What motherhood teaches me: self reflection, self growth and the deepest love

An interview with Kate as she shares her thoughts on gentle motherhood and raising her children.

In my series on motherhood I want to portray the diversity of the motherhood experience and what it means to be a mother now. I’m interested in telling stories through other mamas to give insight into their approach to motherhood, be it their struggles, triumphs, their deepest feelings, how they have evolved and grown, perhaps how they raise their children connected to nature and live with a light footprint or how they approach mothering consciously. 

I want to portray the essence of motherhood in every family’s unique language. There is value in opening a dialogue and worth in sharing perspectives, thoughts, fears and dreams and in allowing ourselves to honour our children's innate natures and supporting ourselves as mamas.

Today I have the pleasure of sharing a story by Kate, a friend of mine since we were both 3 years old! She lives by the sea with her gorgeous family in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Kate and her wee boy breathing in the thick sea air together

Becoming a mother to two children has created so much more meaning and purpose to my life than I ever thought possible.

I'm constantly reminded of the importance of my role in their lives: to nurture, support, play, teach and nourish, but equally, my children provide me with these qualities and I'm constantly learning from them: patience, gentleness, forgiveness. As I've slowed to their pace I've been reminded of what it means to live in the moment. As I teach them I'm learning to self-reflect and ultimately growing in self awareness.

As I've slowed to their pace I've been reminded of what it means to live in the moment. As I teach them I'm learning to self-reflect and ultimately growing in self awareness.

Emotions as a mother are at once simple: the deepest love, calmness, then seemingly more complex: eruptions of frustration, hurt, followed by self-questioning, forgiveness, reflection, self-growth.

I have gratitude for this time in my life that my children have gifted me: a change of pace and daily activity. I allow myself to enjoy their presence while reflecting upon my own happiness. They have provided me the opportunity to develop my own path in a meaningful way which will ultimately make me happier and possibly more focussed as I learn to "value-based" prioritise.

I have a greater awareness of and appreciation for my body: to bring life into this world, to experience the wonder and emotion of a natural birth and provide ongoing nurturing through breastfeeding. Sure, we are here on earth to reproduce, but aren't we amazing!

Being a mother has taught me to be more open to acceptance of self and others, and the deepest gratitude for friendships with other mothers as well as my own mother.

Kate sharing a moment with her wee boy as she reflects on motherhood