Mom Life 101

Not Perfect, Just Growing

Every stage of life gives us a glimpse of what’s ahead - we plan, prepare, and imagine how it might unfold. But there’s one chapter that no one can truly prepare us for: Motherhood. I used to think it was simple - feed, change, put them to sleep, and repeat. What’s the big deal, right? I thought I could handle that. But no - embracing motherhood has been both the most challenging and the most joyous part of my life.

You might think being a mother is all about taking care of your child and teaching them things. But in the end, it’s you who ends up being taught. Irony, isn’t it?

The Overflow Principle

Here’s something I’ve learned that goes beyond what we usually hear about motherhood - Parenting flows from the overflow within you. It comes from your heart, your physical and mental health, your career, and your choices - everything that makes you, you. So, the first and most important step to being even a decent mother is simple: take care of yourself. Because when your cup is full, everything else - including motherhood - flows with grace.


The Foundation of Home

The next most important thing is the relationship between husband and wife. I have immense respect for all the wonderful and resilient single moms out there who carry both roles with strength and grace. But when there are two parents, I truly believe an ideal, safe home isn’t built by perfect parents, but by parents who are willing to work on their marriage - who choose to grow, communicate, and keep showing up for each other despite the challenges. Because when love and respect flow between the parents, it creates an atmosphere of security where children can thrive.


Grace Over Guilt

And when I say all this, please don’t imagine me as a picture-perfect wife or mother. Oh, I mess up - so many times, on so many days. There are moments when I feel broken, when I see myself becoming someone I never wanted to be. But over time, I’ve realized - it’s not the guilt that defines us. What truly matters is picking up every guilty piece of yourself, holding them with grace, and still choosing to show up. That, right there, is the real deal breaker.


No one can be a perfect parent. No matter what we do, our children may still find something to dislike in us. They may even carry tiny scars from our own unhealed wounds. But perfection is not the goal. What truly matters is showing our kids that life and relationships won’t always be perfect - and that’s okay.

Because, in the end, it’s not about what happens to us, but how we choose to live. We can either live in blame and regret, or choose joy and responsibility. And that choice - that awareness is what truly shapes the next generation.

The Transformative Journey

I entered motherhood with zero knowledge of what awaited me. Today, 13 years later, I look back and feel proud - proud of how much I’ve worked on myself, how many realizations I’ve had, how many people I’ve learned to forgive, and how much I have healed.

It’s been a long, transformative journey.

I may be a mother to my kids, but the truth is - they taught me how to live. And I couldn’t be prouder of them. As some wise souls say, motherhood can sometimes feel like a calm walk in the park… or like a full-blown war in Jurassic Park! Either way, one thing remains constant - love wins it all. 

Motherhood is messy, imperfect, and transformative - and love always wins.

So here’s to messy days, small victories, and love that always wins.


No cape, No script, Just Love - still winning at this MOM thing.

Nancy Kavin

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