Today is all about you, my dear, and as you celebrate another year of life, I can’t help but marvel at how fast you’re growing. There are so many layers to our mother-daughter bond that you won’t truly grasp until you have your own children one day.
Just this evening, I experienced a moment that brought that feeling home. I meticulously planned your birthday celebration for a whole week. I gathered all the ingredients to whip up your favorite meal and noted every color of icing you wished for your cupcakes. We dreamt about baking your birthday cake together and indulging in pineapple pizza until we couldn’t eat anymore.
Like many moms juggling multiple roles, I wear the hat of a professional. My career is a passion of mine, and just as I organized your birthday festivities, I also carefully map out my workdays. I dedicate myself to my job with the same fervor I have for my family. I run errands during my lunch breaks, eagerly anticipating the moment I get to see your bright smile after a long day at work.
I take pride in balancing my professional life with motherhood. It’s important to me that you grow up in a world where women are respected equally to men in the workplace. I want you to embrace your identity beyond just being a “mom.” If you choose to have a family, I hope you also pursue your dreams, and when someone asks about your career, I wish for their first question to be about your achievements rather than how you juggle everything.
However, I want you to understand that it’s perfectly fine to have moments like I did tonight. Although I had everything planned, I didn’t make it home in time to execute those plans. Instead of cooking dinner, we ordered pizza, and the cupcakes were adorned with store-bought icing in a single color.
Though I know you likely didn’t notice those minor setbacks—your birthday is about so much more—I felt a wave of guilt wash over me. Guilt for being a mom who also chases her dreams. It brought me to tears after you were tucked into bed. I felt like I had succeeded in my career but somehow fell short as a mom on your special day.
I can’t pinpoint the reason for that guilt. Perhaps it’s the lingering societal expectations that weigh heavily on mothers, or maybe it’s because I brought you into this world on this day. Whatever the reason, I want you to know you’re not alone if you face similar feelings in the future. Don’t let those moments of doubt deter you.
As you grow, you’ll encounter emotions and challenges that will tug at your heart. You might sometimes feel divided between motherhood and your other passions. But remember, that very feeling of questioning whether you’re doing enough is a sign that you truly care. It’s a testament to your love and commitment.
You can absolutely excel as a mother while pursuing your passions. You don’t need to choose one over the other. It’s going to be tough at times, and I hope it challenges you—it’s in those challenging moments that you’ll discover your strength and capabilities.
There will be days when you doubt if you’re on the right path, wondering if it’s acceptable to pursue your interests while being a mom. I’ve wrestled with that thought, but I assure you, your kids will benefit from having a strong role model in their lives. Being a great mom is vital, but showing them a determined, successful woman is equally important.
Ultimately, I hope that when your child approaches you with their own passion and struggles, you can encourage them to forge ahead, just as you did—because you never let a few hiccups take away from being an incredible mom and pursuing your dreams.
For more insights into parenting and balancing life, check out this blog post. And if you’re considering at-home insemination options, I recommend visiting Make a Mom, a trusted source for at-home insemination kits. Additionally, WomensHealth.gov offers fantastic resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, motherhood is a beautiful journey filled with challenges and triumphs. Embrace both your roles as a nurturing mother and a passionate individual, and remember that you are never alone in your struggles.
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