by Unwirklich VinZant

Created on: September 24, 2009   Last Updated: November 15, 2009

I was never what is typically considered feminine. I did not like dresses, and dolls. I did not want a husband and a house. I swore I would never have children. I ended up with all of the above anyway. I remember the first time I sat and felt the tiny twisting of another being within me. It was in that moment that I realized how much motherhood changes a woman. It was in that moment I changed.

Before having a child this society, this life has taught us to be independent, to be strong, to look out for number one or to be swallowed by the mass millions we call a populace. We forget what responsibility for others is. We forget how dependency is necessary to love. We become cold, whether we admit our selfishness or not, in order to survive. Motherhood ignites a fire in a woman, a dormant and instinctual fire to nurture life.

Whether you appreciated your life before or not, giving life to another makes you appreciate it more. I'd say motherhood offers a comfort and confidence, an understanding that one is now immortal and will live on forever in the creation that you have spawned and nurtured into adulthood. It takes away that yearning to do something with your life, the urgency that runs us to the ground, as you can see what you've done before you in two tiny hands, two intelligent eyes and an innocent heart.

Motherhood guarantees you a purpose that nothing else in life ever can. You'd be surprised how much a purpose changes a person.

Sure having a child also removes a degree of freedom from a woman. It takes away the no strings feeling that a life can have early on as if one can simply fly away into the adventure that is existing, however you'd also be surprised how little that bothers you. It's an equal trade, a life for a life. Even if some is lost so much is gained. You may not fly away, but you won't be blown away either.

I have never known the strength, perseverance and determination that I have found in the need to care, teach and support another life.

I have never known the pride, appreciation and joy it is to care for, teach and support a child.

I know nothing that changes a woman more than mother hood, and that change is for the better. Congratulations.

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