Life has a funny way of what we assume to be true, especially those we declare with an ‘I will never’ or ‘It could never be me’ attitude. As fate would have it, I found myself in a situation that mirrored my past judgments, teaching me a valuable lesson in empathy and understanding.
In the midst of planning my baby boy’s first birthday last year, the realization hit me like a ton of bricks – we knew too many people for our original cozy living room celebration. The guest list became longer than expected, and the venue had to change. I’ll admit, I hesitated for a few reasons: the added cost, the illusion of a grander party, and the fact that I’d previously mocked elaborate first birthday celebrations. Yes, I am one of those people LOL!
And there I was, celebrating my son’s first birthday with a gathering of about 50 people. Irony, right?
Becoming a mother opened my eyes to the profound and transformative journey of parenthood, particularly in the crucial first year. The sleepless nights, the changes in your body, the mood swings, the increase in expenses and the list goes on. The experiences during that initial period makes reaching the one-year milestone feel like a significant achievement and it is! Bringing a child in this world is a great blessing. When I became a mother, my perspective on life transformed completely. My priorities shifted, focusing no longer on myself but on my son, who is now my top priority. God has entrusted me with the responsibility to care for him and provide him with the best I can offer. Raising a child demands immense sacrifice, care, love, time, wisdom, and patience, and I am wholeheartedly committed to it. In my opinion, these are enough reasons to celebrate!
So, in the aftermath of the birthday chaos, I had a revelation. The stress of managing vendors, ensuring everything ran smoothly, and the need for more hands became apparent. While I was fortunate to have three lovely sisters and a few supportive friends, the task still felt overwhelming at times. But amid the chaos, the Lord gently reminded me to focus on the blessings, especially the joy on my baby boy’s face during the celebration and witnessing his growth throughout the first year.
Lesson Learned: Never Judge until You've walked in Their Shoes
The experience of my son’s first birthday made me realize the importance of refraining from judgment. There are certain things you will never know until you become it. A good example is being a parent. Parenthood is a unique journey, and each family navigates it differently. What may seem extravagant or unnecessary to an outsider might hold immense significance to someone else. I learned never to underestimate the challenges and joys others may face until I’ve walked in their shoes and experienced exactly what they have experienced. Right now I’m not even talking about the journey of parenthood it could be any life event. Everyone is different and handles life changes/challenges differently. Our differences is what makes us so unique, so we should be able to accept and embrace one another.
Advice for Mothers and Their Support System
To fellow mothers and their support systems, my advice is simple: Communicate openly and seek help when needed. It’s okay to acknowledge that you can’t do it all alone. Parenthood is a team effort, and there’s strength in asking for support. To family and close friends, be attentive and offer your assistance willingly. Whether it’s a small gesture like help cleaning up after a birthday party or significant help, your support can make a world of a difference to a new mom navigating the beautiful yet challenging journey of parenthood. After all, it takes a village to raise a child. So, never hesitate to offer a helping hand. Help from a genuine person is always useful.
Great!!!
Thank you sis!
God bless you for sharing this great piece with us!
Thanks Stephanie!