Mother’s Day 2009

I am sitting in the same chair I sat in one year ago when I wrote my very first “blog”.   I am amazed at what I have learned in the course of the year.  I have learned about courage and kindness from the women I have featured.  Talking to others has caused me to examine my own strengths and weakness too.   I am thankful for my readers who keep me going through their kind words.  I hope I can put together another year of interesting articles!

This has been an emotional (both happy and sad) week for several reasons:  I started a new birth control pill, which has made me slightly crazy.  Space Studio, where I have taught spin class for 2 years is closing (last classes were today). My first grade son performed in a class play at school.  And, most importantly, today is Mother’s Day.

I am anxious to hear how all of you spent your day- I imagine it will be a topic of conversation for the next few days as we all run into one another at school drop-off etc.  For me, today wasn’t much different from most the days of my year.  But, I say that in a positive way because I really enjoy most the days of the year!  If you all are reading and rolling your eyes at me- just give me a minute to explain:

I was recently sitting on the couch eating bon-bons and watching Oprah- just kidding, but I do Tivo Oprah and I was especially interested to see an episode that focused on things that mom’s never tell one another- sort of like the unspoken code.  With great anticipation, I hopped into to bed that night and tuned into the show (my husband was pretty bummed because he wanted to watch basketball or something).  Anyway, I hear all of these moms presenting motherhood in a way that sort of turned me off.  It was funny, but at the same time sad to hear what they were saying.  One mom talked about being “tethered” to another being for the rest of her life.  Another mom shared how she lived just to make it through the day.  It’s not that we all don’t have bad days; but, I believe that your experience as a parent can be fun or miserable depending on YOUR attitude.

When I had my second son, my darling sister, mother of 3 sons, and one daughter gave me a perspective on parenting that has changed the way I parent.  When her boys were waking up in the middle of the night as babies…instead of complaining about it, she found joy in the quiet one on one time she got with them.   As she laid down with them each night to sing them to sleep, instead of viewing it as a chore, she kept in mind that the days of cuddling them her arms would quickly be gone.  In essence, she reminded to find pleasure in almost every aspect of parenting.

It’s not always an easy task, but I have to say, when I adjusted my attitude, my job as a mom got ten times easier.  Now, when I pack a lunch each day- I take pleasure in knowing that I am providing a healthy meal.  At bedtime, I enjoy laying with the kids and talking about the day hoping that this might continue as they grow older.  In the morning, we start with cuddling and some great tunes.  Just like my previous blog said- I am far from perfect and sometimes my attitude just sucks.   But embracing motherhood with a positive attitude really lets your children know how valuable they are vs. having them feel like the are a dreaded chore to you.

This morning was pretty much like any other day- but I love that.  I don’t need a bunch of flowers and a fattening breakfast to know I am loved and appreciated.  The homemade cards and gifts from school were such a nice treat.  My husband took the boys for an hour so I could sit here and type up my message- that is another great gift.  But, I hear everyone downstairs laughing and playing and I think I will go join them!  Happy Mother’s Day.  Each and everyone of you is special and amazing.  Enjoy your family.

T