I’m six months into the world of motherhood. It all began with a challenging birth to my son, plus additional stresses which I’m sure will heal with more prayer and time. Regardless, my son is the BEST thing that ever happened to me!
I’ve lived my dream life in small and big ways. Yet there is nothing that can explain the emotions of what being a mother is like.
I’ve had crazy highs from performing on stage in huge arenas with high profile artists. Doing a Broadway tour was the most incredible experience among a super talented cast. I’ve toured the world. I’ve worked alongside celebs. To music videos, television, stage, and commercials, you were all fun, exciting, and rewarding. I wanted to be a professional dancer with all my heart and I did it.
Surprisingly nothing compares to this kind of love and passion.
My mother is pretty phenomenal. She has been my mentor my whole life, and now that I’m older my friend. Now having a glimpse of motherhood myself, I give my heart to all mothers who truly love unconditionally and selflessly. Selfless love is a quality that creates more compassion, empathy, harmony, gentleness, and devotion. I admire all of you and you inspire me.
In the performance world you have moments of being “on” for the camera, for the stage, or just because the producer, casting director, or choreographer is in the room. Well mothers don’t get much time to be off as you are always “on”. I laugh quietly to myself as I continue writing this after running to the bedroom to nurse my crying son who just woke up from a nap. Like I said mothers are always “on”.
I have no idea what lies ahead, but I am grateful for the gift of motherhood.
The gift to LOVE under all circumstances and during all emotions. This is the kind of love that makes you stronger than you think is humanly possible, and able to endure any experience that comes your way. Life isn’t the easiest and there are always unexpected obstacles. When fear appears to be the only emotion to experience, I am reminding myself in this moment how much more powerful LOVE is.
True LOVE allows you to let go and let God fill the uncertain spaces.
Elijah is definitely the best thing that has ever happened to me. I’ve learned more about myself and about life in six months than I ever expected. What an incredible life teacher he is! Age is nothing but a number, and teachers do come in all ages and sizes. It’s up to us to notice them.
One Love!
(Image by Dawn Michelle)
Sandy says
Gosh, Dawn. He’s such a cutie.
Yes. The Mommy job is the most difficult and rewarding job on earth. Mom’s don’t get the credit they deserve.
You’re the planet’s manager extraordinaire!
Dawn Michelle says
Thank you so much Sandy! I completely agree!
nofixedstars says
wonderful, and so true!
i always say that motherhood is the toughest job you will ever love…
people often talk about “losing themselves” during motherhood’s early days and years… i feel quite differently about it. i believe that if you have chosen motherhood whole-heartedly, and are not struggling too much with exterior circumstances in your life (as sadly too many in our society must), then this time of unlimited love and care can be a catalyst for finding your best self, a self that is stronger and gentler than you ever thought you could be. and that new side of yourself can be a source of strength, pride, and service to you, to your children, to your community, for the rest of your life.
the photo of you and your little one is so full of calm joy and love. beautiful!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi nofixedstars,
Thank you and beautifully said.
Maria says
Big yes to your line about true love and letting God fill in all the uncertainty spaces. Motherhood is a relentless job. Always being “on” is exhausting at times, but has forced me to grow in ways I’d never imagined. I work constantly on being the best possible parent I can be, and still end up asking myself ‘Am I doing a good enough job?’ There is no yearly review, promotions or bonuses. This is where surrender comes in.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Maria,
Surrender is so important. It is completely understandable desiring some form of measure for doing a good job. Surrender, trust, and faith is everything along with love.
Drborah says
Oh my goodness Dawn. He is beautiful. I’ve missed you but I understand your disappearance. God Bless You and your new life journey. Share with us every now an again if you have time.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Drborah,
Thank you so much! I have been doing my best to write as much as possible. I’m literally writing comment replies while he sleeps in my arms. The balance is challenging, yet I won’t complain. This is a blessing and I am finding my way. Thanks for understanding!
Himawari says
Aww, Dawn Michelle, I am tearing up right now because I needed to hear this. What you say about letting go and falling into love completely, with trust, is so true. So much of that trust and letting go has to be about self love too, sometimes the hardest love to justify. Elijah is such a beautiful child, and so lucky to have you as his mom and your mom as his grandma!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Himawari,
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I truly appreciate it!