BEFORE I WAS A MOM

BEFORE I WAS A MOM I made and ate hot meals. I had unstained clothing. I had quiet conversations on the phone. I slept as late as I wanted and never worried how late I got into bed. I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday. I cleaned my house each day. I never tripped over toys or forgot words to lullabies. I never thought about immunizations. I had never been puked on, pooped on, spit on, chewed on, peed on, or pinched by tiny fingers. I had complete control of my mind, My thoughts, and my body. I slept all night. I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep. I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small can affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom. I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I had never gotten up in the middle of the night to make sure all was okay. I had never known the warmth, the love, the heartache, the wonder, or the satisfaction of being a Mom. Now I know how my Mom felt...

ALLOW YOUR INNER LIGHT TO GUIDE

There comes a time when you must stand alone. You must feel confident enough within yourself to follow your own dreams. You must be willing to make sacrifices. You must be capable of changing and rearranging your priorities so that your final goal can be achieved. Sometimes, familiarity and comfort need to be challenged. There are times when you must take a few extra chances and create your own realities. Be strong enough to at least try to make your life better. Be confident enough that you won't settle for a compromise just to get by. Appreciate yourself by allowing yourself the opportunities to grow, develop, and find your true sense of purpose in this life. Don't stand in someone else's shadow when it's your sunlight that should lead the way.

Work hard at what you like to do and try to overcome all obstacles Laugh at your mistakes and praise yourself for learning from them Pick some flowers and appreciate the beauty of nature Say hello to strangers and enjoy the people you know Don't be afraid to show your emotions laughing and crying make you feel better Love your friends and family with your entire being they are the most important part of your life Feel the calmness on a quiet sunny day Find a rainbow and live your world of dreams always remember life is better than it seems