Motherhood: What It Means To You

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The true meaning of motherhood and what the definition of a good mother is will vary with every individual. There is no one definition that fits all. With Mothers Day nearly upon us, whether you are experiencing your first Mothers Day or your 50th, your a mother to a furry or feathered friend or that of a human, exploring what the true meaning of motherhood is a way of celebrating that special bond.

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Motherhood Definition

According to Webster dictionary, motherhood’s definition when used as a noun, is “the state of being a mother”. It’s also described as a “female parent”, “a woman in authority” specifically when used in a religious setting, as in Mother Teresa. It can also be used as a noun in a descriptive or “source of origin” setting such as “necessity is the mother of all inventions”.

When researched further, “the state of being a mother”, Wikipedia’s description is as follows:

A mother is the female parent of a child. Mothers are women who inhabit or perform the role of bearing some relation to their children, who may or may not be their biological offspring. … Such conditions provide a way of delineating the concept of motherhood, or the state of being a mother

– Wikipedia

To “mother” is to take on the responsibilities of another being as one’s own. To be blessed with someone so special that they inspire you to become a better person. No matter if you gave birth biologically or not, to be a “mother” means that you put before yourself the needs of another. The true meaning of motherhood is so much more than just the act of giving birth.

What Motherhood Means To Me

To become a mother is one of the most powerful experiences life has to offer. This incredible journey, for me, has been about giving it everything I’ve got & receiving all the goodness that results from those efforts. It’s a thankless job that is rewarded with joyful moments, and the creation of a sacred bond that has given meaning & purpose to my life. I read somewhere that being a mother is a juggle that doesn’t get any easier, you just become more practiced at it. True that!

I remember bringing my daughter, whom we affectionately refer to as Breezy (she is a breath of fresh air), home for the first time and thinking, well my life is no longer my own. From that moment on, my every waking thought, choice, and consideration was centered around that one little being. And happily so.

I also did not fall “immediately in love” as some mothers claim. I found that, yes, I loved my daughter, but over time that love grew stronger. A special bond developed and an unbreakable connection wove through my heart to hers, creating within me a deeper meaning to my life.

As Breezy grew, the joy she brought with her was boundless. Her laughter was mine, her tears were mine. Her successes mine as well as her hurts. How could it not? Take a look at that precious face 🙂 She truly is my greatest accomplishment.

Not Always Easy

Let’s face it, motherhood is the most difficult job you will ever have in life. By far. Being a mother is not all roses. The physical act alone of giving birth is a difficult one. There are a lot of losses involved in becoming a mother. Loss of what you thought your body was (it will forever be changed), loss of yourself (you are no longer caring for numero uno), and loss of your life as you once thought it to be.

Becoming a new mom is filled with uncertainty and self-doubt. Being a mom does not come with a manual 🙂 . It’s exhausting and filled with sleepless nights (those never end, they just change). It’s filled with wondering if you are doing the right thing. Of regrets of handling certain situations in a manner that you wish you’d handled differently.

In spite of it all, rising to meet the challenges of this complex relationship is one that can never be replaced or repeated. It is full of joy, unexpected rewards, and most importantly….love.

From Other Mothers

I reached out to a few of my friends and inquired what it means to them to be a mother. Here are their responses.

Leigh Ann, aka Nan, over at Nans Daily Dose Of Life responded:

Being a mother means loving someone unconditionally with an innate desire to provide and protect that person every day of your life.

Leigh Ann Newman

Kristine Davenport, aka Kris, a wonderful friend since childhood, responded:

It’s my chance to nurture the next generation; to show a healthy love and to lead by example so they’ll never settle for less than they deserve.

Kristine Davenport

Lisa, over at Crooked Beak Acres gives a different point of view of what it means to be a mother and a nurturer:

I don’t have children, but I do have the 4-legged friends. Several of them to be honest. It gives me a sense of being. A comfort when I come home and know the licks and kisses will be there. My furry animals make me happy. At times a bit frustrating, getting under my feet sometimes….but I’m happy they are there. I feel fulfilled with them around me.

Lori from Circle Square Oval says the following on what it means to be a mother:

It’s the first way I define myself. I can’t imagine my life without my kids (or dog). At the same time, I feel it’s my personal choice and would never judge anyone else for making a different choice.

– Lori Roach

No matter what you are a mother to, human, furry, feathered or otherwise, it’s definition(s) are endless. It remains perhaps the most powerful nurturing experience any living being can have…unconditional love.

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Love, Light, & Laughter