Motherhood is not a silo experience.
Not in my world, not in the way my children have experienced life. I'm understanding more and more, my sisterhood and my life, are changing.
I have 3 children at three different schools, they ride three different buses, for three different start times. No pity necessary, but it is the lens that colors how I view life. The sisterhood has always been another way to view life - sometimes being reminded how much to be thankful for or how much laughter is necessary when I've managed to lose my way. I'm thankful for my sisterfriends and the sisterhood that supports me in this journey. The sisterhood is just changing.
My mother was famous for saying, "Life isn't fair, the sooner you learn it the better you'll be." She also said, "Everyone isn't going to like you, you better figure out how to be your own best friend." I didn't realize then how hard she had to parent a bit of a sensitive child that was attracted to justice, equity and a belief that life should be full of roses. The reality is even in my earliest of days, she was teaching me lessons for the future.
In my Christian walk I am reminded, we were never promised life without pain or hardship. Motherhood is a very special club and I have evolved to understand, your circle can change just as your life changes. Change can be necessary and difficult all at the same time. I just believe firmly, the journey is made better with true friends.
If you read my posts, you'll know that I have often talked about my wife reality, from Domestic Sexy to things I just don't understand, like the Fear of Laundry completion. None of those things defines life overall, but I think the reality of being a mother and being a wife are elements of the same story, my story. I couldn't be the mother that I am without having my husband, the one that accepts my flaws and knows my heart. I am also a better mother because of the truest of sisterfriends that continue to build my experiences in this journey.
I was blessed with an unexpected post about my philanthropy during this August celebration of Black Philanthropy month #BPM2013. The questions made me reflect on my work and my dreams, in addition to my understanding of motherhood and this sisterhood. I have been blessed with Aunties, Godparents, Grandma's, Granny's, Women of the Church, Neighbors, Parents of the Kids friends, 2nd Family Members, etc., to round out that support network that allows so much more than I every realized. You can read my Ms. Eva post to learn more.
No matter how complex life gets, there should always be...
1) Someone who knows your heart, and loves you anyway.
2) A sisterhood that holds you up, at your best and at your worst.
3) A group that shares your values and aspirations.
4) Someone to travel with and a family to play date with.
5) Someone who can run faster, jump higher, cook better, excel quicker than you. Aspiration and competition work hand in hand, when you encourage and acknowledge each other.
I don't know how mothers make it work. I'm not certain how you handle your mama schedule, mama lessons, mama date nights and mama friends. I do know, if you are one of those life altering anchors or very special ride or die friends, I hope someone has told you thank you. Life changes, your sisterhood may change, but the need for "your circle" should not change. Today I'm wondering, how do you handle the changes?
