As a mom, I certainly understand how demanding the job of motherhood can be. Not too long ago, I was caught in a ‘hamster wheel’ working a 90 hour week and earning an income that I was too tired to enjoy.
As a young CEO, I worked relentlessly to build a company, overseeing everything from stamp-licking to new product development. The rewards were tangible, mostly monetary in nature. Every now and then there was a ‘power bump’….an accolade bestowed… an event to attend….a flattering article to read. Young, unmarried and childless, I found my work exhausting–yet SO worth it.
A few years later, I am working just as hard as I did back then. This time, however, it is the call of motherhood that demands the hours I so easily devoted to other pursuits. Tangible rewards? Not so much.
Clearing stuffy noses and finding lost dolls probably won’t bring on the cheers. There are no medals for marathon breastfeeding, shuttle service to and from lessons or for teaching your own child to read. Chances are the 1,000th diaper change will go unnoticed too.
When first steps, smiles and hugs aren’t enough, it is really easy to take for granted the things for which one ought to be grateful.
If your children were born free and healthy, give thanks. If your home has running water, electricity and heat, give thanks. If there is food in your refrigerator and clothes in your closet and your ’girl children’ are free to obtain an education, give thanks.
For the last few years, I have been privilegedto talk with mothers around the world. Interviewing educators, activists, policy makers and global thought leaders has afforded me the opportunity to become actively involved in the work of child advocacy.
The information shared by those on the front lines reminds me gently to give thanks for all that I have. I plan to celebrate Thanksgiving in America this week–the holiday that reminds us all to cultivate an ‘attitude of gratitude.’ Whether you’re planning a traditional sit-down, a picnic or a hotel feast, I pray that your holiday is a good one and that in some way you too are thanked for your work. Mothering is definitely a tough job, but there is so much to be thankful for.
Happy Thanksgiving from MOMbo TV!
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