Hey there, Mama!
We may not know each other yet, but I see you. I’ve been in your shoes (and yes, it was a slow shuffle so my tiny toddler could keep up). I’ve felt the weight of a baby carrier digging into my hips and shoulders, just like you. I’ve crammed your car with car seats, strollers, toys, diaper bags, sippy cups, and an avalanche of Cheerios. I’ve shared your bed, waking multiple times a night to nurse, calm fears, or simply reassure my little one that I’m there.
I understand the dizzying highs and lows of your love. That love—oh my goodness, that love! Sometimes it feels like too much, doesn’t it? The worry that tags along, the frustration, and the exhaustion—all woven into the fabric of that immense love. It’s heavy, all-encompassing, awe-inspiring, and terrifying all at once. A mother’s love is a beautiful chaos; it’s a treasure trove filled with priceless gems but boy, is it not light! You can’t experience that love without feeling its weight. They are forever intertwined.
But these early years, dear Mama, are your strength training. The resilience you build now will enable you to carry that love through terrains you haven’t even imagined yet. It’s big and burdensome, but trust me—you will hoist it over mountains and navigate stormy seas with it tethered to your heart. It will lead you to breathtaking, magical, and yes, even terrifying places. These moments are honing you, preparing you to bear this love through anything life throws your way.
I know it can be tough, sometimes overwhelmingly so. Yet, the beauty in it is indescribable. Motherhood is a rollercoaster of ups and downs, light and dark, joy and despair. And through it all, you are carrying that heavy, exquisite love—a vessel brimming with beauty, hope, and the occasional tremble. It won’t get lighter, but you’ll become stronger, I assure you.
Now, I won’t suggest you wish away these days, nor should you long for a different season. Instead, embrace the heaviness when it feels overwhelming—it’s love conditioning you to carry it. Yes, it’s hard, but your strength is far greater than you realize. Motherhood will reveal that to you, eventually. Trust me, that struggle is a hidden blessing.
And let’s not forget about joy—thank goodness for that! Joy is your secret weapon in parenting. Seize each joyful moment with both hands and hold onto it until it seeps deep into your being. You won’t find joy in every single moment, but focus on the ones you do. These joyful instances are like gears and levers that make carrying that love a tad bit easier.
And please, Mama, find your tribe. Connect with fellow mothers who also know the weight of this love. Share your experiences—the good, the beautiful, and the challenging. It’s perfectly fine to recognize both the beauty and the difficulty. Motherhood isn’t meant to be easy, but we can support each other by sharing stories of our joy and strength. On those days when your love feels like it’s rolling downhill, you can lend your strength to another mom who is struggling to push hers uphill. We need each other, Mama—every single one of us.
I have so many emotions when I think back to my early days as a mother. Those little beings are pure magic, their futures limitless, and my love for them is a blend of wonder and worry. I remember feeling the weight of that love, sometimes too much to bear. Even after years of practice, I still feel that weight occasionally. But that love and I have faced many challenges together. It has made me stronger—and it continues to do so every day.
And it will make you stronger too. I promise.
Keep going, Mama. You’re doing amazing!