What surprises you most about being a mom?

What surprises me the most about being a mom is how the human heart can have so much room for love. After having my first child, I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to love a second child nearly as much as the first. I was pleasantly surprised, after the birth of each following child, how much room I had for each life to love unconditionally. It is hard to explain to someone, who hasn’t yet experienced motherhood, the feeling of so much joy and love but a feeling that is irreplaceable.

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

My very own mother has been most impactful in my journey as a mother. She taught me what it was to love and to be loved. She has been my best friend, my rock, and often who I lean on when I’m at my wits end throughout my own mothering journey. As a result of the example she laid before me, I try to teach the same. To love and to be loved, but also kindness, generosity, compassion, and devotion. My grandmother also taught me to continue the faith, how to show compassion, and the true meaning of devotion.

What continues to inspire you in your motherhood journey?

I am often inspired by those around me. However, to give credit where credit is due, I would say my children are my biggest inspiration. I am inspired every time I witness them being polite to those around them or giving thanks and praise to those around them. I am also inspired when we go to public places together as a family and am given praise by complete strangers that my children are “well behaved” or that we have “a beautiful family”. These situations are all confirmation that my husband and I are doing something right, and positive in their lives.