The Dichotomy of Parenthood

Parenthood is so. many. things. 

It is so fulfilling and so beautiful and just the coolest thing you’ll ever do. 

And, it’s draining, lonely, and isolating. 

All in one day. Every day. 

I’ve been reflecting a lot lately on the extreme dichotomy of parenthood and how I really enjoy my time at work but also want to be with my kids more. 

Then it seems like when I’m home with my kids, I’m tired and I miss having adult conversations. My work is contributing in a different way than motherhood and I miss both when I’m doing the other. 

There’s this emotional ping pong all the time in parenthood where I can’t decide which side I want to be on more. I’m coming to recognize more and more that the truth is I want to be on both sides at the same time (and I can’t). 

You don’t have to be a working mom to feel this dichotomy. We’re all women with passions and hobbies that are part of who we are that we leave in another place while we’re “momming.” 

It’s two extremes at the same time, all the time. 

As I get more years under my motherhood belt, I’m learning that you don’t really find a balance in all this. You find the give and take between all of the sides of you. 

You take moments to prioritize yourself as a business woman, moments as a mother, time focused on being a wife, and time for friendships. Motherhood becomes a dance of all that we are as a woman. 

My goal is to work toward a deep acceptance of knowing this is a phase where I’m constantly moving between roles and finding the beauty in that rather than striving for the “perfect balance” (which just doesn’t exist). 

There’s so much goodness in all the different aspects of life. Cling to those things and allow yourself to flow between them all as your heart is pulled in different directions throughout this season.