That word holds so many amazing and overwhelming emotions for me. How about for you?

Mind if we talk about it? I know that word embodies both euphoric and devastating life experiences, and I don’t bring it up without considering those who’s story around parenting has been both.

To those of you who ache to have a child, my heart hurts with you.

To those of you who have lost a child(ren), or can’t be with the child(ren) you so deeply love, I’m grieving with you.

To those of you who are so overwhelmed with raising your kids that you’re not sure how you’ll make it, you’re stronger than you know. I’m sorry it’s so hard. I know what it feels like to not know how you’re going to get through the day...

To those of you in the midst of a pregnancy that’s difficult or unplanned, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. Reach out to me if you’d like.

To those of you that absolutely love your role as parent and are all about it, yay! That’s amazing to me. I’m always open to learning more mom hacks. 🤩

Perhaps you’re a parent who wishes they did it differently. Acknowledgement and ownership go a long way, and restoration is sometimes possible. I’ve seen it happen. 

Then there’s those of us who wish we were parented differently. I’m so sad and angry for all the abuse and neglect that has been a part of your life. It was NEVER okay that you were mistreated and emotionally abandoned. I’m so glad I can say, there’s hope you can recover. ️ I’m living proof!

I’m here for all of you even if I didn’t mention your particular scenario, I definitely still care. I want to hear your story. I’m ready to listen and offer support. Let me know what you need!

If you don’t mind, I’m just going to take a few moments to share about my journey into motherhood. Actually, that would be a longer story. So let me just share what I’ve got to say without going into the whole journey part…

I’m grateful to be a mom, and I love being one. But it’s also hard work. It’s choosing to be intentional, over and over again. That right there might just sum up my life. ️:) Sometimes I think what’s so hard about it is that I am always responsible for my kids. I can’t get away from it. It’s nice to have a few moments, hours, or even days‼️ when someone else takes responsibility for them, but ultimately I know I still could be called on and needed in the midst of an emergency or crisis.

It’s hard to be needed so much. To feel like I have hardly any energy and I still have to give. To just want to sit down or have a moment of silence when someone calls “Mama!” Those frequent times when fighting starts up between the kids, or someone is hungry again, and the house that felt like it was JUST clean is now messy!  Oh yes, those moments are hard.

But then there are the sweetest moments on the planet. The ones when a little set of arms comes up out of nowhere and gives me a hug. The I love you’s and “You’re the best Mommy,” as my 4 year old likes to say. 🥰 The tears they cry as I’m leaving the house, and the cheering they give when I wake up in the morning. That amazes me. To be desired and loved by my kids isn’t something I take for granted. There are many times I reflect on how grateful I am for the kids I’ve been given. ️

When I think back over today I remember some very challenging moments... things I’m proud of and things that I wish I did differently. I also remember the beauty. Snuggling and laughing, playing tag in the yard, enjoying the moments. ️

Parenthood. It’s full of highs and lows. Ups and downs. Beauty and pain. The dynamics of life.

If you want to talk more about anything I’ve mentioned in this post we definitely can. Feel welcome to comment below or send a private message to corinne@changeradically.com. For much more content and lots of positivity, follow me on Instagram or Facebook by clicking on either link.

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