Life before Jamila is hard to remember now. This is mostly because no matter how prepared you are for motherhood or parenthood, you are never totally prepared. How can you imagine something you have never experienced before to its fullest implications? There is no way even with the best imagination in the world. I do think it is worth the imagining and then you find out how much better and harder it really is than you imagined.
Motherhood is great, wonderful, amazing, full of surprises, frustration, love, dedication and million other things that might bore you to tears. I can say this, I do not miss working. I only miss the daily contact with friends and co-workers. The work itself I do not miss. I think one reason for this is I have been able to do so much of what I ever wanted in my life that there is no room for wishing I could have done something. I have traveled around the world, finished a degree, served my Faith, made numerous friends around the world, married and best of all I have continued to grow and apply what I have learned to make my life to continue to have more meaning. Having a child now is right and will be an amazing adventure. There are still many things I would like to accomplish but I don't feel stiffled or cut off from the possibility of reaching those goals later in life. A very good friend of mine always says that women can have it all just not all at the same time. It is strange that it seems to be that way for me. The things I would like to do I still have time for and if I don't finish them I know I have lived my life fully with love and dignity. All that really matters is the love of my family and friends anyways.
6 comments:
Its good to hear about your experience of motherhood.
It is so true Elin, i felt the same way when Roshan joined our family. An increndible sense of accomplishment. funny no? one day we claim to be mrs. independence and the other you jusr can't imagine life without this little one. amazing.
You sound so content and happy. I'm so glad. I felt the same way when I stopped working. Other soon-to-be mothers asked me if I missed work and the intellectual aspects. I didn't miss work at all! I have plenty of things to preoccupy me and my intellectual side. I do find that being a stay-at-home-mom is rather isolating in this U.S. society, but it's still such a blessing to be able to be with your children. Enjoy every minute of it!
Excuse me, but were you reading my mind? So much the same for me!
I agree with Soojin that motherhood involves a lot of intellectual work, and also talent, creativity and discipline. I think motherhood prepares woman for the most challenging tasks and allows her to develop a lot of patience. I also feel a sense of accomplishment having children and being able to be with them all the time, guiding, protecting, educating them. And at the same time I am full of plans and have much more to achieve, but as you said, not all at the same time. It is amazing and so natural at the same time :-)
Hi Elin,
I think I have learned out to make a comment on your blog. Jamila is simply adorable.
Love you,
Helen
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