Beautiful, resonates deeply. I’m in a new stage of motherhood, empty nester. As I transition to this new phase I can’t help but think of the young women who are graduating college in the spring with my son. They are knock your socks off amazing. Full of zest, independence and ambition. I am in awe of the 22 year olds who I swear I just gave after school snacks to. I’m curious how this next generation will take on motherhood. The pendulum definitely swings. I have two sons whom I stayed home with. “Do you work?” Was always the question on the playground in my Boston suburb. I was surrounded by women who worked & had nanny’s. Many times I already knew little Johnny was a biter and highly allergic to peanuts because I spent every week day pushing him on the swings with the nanny. Surrender didn’t come easy for me. I’m smart too! I’m independent too! Is what I’d want to convey to them, the working moms, but there was a line in the sand. We were experiencing a very different way of mothering our babes. My stomach flipped inside out at the thought of someone else making those cozy morning oats for my kids. For me, cold winter mornings were meant for snuggles, games, snow clothes and soups that simmered all day . My boys are now 19 & 22, freshman and senior in college. They love being home , appreciate home cooked meals and recognize how lucky they are to have such a safe space. They both say they want to have wives who stay home with their children one day. So, back to the amazing young women working their tales off in nursing school, law school etc… will they think my sons are crazy to want a family with a sahm? I guess we’ll see, it’s their journey & the cycle continues.
Wow I needed to read this. Thank you so much for sharing 💘 I’ve been back in my own writing business part time for three weeks now after having my first daughter in October, & I am very much testing my stretching. Trying to be so intentional in energy leaks, where I spend my time, & how I let my creativity run. I see myself so much in your words. Very happy to be in your corner. Thanks for walking the line & writing about it so women like me can too!
Really needed to hear this right now. First pregnancy and an artist - worried how I will fewl pulled apart. Seasons for everything. Thank you for the reminder that Mothering and creativity are one🙏
Thank you for this. Put words to some tension I was having with someone else who thinks I should be spending my time differently. I’m not very outspoken so can easily avoid confrontation if someone doesn’t respect how I want to mother or spend my time. But the word trade off really stood out to me. The time I have with my son and husband right now is so precious and I don’t want to miss it. I don’t need to escape my family, I want to cherish every moment. Maybe that confronts them and rather than admit it they rather convince me that I need to participate in ladies night every week to “get filled up” so I can better serve my family. Thankfully I have discernment on knowing what fills me up and what doesn’t in each season, just working on the confidence to speak out on it when it feels uncomfortable in a conversation.
“My husband, while always encouraging my creative pursuits, has to remind me that I am in the very blessed position, to not need to do anything (as in, work wise). It has taken me many years to relax into this, given my history, and I’m still in the process. This is a whole other post (one of many!).” I FELT THIS IN MY CORE.
“What is most important to me is being the wife and mother I want to be.
It’s my kids growing into adults, and me looking back and knowing that I really did my best— I don’t want to live with any gnawing regret that I was too distracted, not disciplined enough to turn from the many temptations of the world when I KNOW where my most sincere fulfilment and highest duty lies. It’s giving my family a home that is a sanctuary, and not one where they are walking on egg shells around a woman who has too much on her plate.” AMEN!
“Just because we can, it doesn’t mean we should.” YES.
“You cannot separate a mother and creation. The two go together like butter and jam on warm sourdough, like God goes with us.” AIN’T THAT THE TRUTH!
Also — Here’s to leadINg and LivINg a disclaimer-free Life!
Beautiful, resonates deeply. I’m in a new stage of motherhood, empty nester. As I transition to this new phase I can’t help but think of the young women who are graduating college in the spring with my son. They are knock your socks off amazing. Full of zest, independence and ambition. I am in awe of the 22 year olds who I swear I just gave after school snacks to. I’m curious how this next generation will take on motherhood. The pendulum definitely swings. I have two sons whom I stayed home with. “Do you work?” Was always the question on the playground in my Boston suburb. I was surrounded by women who worked & had nanny’s. Many times I already knew little Johnny was a biter and highly allergic to peanuts because I spent every week day pushing him on the swings with the nanny. Surrender didn’t come easy for me. I’m smart too! I’m independent too! Is what I’d want to convey to them, the working moms, but there was a line in the sand. We were experiencing a very different way of mothering our babes. My stomach flipped inside out at the thought of someone else making those cozy morning oats for my kids. For me, cold winter mornings were meant for snuggles, games, snow clothes and soups that simmered all day . My boys are now 19 & 22, freshman and senior in college. They love being home , appreciate home cooked meals and recognize how lucky they are to have such a safe space. They both say they want to have wives who stay home with their children one day. So, back to the amazing young women working their tales off in nursing school, law school etc… will they think my sons are crazy to want a family with a sahm? I guess we’ll see, it’s their journey & the cycle continues.
This is so beautiful and I love being able to see it all in hindsight through your eyes Amy. X
Wow, words straight for the/my soul. I really needed to read this. Thank you for putting this out there 🫶🏻🥲🤍
Wow I needed to read this. Thank you so much for sharing 💘 I’ve been back in my own writing business part time for three weeks now after having my first daughter in October, & I am very much testing my stretching. Trying to be so intentional in energy leaks, where I spend my time, & how I let my creativity run. I see myself so much in your words. Very happy to be in your corner. Thanks for walking the line & writing about it so women like me can too!
I’m obsessed with this whole article. Exactly what I needed to read. I appreciate your words and insights, always!
Really needed to hear this right now. First pregnancy and an artist - worried how I will fewl pulled apart. Seasons for everything. Thank you for the reminder that Mothering and creativity are one🙏
Loved reading this, thank you for your words.
Thank you for this. Put words to some tension I was having with someone else who thinks I should be spending my time differently. I’m not very outspoken so can easily avoid confrontation if someone doesn’t respect how I want to mother or spend my time. But the word trade off really stood out to me. The time I have with my son and husband right now is so precious and I don’t want to miss it. I don’t need to escape my family, I want to cherish every moment. Maybe that confronts them and rather than admit it they rather convince me that I need to participate in ladies night every week to “get filled up” so I can better serve my family. Thankfully I have discernment on knowing what fills me up and what doesn’t in each season, just working on the confidence to speak out on it when it feels uncomfortable in a conversation.
That's such a nice awareness to have :) XX
As alWays, such a treat to read your Words Peta.
“My husband, while always encouraging my creative pursuits, has to remind me that I am in the very blessed position, to not need to do anything (as in, work wise). It has taken me many years to relax into this, given my history, and I’m still in the process. This is a whole other post (one of many!).” I FELT THIS IN MY CORE.
“What is most important to me is being the wife and mother I want to be.
It’s my kids growing into adults, and me looking back and knowing that I really did my best— I don’t want to live with any gnawing regret that I was too distracted, not disciplined enough to turn from the many temptations of the world when I KNOW where my most sincere fulfilment and highest duty lies. It’s giving my family a home that is a sanctuary, and not one where they are walking on egg shells around a woman who has too much on her plate.” AMEN!
“Just because we can, it doesn’t mean we should.” YES.
“You cannot separate a mother and creation. The two go together like butter and jam on warm sourdough, like God goes with us.” AIN’T THAT THE TRUTH!
Also — Here’s to leadINg and LivINg a disclaimer-free Life!
Thank you so much beauty and yes!! Disclaimer free!!!
❤️❤️❤️❤️