Learning to love

"Motherhood is an immense responsibility. In my opinion, it is the most overwhelming, meaningful, incredible, transforming experience of a lifetime. No wonder it produces such emotional and physical change!"*

I don't remember feeling as much joy as I did at the birth of my first child. But I also feel like afterwards was one of the tougher times I've had mentally. Having a child is not for the weak minded. It is so hard to adjust to having another little body around that depends on you completely. I have also felt like it has taught me a lot also. Never before have I understood what it meant to be selfless, to sacrifice, to give of yourself so completely when you sometimes have very little to give. I have also learned how important it is to take care of myself. If you are empty, then you really have nothing to give. Of course this is something that I am still working on, but I appreciate the opportunity that motherhood has given me to learn to love, not only another little being, but also to love myself.

*From Gentle Baby Care by Elizabeth Pantley http://www.pantley.com/elizabeth/books/0071398856.php?nid=148&isbn=0071398856