I walked in her front door and it was as if she was waiting for me to arrive. My daughter had been in the beginning stages of labor all day, and I live 250 miles away. She was due to be induced the next day, but I guess baby Kayson had already decided to come into this world on his own terms. I looked at my daughter with new vision. She is no longer a little girl but now a woman giving birth for the second time. I sat down with her on the sofa and as we talked, I started timing her contractions. Her hard labor began and within the hour we checked into the hospital. She gave birth to my second grandson three-and-a-half hours later.
There is nothing that leaves me more in awe than seeing the birth of my grandchildren. Every time a child is born into the world, it is nothing short of a miracle. And, as Moms, don’t we wish each of our children came with their own instruction booklet attached to the ankle? Every child is as unique as every hue of color and no two, like snowflakes, are exactly alike.
When you bring your bundle of joy home from the hospital, you begin the journey of a lifetime. Raising children is truly a labor of love. It is laced with moments of joy, amidst painstaking and often times physically taxing and emotionally draining days. It’s no small task to be a “Mom” today, and we wear many hats—we are chefs, nurses, counselors, teachers, chauffeurs, coaches, home managers, etc.—whether we are partnered or single, stay-at-home, or career-track women. The job requirements can sometimes be overwhelming and exhausting, that’s for sure!
Childhoods are full of bumps and bruises, and as life happens we moms help our kids get back on their feet as they fall, but we feel every hurt along with them. Our toddlers and teens will test us, and we can lay down loving but firm boundaries, providing a container and nest so our children feel safe. With tender loving care of ourselves, we follow our own innate motherly instincts, using tools of conscious parenting. Slowly becoming more and more empowered, knowing that you can make the decisions about “what’s best” for your family every step of the way.
Every day with your children presents new wonder and possibility. As we move through each day, staying present, I can tell you that from where I sit, looking back as I do now, it is a remarkable journey. Raising your children will be full of triumph—and sometimes some trials too—and it will build your character beyond anything else in your lifetime.
Your children are your legacy to the world. As you raise them with love, you contribute to making this world a better place. I celebrate you as you as you embark on your journey of Motherhood each day, and I hope that when you lay your head down at night, sometimes with a deep sigh of relief, you treasure each and every moment with gratitude. It’s all unimaginably precious.
Kristine Carlson captivated readers worldwide with her first three bestsellers Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff in Love, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Women and An Hour to Live, An Hour to Love: The True Story of the Best Gift Ever Given of her life with her late husband, Dr. Richard Carlson. In the first new book in the Don’t Sweat series since Richard’s passing, Kristine shares her wisdom with moms, offering tried-and-true advice that will empower them to find greater peace, joy, and harmony within themselves and their homes. Check out the new book, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms.
For more on Kristine, please visit her website dontsweatmoms.com, or on Facebook or Twitter.
