I never thought that I would want to be a mother. I believed it would interfere with the strict schedule I set for myself. I would spend my time working on business ideas in between getting up and going to bed at the same time every day. My idea of a vacation was sitting down with a hot cup of coffee and the newspaper. Being a mother certainly did interfere with my schedule, and I love every minute of it.
Having children has added joy and fulfillment to my life. I see the world from a new perspective and can find the good in even the simplest of things. Sitting outside on a clear night, counting the stars and discussing the day with my children beats sitting in front of the television every time.
I also find that I learn as much about being a better person from my kids as they learn from me. My children can spend an hour playing at the park and come away with a new best friend. I now try to see people the way my kids see people, that has helped me to make new friends based on the kindness and heart of an individual rather than the job they have or style of clothes they wear.
Life is a journey of wonder and adventure and to live it to the fullest we can not be afraid to try new things. Some of us are afraid to fly or even learn to drive a car. Watching my children tackle their fear of coming down the slide at the park for the first time or riding a bike without the aid of training wheels has helped me to approach my apprehensions in a new way. My fear of heights may keep me from ever wanting to be a human cannonball, but my recent ride in a hot air balloon was absolutely breathtaking.
I vividly remember a summer day when my daughter was playing in our backyard and she enthusiastically called me to her. She pointed out a small ant carrying a piece of the peanut butter sandwich she dropped five minutes earlier and the look on her face was magical.
A giant leaf or a pine cone is enough to fascinate my children when we go for a hike in the woods. That excitement is contagious and I am so grateful for it because as adults, we tend to lose that sense of awe. We are fortunate to live in a world of wonder and beauty and we should take the time to enjoy it, through the eyes of a child.