Unity in motherhood.

When I was pregnant with my first child I was so excited about joining the sodality of motherhood. I longed for a community of people that were so different, yet bonded together through this life-changing experience. I had these pure intentions of learning from others, and sharing my experience with moms who were facing similar challenges. Although I knew there were judgemental mothers out there, I would be open-minded, kind, and encouraging to others. Because I was like them.

And then I became a mom. A stay at home mom.

I understood first-hand how challenging those days are when you’re at home full-time. The relentlessness of serving other people. The lack of personal time, personal space, or personal freedom. The constant need to think 10 steps ahead to ensure everyone was fed, safe, and happy. I longed for the days when I could pee without someone opening the bathroom door, drink a coffee to the bottom while it was warm, and the ability to be alone with my thoughts. I resented those that were able to be at work.

And then I went back to the corporate world, and became a working mom.

I understood first-hand how challenging those days are when you’re working full-time. The relentlessness of serving others that you aren’t that invested in. The reality that home tasks continue to pile up while you’re at work.

The desperation of missing your children. The guilt about not being with them. The “work-life balance” that doesn’t exist. I longed for the days when I could spend time with my family without being distracted by work. I resented those that were at home with their children.

Motherhood is the hardest job in the world. And yet instead of giving moms grace as they navigate this increasingly complex world, we judge them for making decisions that are different than ours. Motherhood should be a place for unity. Yes, there are variations in the way we spend our days. But we are similar in many more ways than we are different:

The feeling of never being good enough. Never being able to do enough. Never getting enough rest. Never turning-off your mind.

Always worrying. Always loving. Always feeling guilty.

We’re all navigating, balancing, and trying to do our best. Let's instead build eachother up in motherhood- in all the forms of work that we choose to do.

- Leigh