How Motherhood Made Me a Risk Taker
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As I type out the title of this post, I'm giggling a bit. I used to think I was a huge risk taker - I mean I moved to new states, gambled on some decisions. What I've learned is that was more spontaneity rather than risk taking. It was more, "sure! What the hell, I'm down for anything!"
Taking risks is different - taking risks mean that you do something, knowing full well that you may lose or fail, but you do it anyway.
Something changes in you when you become a mother. I still can't quite put my finger on it, but I'm just not the same person I was before. I enjoy the same things, but I enjoy them more deeply. I value time spent rather than money spent. I feel less shame about silly things. I feel calmer, more at peace and at the same time worried sick and fraught with anxiety about the unknown.
One thing that I can grasp is how little I care about outside opinions anymore. Mommy guilt is a real thing, but I read a book not long ago that put this into perspective for me, too. The book essentially said that there are women in the world who would give anything to be able to provide a good life for their child. So if you're a working mom, or just a mom that needs a break from mommy-ing, just know that you are blessed to be able to do so! In addition, I truly believe that no matter the mom and no matter the situation, God made you your baby's mom because He knew you would be the best mom for your baby. No one else will ever love Finn and Reese like I do, and that's why I was blessed to have them be mine!
The biggest thing motherhood gave me was the freedom from other's opinions. This alone let me feel comfortable in my new role as mom, but in my role as wife, my role as friend, sister, daughter... you get the idea. It also allowed me to see more clearly the direction I wanted to take my life. Without the worry of what others thought, I've been able to make decisisons based on what I want and what is best for my family.
Motherhood has given me a confidence in myself that I never knew I had. This confidence has allowed me to start a business, meet new people and try new things simply because my focus is on what really matters in life.
Quitting my job was the biggest risk I've taken in my entire life. I left a "sure thing", a great income, healthcare, the respect of my colleagues to go out on my own. The motive behind this? To spend more time with my kids! Even on days when I question my move and wonder if entrepreneurship is really for me, I remember that I'll never regret spending this time with my kids.
I wonder if other moms feel the same way. Did motherhood change you? Did you become more "yourself" in the role?
