25 May 2008

Surrendering to Motherhood

This book was recommended to me by a friend and I appreciate her for that. This is the story of a woman who is a very successful journalist and the mother of four boys. Her career and independence is very important to her and stays her focus even after all of her children are born. I definitely have some work to do to surrender like she does and that is why I appreciate this book. I also gained a better outlook on my life as a Mother. It was very interesting to read her journey to a life just like her mother's. When this realization hits her she writes, "There are no shackels in this house, this is no jail. These kids are your ticket to freedom like nothing you have ever tasted, the kind that is not hinged on TV appearances or writing for Life magazine or being a size 6 again. It's the liberation that comes from the sheer act of living itself. When you stop to be where you are, then your life can really begin."

My favorite part is this "I've had some great baby-sitters over the years, but of this I am certain: You and I can have the best caregiver on earth, but there is no one who can physically touch our children like we are able to. That sacred chemistry consoles us, too, it is the optimal soul soother, and it's ours anytime we want. So you might as yourself the next time you're rushing out of the house: Where are you going? Or are you there already?" From this I have started paying attention to how I feel when I touch one of my girls. Now I can't stop touching them. Everytime I am near them I reach for them.

She talks about "being where you are when you are there". This my new motto.