The Unexpected Benefits of Motherhood: How It Changes You For the Better

​"I always wanted to be a mother, but with my medical issues, I never thought that would be possible. But, life has a funny way of working out and here I am a mother of five beautiful children. And, you know what? I couldn't be happier. It's been a tough road at times, but it's also been the most rewarding experience of my life." - Kayla

Here are some of the unexpected benefits of motherhood that have changed me for the better:

1. I've learned to be more patient.

This is probably the most important lesson that I've learned as a mother. Kids don't always do what you want them to do, and they move at their own pace. As a result, I've had to learn to be more patient. And, you know what? This has actually benefitted me in other areas of my life as well. I'm now more patient with my husband, friends, and co-workers.

2. I've become more organized.

Having kids means having to be organized. There's no other way around it. From keeping track of doctor's appointments and school activities to making sure there's always food in the house. Being a mother requires organization skills too. And guess what? These newfound organization skills have been a huge help to me as well!

3. I've learned to appreciate the small things in life.

Before I became a mother, I took a lot of things for granted. But now that I have kids, I realize how precious life is and how quickly it can change. As a result, I've learned to appreciate the small things in life like a quiet moment to myself or a spontaneous hug from my kids.

4. I've learned that there is more than one right way to do things.

Throughout my parenting journey, I've been given more advice than I ever did beforehand. However, that advice seems to always be different and often... the exact opposite of advice I received from someone else. For example:

"It's best to breastfeed" or "if bottle-feeding is what is comfortable for you, there is nothing wrong with that."

"Co-sleeping creates a better bond with your children" or "you should not co-sleep because it can cause independence issues for your little one."

"You should work hard to help support your family" or "having a full-time job away from your children can keep you from experiencing their milestones."

Everyone had something different to say about the same areas of parenting. I quickly realized that there isn't one right way to do these things. We should all do what is best for us, our children and our situation.

Motherhood is one of the most rewarding, yet challenging, roles a woman can take on. It's a 24/7 job that comes with a lot of ups and downs. But even on the toughest days, I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

Sure, there are days when I'm exhausted and feel like I'm not doing anything right. However, those are usually followed by days (or even moments) when I'm reminded of why this role is so important and why I'm so lucky to have been given the privilege of being a mom.

Whether it's watching my kids learn and grow, or simply hearing them laugh, being a mom brings me more joy than I ever could have imagined. It's also given me a new sense of purpose and strengthened my relationships with the people I love most.

If you're thinking about becoming a mom, or are already on this amazing journey, I hope you can relate to some (or all!) of the things I've listed above. These are just a few of the many ways that motherhood has changed me for the better.

🧡Shine Bright, Kayla