Thanks for taking responsibility. For finding humbleness and for learning that it’s ok to say “I don’t know.”
And pre-mom self, have I ever told you how good you look? Seriously, when I look at pictures of you I see so much energy, so much excitement and inspiration. You’re beautiful and I wish I told you that a long time ago.
But, pre-mom self, you should see how good I look as a mom now. I have bags under my eyes, a few extra pounds around my body, messy hair, last night’s make-up and unbrushed teeth…
I am radiant.
You should see how strong I am now, and I’m not talking about my muscles (those have softened a bit). I’m talking about the strength of my heart. I cry constantly because I’ve never felt this alive and connected. It’s beautiful to feel everything this wholeheartedly.
I don’t get much sleep now, but somehow my mind is also stronger than ever. I’m a modern day superwomen. I accomplish more in a day than you did in a week. But it’s not a competition, you prepped me for this. You set me up with my best self before I made this leap into motherhood.
Thank you for that.
But pre-mom self, I’m going to have to leave you behind. You see, I’ve changed and as much as I hate to admit it, I’m a different person now.
I’m a mom.
But, don’t worry. You’ve prepared me to love my mom self, to have more compassion for her and to let her find her own way.
I would say “I’ll miss you,” but if you had had a chance to meet my daughter you’d realize that it’s impossible to miss anything before she came into the world.
This article originally appeared The Huffington Post.
