The Ten Paradoxes Of Motherhood

They say nothing worth having is easy, and children are definitely worth having. I was blessed with a mother who never complained, so I grew up with the naive idea that motherhood was all roses and butterflies. I have since learned that, while it is more amazing and soul-filling than I could have imagined, it is also filled with extremely difficult moments.

Women are constantly confronted by the world with a long list of things that will count you more successful than being ‘just a mom’. Career, money, fame, artistic pursuits and education are all more highly praised in our society. And though I see the value of all that, and pursue many different streams of success in my personal life, there is absolutely nothing I would trade for what I have created.

Although motherhood is my choice, it still has never been an easy road. These are ten personal paradoxes I have faced in motherhood.

The 10 Paradoxes Of Motherhood

1. Motherhood is a complete sacrifice of alone time, but it can be so lonely.
2. Motherhood  feels like an eternity of diapers, but it goes so fast you’ll be afraid to blink.
3. Motherhood is perfectly beautiful, but it is oh so messy.
4. Motherhood is hilarious, but can be heartbreaking.
5. Motherhood will exhaust you in ways you never imagined, but it will motivate you to work harder than you ever have.
6. Motherhood is so fulfilling, but not defining.
7. Motherhood is humbling, yet it will fill you with pride.
8. Motherhood is the most natural and instinctive job, but it is the hardest and most confusing one as well.
9. Motherhood will challenge you and break you, but it will strengthen you and lift you.
10. Motherhood is rewarding, but so often thankless.

While some women choose not to be mothers because of how much personal sacrifice it requires, there is no path in life that I would choose, at the expense of being a mother. I never understood what unconditional love really felt like till I became a mother. Now that I know I am indescribably grateful that I naively jumped, head first, into this life changing role called ‘motherhood’.

Did any of these paradoxes resonate with you as a mother? What is your favorite aspect of being a mom, and what makes it difficult?

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My Coat: BB Dakota | Boots: Kamik | Zoey’s Coat: The Children’s Place | Hat: Zutano | Boots: Nine West | Zanders Snowsuit: The Children’s Place