A Journey of Motherhood: Embracing the Fulfillment Beyond Career Accomplishments

I welcomed 2024 differently as I embraced my new role as a full-time mom. Leaving my career and focusing on taking care of my young family has been one of the most difficult decisions I’ve made in my life, yet I felt so much peace in my heart after doing so. I can attest to all women that motherhood changes us in many ways — priorities, habits, perspectives, etc.

With all the changes I’ve been through from pregnancy to giving birth, I’ve been blessed with a husband who is my rock, my greatest supporter, and a very good provider. Because of him and God’s grace, I became hands-on in everything about our son — creating a routine, planning his day, breastfeeding up to this day, planning his meals, giving him baths, and so much more. But most of all, I didn’t just hear about his milestones; I witnessed and experienced all of them firsthand.

My son has become my “boss” in no time. The role of a mother is so complex that no job description will ever capture it. It changes constantly, as every child and family situation is different. No amount of money can compensate for this role or the fulfillment it brings. Just seeing my son smile already gives me so much joy, and even when I’m tired, sleepless, and not paid, my heart remains full. Of course, if I were able to eat, sleep, and take a bath peacefully, with a little bit of me-time, that would be a bonus.

Being a full-time mom is not a bed of roses. A lot of times, I lose my cool. Sometimes, I belittle myself because I transitioned from being a breadwinner to a fully dependent wife to my husband when it comes to finances. I don’t have a career or a title to brag about anymore, even though I used to be obsessed with climbing the corporate ladder. I think of the “what ifs” — what exciting projects would have been assigned to me had I not resigned from my job? Would I have been nominated for a promotion? How does it feel to receive a salary again? And many other worldly things I could think of. However, when I look at my child, all I can feel is gratitude:

• Grateful that I have a husband who is a good provider.
• Grateful for witnessing how time goes by so fast as I watch my son grow.
• Grateful that I am my son’s number one. We have created an unbreakable bond, and now he’s with me even in the comfort room.

As a full-time mom, I sometimes feel like I’ve given up the opportunity to advance in my career or achieve new milestones or accolades in the professional world. But when I hear praise about how smart, active, and well-behaved my son is, it fills me with such deep satisfaction. These words of affirmation make me realize that the sacrifices I’ve made, though not yielding financial rewards, have truly paid off in ways that matter most. The pride I feel in knowing that I raised my own son, with all the love and care I could give, is worth more than any career accomplishment. Praise God for guiding me in this journey of motherhood.

It’s not always easy, and sometimes I wish I could go out with friends or have a night out with my husband, but I find immense joy in being the one my son turns to. In the small moments where he smiles at me with pure love and trust, I am reminded that I am his world, and that’s more than enough. Watching him grow and develop so quickly, I am deeply grateful for this time spent together. I know that soon enough, he will be out in the world, and I want to savor these moments of his youth while I can.

Through this journey, my son has taught me so much:

1. I learned how to depend on God for matters I have no control over.

As a mother, there are countless things I cannot control, from my son’s health to the way he grows emotionally and socially. There are moments when I feel helpless or uncertain, but I’ve learned to trust in God for guidance and strength. I’ve come to understand that I can’t manage everything on my own, and I find peace knowing that He is in control. Every step of the way, I turn to God for patience and wisdom to navigate the challenges of motherhood.

2. It’s time to cut the generational curses.

As I raise my son, I am more aware of the patterns and behaviors that may have been passed down through generations. I am determined to break those cycles and set a new course for him. I want him to grow up with love, security, and emotional well-being—things that may not have been present in my own upbringing. By acknowledging where things went wrong in the past, I can make better choices and ensure that my son has the healthiest, most loving environment to thrive in.

3. He taught me unconditional love.

My son has shown me what it truly means to love without conditions. No matter how tired or overwhelmed I may feel, when he looks up at me with those trusting eyes, I am reminded of the depth of love a mother has for her child. This love is not based on perfection; it’s a love that forgives, supports, and nurtures, even when things are tough. In these moments, I see God’s love for us reflected in the bond I share with my son.

4. He taught me to become better.

Motherhood has challenged me to be better—better in my patience, my understanding, my selflessness, and my strength. My son’s growth and development inspire me to strive to be a better person every day. He holds up a mirror to me, showing me areas where I can grow and improve, not only for him but for myself. The responsibility of shaping his future motivates me to be more intentional in my actions, words, and choices.

5. Appreciate my parents and God’s love.

Raising my son has given me a new perspective on my own parents. I now better understand the sacrifices they made and the love they poured into me. It has also deepened my appreciation for God’s love—love that is constant, unwavering, and selfless. As I experience the highs and lows of motherhood, I realize that my parents did their best with what they had, and I am now doing the same for my son. I am grateful for both the lessons my parents imparted to me and the love God has shown me as I navigate this beautiful, challenging journey of motherhood.

2024 has been one of my best years as I realized that I am still capable of things like being a good parent. Though I may not have career accomplishments to show, just looking at my son makes me feel that I’ve earned so much because I am raising a man who will be a leader in his household, who will become a husband. When he grows up, that would not just be an accomplishment but a legacy.