Let’s pretend for a moment a special dictionary existed.  It’s filled with definitions of each and every one of us.  How would you be defined?  Perhaps I should explain the word “you.”  You being the person on the inside with one’s own thoughts, desires and preferences.  Yes, of course you are a mom and wife but who are YOU?  It can be quite challenging to answer this after spending so much time putting your children and spouse first.

While flipping through the May 2011 issue of Parents, I came across a little exercise called “Complete this Tweet.”  Last month’s Tweet began as “Motherhood has made me better at…”  As I read the three completed Tweets, I pondered this question.  While at times I’ve certainly become wrapped up in being only a wife and mother, I have also found that Motherhood ultimately defined who I am as a person.

For a number of reasons, as a child and young adult, I tried so hard to fit in somewhere, anywhere.  Looking back, I remember a nervous basket case with low self-esteem who would ultimately say or do something ridiculous.  The anxiety would control my body causing poor choices.  I would “like” things because it was cool and expected.  Like many it was just part of the searching process, trying desperately to figure out who I was.

When I gave birth to our first born, everything changed.  Motherhood led me to that group I was longing for…it was our family.  And, to top, I automatically had this title as his ‘mama.‘  Magically, I had the power as one of only two experts on my child’s behaviors, wants and needs.  Slowly, I became more self-confident, which eventually led to following my dream to be a graphic designer and writer.  Confidence is a funny thing.  It’s contagious.  And, generally you only needed a small amount to get started.  Before I realized it my engines were raving and shazam!, I was beginning a continuous journey to self-discovery.

So now that the Mother’s Day buzz has worn off, I challenge you to complete the tweet, “Motherhood has made me better at…”  Then share your answers below so that we can all learn from one another. I look forward to reading how being a mother has changed you!

Jenny blogs at TheMagicFarmHouse.com where she shares stories to inspire us all to Laugh More. Love More. and Live More.