What surprises you most about being a mom?

The thing that surprises me the most about motherhood is the opportunity for personal transformation and growth. Motherhood has brought me face to face with my own weaknesses and shortcomings. It has shown me areas of my life I didn’t know I needed to improve! Within these painful moments, comes the desire and opportunity to show up for my family as my best self, which means working on the parts of me I know need improving. I am far from perfect but I know I am a different person-a better person-for having traveled the road of motherhood.

Who has been impactful in your journey as a mother? What lessons do you carry with you and share often through motherhood?

My two grandmothers have been a source of inspiration for my mothering. My paternal grandmother was a stay at home mother who raised 10 children, made the best homemade bread, grew a hearty garden, and was never too busy for a hug. My maternal grandmother became a widow at a young age and raised her 5 children completely alone. These women never started a non-profit, wrote a book, or served as PTA president, but their positive influence in their families has blessed generations. Their lives remind me that the greatest influence a mother has is within her own home.

Share one of your favorite stories from motherhood?

Years ago, I took dinner to a woman who had just given birth. I intended to make a delicious homemade meal that would communicate my love and support. Unfortunately, the meal was put aside in favor of the immediate needs of my own family that day. Embarrassed, I arrived with a take and bake pizza, a bag of salad, and a gallon of ice cream. Imagine my surprise when the woman exclaimed, “I’ve been craving pizza all day!” This experience reminded me that a mothers impact on the world is greatest when her focus is on her own family first.