I’ve been pondering motherhood a great deal lately, and specifically wondering how to make mothering my “element.” I am convinced it is within my reach, and furthermore, I am also convinced that there are solid, God-given principles in place here that could help *all* mothers feel energized by this high and holy calling.
I mean, really.
Wouldn’t it be amazing? To find parenting supplying you with more energy, more love, more joy? I know I’m not the only one who (cough, cough) might possibly not quite feel that way. Yet.
I guess I should let you know that I don’t have my head completely in the sand here. It goes w/o saying that not every blessed moment is going to feel inspiring. Duh. That is simply not real life. At least, not in this sphere.
There are moments of messyness that are simple not transcendent acts of beauty; there are persistent, spirited kids who want it their way, right now, all the time; there are times when I want to screeeeeeeeeeeam and turn in my mommy-card. I’m sure there will always be those moments, those personalities, those days.
But is it unreasonable to hope that, as a mother, I could find that most days bring more joy than frustration? That most days I get excited to see my kids wake up in the morning instead of dreading it? That most days I might actually want to spend time with my kids, instead of wishing they’d just leave me alone for a few minutes? That most days my children could feel me radiating, “I love this job, you guys are my joy!” instead of “Grrr….”
The bottom line is
I want to be in my element when I’m mothering. Right now I’m, um, not quite there, and although the author of The Element seems to think that your “element” is not something you can control, I beg to differ. Uh-uh, buddy. I will MAKE this my element and WHEN it happens, I’m writing a book about it – assuming I can find the time amidst all that joyful mothering going on.
Open and welcome to suggestions for those of you who may have already figured this out. What helps you be in the element with your kids?
What! No picture? Darn,I’m such a visual. BTW, I enjoyed EVERY SINGLE MINUTE! No regrets!
… or, we (blessedly) tend to forget those minutes that aren’t as wonderful as others.
I need to get that CD from you. There are a bunch of great mommy-pictures on that one.
I hope the thiefses that acquired mine find it inspiring.
I don’t have an answer for you but I’m there with you looking for it!
“Come what may, and love it” is my mantra. I think you have hit upon a noble quest, though, and can’t wait to hear more. I personally have enjoyed “The Joyful Mother of Children” by Linda Eyre, and one by Emily Watts . . . “Being the Mom” maybe?