Fit in the City - Leigh Ann Root
10 Healthy Lessons the 1st Year of Motherhood has Taught me
My son had his first birthday. For me it was officially "My 1 year Mommy Anniversary". What a year it has been, boy has he taught me some important life lessons. Whether or not you have children, I'm sure you can relate or appreciate what I have learned.
1. I need to be the best role model possible. I know people say this all the time but it's true, parenthood is the most important job a person will ever have. My son is watching all the time. He's a sponge. He's soaking up every action and every word. I'm directly responsible for his positive development. I need to be "on my game" at all times! I'm trying to be the best me I can be. Lesson: Live your life like someone is watching and learning from you.
2. My physical health is extremely important. I need to be healthy to keep up with him. I need stamina. I need to be able to play with him at any time or any place! This is definitely a benefit of motherhood, to be a kid all over again! I've learned it's possible to get your "old" body back after having a baby. It's a choice. It's a decision. Everybody has what it takes to be their personal best. It's all inside. By respecting my body and treating it right, my son will learn from my example. Body maintenance is solely up to the individual. How a personal feels about their body directly effects those people who are looking up to them. It effects how they'll, in turn, treat and look at their own bodies. Just looking at his beautiful baby body, reminds me of how pure and unpolluted we all start out. I want to give him the best foundation possible. Lesson: Always remember how your actions effect those you care about.
3. Patience is necessary. I've had to slow down and relax about a lot of things. Staying calm and cool is important. My son certainly senses if things start to get out of control. I stopped rushing around so much. Becoming more patient helps me focus and deal with difficult situations better. Along with patience comes understanding and acceptance of others and issues. Lesson: Becoming patient is a process, you must be patient with yourself along the way. Extending patience to others regularly helps.
4. It's okay to rely on others. You never know whose out there for you until you need it. Yes, family and friends, of course . Unexpected people have surprised me, as well. Sometimes you can't do it all and you must call out for help. This is not a sign of weakness, only a sign of being human. It takes a strong person to ask for assistance. People are extremely compassionate and happy to help out babies and mommies. Lesson: The human spirit is alive and well everywhere, if you look!
5. I don't need to be perfect. Everything doesn't always need to be perfect, neat or clean. I've learned to let go. Striving to be perfect is not realistic, especially as a Mom. Besides, perfection is overrated and not a whole lot of fun. While many people are busy trying to live perfect lives, their lives are passing them by. I choose to be the best I can be while still playing an active and realistic role in my life. Lesson: Don't be afraid to live an imperfect life!
6. I can't have enough mommy friends! What a great source of knowledge and support. Meeting new people through playgroups has been a wonderful perk of motherhood. It's healthy to be in the company of people who are going through same things as you are. Lesson: Making new friends, who have common interests, makes life easier and more fulfilling. Finding environments that are healthy for where you are in your life is smart.
7. Time for myself is mandatory. It's unrealistic that I should be a Mom 24-7 and not have any time for myself. Throwing out my entire "old life" for motherhood, makes for an unbalanced and unhealthy me. It's crucial for people to make time for things they enjoy, outside of parenthood. Someday, as sad as it sounds, my son won't want me around all the time. Then what do I do if I have completely lost myself in him? I need to be content with who I am to be a happy and complete Mom. When people say they have no time for themselves, I think no way! Time is there for you to take or make. Just think about the time people waste on unnecessary stuff. You may have to be super creative about it and prioritize. It's always possible to make time for yourself if you truly want to. Lesson: Never forget who you are, outside of what you are to others.
8. Time does go by too fast. Practically everyone I meet talks about how fast time goes by as you watch your child grow. It's amazingly true. I've learned to appreciate every moment good or bad. I will never wish time away again, it is truly precious. I make the most of my time now. I enjoy things more. I'm a better time manager. In fact, my little man is napping while I am writing this to all of you! Lesson: Live in the moments of your life and make the most of the time you're given!
9. It's healthy to play and be silly. Some of my dearest memories of the last year involve my husband and I hamming it up and playing with our son. It feel great to let go and roll around on the floor. I highly recommend it, even if you don't have children! Lesson: Have fun and don't take yourself too seriously.
10. I'm thankful. I appreciate my life everyday. There we're many days before we conceived our son that I thought I may never be a mother. I'm so thankful now and eat up every moment I have with him. Lesson: Remember what you have have not what you don't.
I knew I liked this particular topic as I was writing this week's column. I didn't realize how much until I read it to my husband over the phone for his feedback. He paused and said jokingly , "Wow you're deep, I can't get emotional here (at work). I need a moment!" He was picking on me, as he often does. We both laughed and hung up. I knew we we're making light of it but knew I had touched him with the truths I had written. The truths stood for fatherhood as much as for motherhood. I knew my husband was effected, in a good way, by the column. I hope you, too, are positively effected. It's why I do it. I hope my life can serve a bigger purpose to all of you. Remember we all have lessons to learn and important lives to live. Let your lessons make you a better person every day. Be amazing and inspire the people in your life with your healthy actions. Whether you're a parent or not, you can make positive impacts every day!
