Writers Block and Reinvention #nakedmoms

I’ve been trying to write about motherhood and reinvention every night as I lay with Gracie, watching her fall asleep, every.single.night for a month.

But nothing has come.

I don’t see myself as reinvented. I didn’t go through a magical or difficult transformation as I slipped from unattached college kid into married mother of one… And then two and now pushing three. I more became who I always thought I’d be albeit through a journey I might not have thought I’d take.  I feel to be where I’m meant to be, doing what I’m meant to be doing. I strive less for reinvention than for commitment to who I am and what I love. Manifesting those commitments every day fulfills me and propels me forward. In motherhood, in marriage, in creativity; in all things I strive to move forward.

****

I do feel motherhood is an opportunity for reinvention in and of itself. A fresh day, every day, as two little people watch you open their doors to the world.

I often find myself wondering what we’ll discover or how we will grow as one day continues so similar to the days before. But inevitable reinvention occurs as we see and experience new things together, as we build and break routines, as we evaluate the moments in our day that distinguish today –this day– from all the others. There is beauty in an outlook seen from fresh eyes. And something to be said for those who purposefully see from such a perspective. Solace found in holding onto simplicity and organizing chaos but joy and gratitude in acknowledging the messy and loud.

As we continue to fill our (two bedroom one and a half bath) home up with memories and toys and pets and people, we eventually discover the connection to be found in just being together. Our days won’t always linger, spread out amply with no school schedules or work or obligation. We won’t always be together, idling in our moments, leaving it up to the wind where we spend minutes next. Reinvention occurring as we don’t realize, allowing us to grow.

We long for renewal, for freedom from moments passed by, searching and hoping that the moments we find will be fresh and beautiful as ever.

**I am honored to be writing this post in conjunction with 12 wonderfully talented writers willing to share their nitty gritty thoughts on motherhood. Each month we interpret a common theme and share our work with you via the hashtag #NakedMoms. We aren’t actually naked 😉 (sorry!) but we are bearing our souls here on our blogs. Kind or constructive (even argumentative or opinionated!) comments are always appreciated but negative or hurtful ones need not be expressed here. We are in the business of lifting up and supporting other women with our writing as we weave a web of stories and anecdotes from our past, present and future Mommy selves.  We hope you enjoy the series and share the stories you love with your own circle of Mom’s- whomever they may be. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading.**

xo

J

Motherhood and Reinvention by Stephanie at When Crazy Meets Exhaustion

Let’s Reinvent The Term: Working Mother by Joyce at Mommy Talk Show

After Motherhood, Any Other Reinvention Is No Big Deal by Jessica at A Parent In America

A Mother On The Cusp Of Reinvention by Thien-Kim at I’m Not The Nanny

Reinventing The Feel by Brandi at Mama Knows It All

Maybe It’s Not Meant To Be by  Makeba at MelisaSource