When I first read through MamaKat’s prompts for this week’s Writer’s Workshop, my gut reaction to #4 (Describe how motherhood has changed you) was to point out all of the signs of motherhood on my physical body. The varicose veins covering my legs that appeared during pregnancy and will only disappear with surgery….the stretched-out stomach….the swollen ankles…..the permanent bags under my eyes from lack of sleep. Not to mention the “few” pounds that I am holding on to since I started having kids.

But I don’t think that those physical things are what MamaKat was shooting for.

How has motherhood changed me?

The changes that I’ve experienced go so much further than the stretched out skin or the bulging veins. It’s so easy to focus on the physical changes….because so much of motherhood is physical. Pregnancy. Child birth. Breast feeding. Carrying. Wiping. Feeding. Hugging. Some days, there is so much physical mothering going on that I am physically done. Over done.

But those physical things initiated a deep, permanent conversion within me. It’s the sacrifices of motherhood that have turned me away from thinking about ME all the time. I’m no longer the most important person. Motherhood has given me something more important than ME to think about. To live for. Now THEY are my everything. My reason to live. My motivation to be a better person.

For the most part, I look the same as I did before I had kids, minus a few pounds and a couple of wrinkles. But look inside and you’ll find a completely different person. Not quite refined enough yet, but on my way.

It’s amazing how motivating a mother’s love is. I never would have guessed. I’d do anything for my kids. Anything.

Related posts:

1. How to Be a Happier Mom in 8 Easy Steps
2. Chocolate Crinkles From the Trenches of Motherhood!
3. Did You Know?
4. Wordful Wednesday – Motherhood