It's an honor and privilege to be a parent.
It is also a huge responsibility.
Babies have so many needs.
There is so much advice and opinions out there.
So many philosophies on what to do and how to do it.
My life has changed so much.
It is incredible and incredibly difficult all at once.
The days feel long,
The years feel short,
I pause now,
And I breathe,
I settle into my body,
I settle into my breathing,
I reflect on times I have felt angry and frustrated as a parent.
Some of this was facing everyday challenges that come with being a parent.
I also reflect on times I have felt angry and frustrated facing experiences that remind me of my own life history and experiences when I was a child.
It can be hard to work through my triggers when life is so overwhelming.
I can own when I am having a hard time.
I can accept that I am experiencing very big emotions.
I can see when I am not meeting the expectations I have for myself.
I continue to breathe,
Settling more into my body,
Letting my muscles relax,
And without judging myself,
I note what my needs are.
For each of my needs,
I list ways my needs can be met.
I apply strategies for getting my needs met as I meet the needs of my baby.
I make space to create positive childhood experiences.
I easily identify and name feelings.
I am aware of my reactions and my overreactions.
I own my behavior and I apologize where needed.
I give my child spaces of support and belonging.
I can pause and regroup during the hardest moments.
I can breathe and reset during the crappy moments.
As I parent,
I am working through my own childhood experiences.
As I parent,
I am unlearning some things.
As I parent,
I am breaking some cycles.
As a parent,
I am birthing new responses to stress.
I am privileged to be a parent.
It is also a big responsibility.
I am here for it.
