I have had a few realizations about motherhood after having kids of my own:
1. Motherhood and Careers require different personas:
While one needs you to be nurturing, caring, compassionate and generous to a fault, the other requires ruthless focus and determination bordering on perfectionism; which is why some women make great mothers and some great career women.
Having a child or a career or both is an extremely personal decision and can only be made by the person in question (not even the husband's help /interference/ help required. Husbands have an equally important role in supporting the decision made) :)
2. Never ask a mother why she "gave up" her career:
She did not, she gave birth to another.
Bringing up a child takes up all of one's energy, time, patience and then some more
3. Don't write off mothers:
"I'm a home-maker" will, most of the time, get you labeled "not of use", as in cannot work, cannot contribute to society,cannot bring in household income etc. etc.
She is busy shaping the next generation so never underestimate her power or position
Do we really need a day to let mothers know they are special?
I don't agree. It will be the day realization dawns about how important her work is. It will be when corporate policy will no longer view maternity leave and benefits as a "necessary evil" but work towards integrating the potential of millions of wonderfully talented mom-workers in a mutually beneficial fashion. It will be when our society matures and becomes sensitive to the fact that a mother shapes our world, one child at a time. When the family acknowledges the many sacrifices made on a personal level to give birth and bring up the next generation.
Becoming a mother takes a lot of growing up, an irreversible occurrence where you are responsible for another life (perhaps forever), when the definition of FUN will change, again forever. You may never fit into your clothes, ambitions or lifestyle again and surprisingly you may not regret this choice! There is the same vivacious, fun-loving person somewhere inside, she's just inundated with the nitty gritty of becoming a parent. That takes a lot of courage and compassion and deserves respect.
When YOU realize that a mother may not be perfect but she is perfect, that is when YOU will truly celebrate a Mother's Day.
Keep shining moms!
Keep shining moms!
