourself emotionally punched in the gut and heart on a daily basis, but that’s what makes it all worthwhile; you’ve never cared so passionately about anything else in your life.
Further Insights
For more insights into motherhood, check out this article on our blog, or find expert advice on topics like home insemination at Make A Mom and News Medical, which is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, motherhood is a wild, rewarding adventure filled with moments that shape your life in unexpected ways. It’s a journey worth every bit of effort, heartache, and joy.