It’s funny how certain memories can linger, and yet I can’t quite recall what made me so anxious back then. It was merely a chapter in my eighth-grade science book, but it became the most daunting topic I ever encountered: plate tectonics.
Now, I wasn’t afraid of the natural processes themselves—those enormous plates shifting beneath the Earth’s crust, capable of triggering eruptions and reshaping landscapes at any moment. I accepted that uncontrollable nature. Instead, it was the thought of these shifts that unsettled me. Even as a teenager, I recognized that these geological movements were a metaphor for the upheavals in my own life—changes that would echo in every seismic event I faced thereafter.
Life’s Shifts
What do those life shifts resemble? They’re often glaringly evident. Graduations, college, career changes, marriage, moving houses, and welcoming children—each represents a monumental quake in the journey of existence.
When my son Leo was about to arrive, I was consumed with thoughts about transitioning from one child to two. My daughter Ellie had been the star of our home for four years, and the idea of juggling a diaper bag again felt overwhelming. I feared that Leo would forever be overshadowed by Ellie’s chatter, but I never anticipated that they would both talk over one another, with the TV blaring in the background and my husband trying to capture my attention too. In our home, there’s never a lack of conversation!
I somehow navigated the transition from one to two kids and adjusted to the new normal. I’ve also adapted through other transitions: moving into our house, renovating the kitchen, job changes, and health challenges. The landscape of my life is continually reshaping itself, and I’ve clung to the illusion of control—packing lunches the night before, updating calendars, and paying bills on time.
Appreciating the Journey
While those monumental tectonic shifts are impossible to ignore, subtle movements are constantly at play beneath the surface. I tend to reflect and appreciate what I have after surviving a significant upheaval. But if I’m in a constant state of flux, am I taking the time to appreciate the beauty unfolding around me? When the landscape shifts continuously, when do I pause to savor the view?
Recently, I sense another shift stirring beneath me, a tremor that feels different from past changes. It’s not just about my children, though they are evolving too. Ellie is about to embark on her middle school journey, while Leo has mastered his early elementary years. My professional life is progressing; I’m not coasting, yet I’m no longer in that intense prove-myself mode I once thrived in. I’ve tackled the hardest parts of balancing work and young children, but still, I feel a sense of unease.
For over 11 years, I’ve been a full-time working mother, and society’s expectations can be overwhelming. It often feels as if I’m on a tightrope, trying to please everyone while juggling the idea that I can’t have it all. So I’ve worked diligently to raise wonderful children who, despite their occasional meltdowns, are generally a joy. I’ve climbed the corporate ladder, achieving more than I ever thought possible. I strive to keep our home a warm and welcoming place and nurture my marriage. And yet, I still feel like it’s not enough.
I have amassed a lot of “all,” but I’m not savoring it as I should be. I’ve reached some peaks, those moments of success formed by the collisions of choices I made and those I didn’t. Yet, often, even at those high points, the stunning views I anticipated are veiled by clouds. All I see is the labor and struggle.
Finding Joy in the Journey
But I know there’s still time. I recognize that more peaks lie ahead—whether through my children, my career, or even parts of myself yet to be discovered. Realizing this now allows me to seek more joy along those newly formed paths. I can hope for those glorious peak moments while also reminding myself to lift my gaze from the ground and appreciate the scenery around me. Life, and especially motherhood, shouldn’t just be about waiting for the next high point; the valleys are just as beautiful. A mother understands that it isn’t enough to reflect only after a significant shake-up; there’s so much beauty to be found, even in the hard work of adjusting to change.
We can’t control the ever-shifting geology of life. The currents move swiftly, and the sands erode. This new shift I feel is my cue to slow down, to not be afraid, and to find someone to lean on. Occasionally, I need a reminder to pause and take in the new vistas along my journey. If you’re interested in exploring more about home insemination, check out this excellent resource. For those seeking to enhance their family planning options, visit this link for more information.
Summary
This reflective piece likens the shifts and changes in motherhood to geological plate tectonics, highlighting the emotional upheaval and adaptation that accompany life’s transitions. The author explores their feelings of unease despite achieving many milestones and emphasizes the importance of appreciating both the peaks and valleys of life. They remind readers to embrace the beauty of change and take the time to enjoy the journey, rather than solely focusing on the end goals.