11 ways Motherhood has changed me as a person

Today my Timehop reminded me of what I used to look like pre-baby. Well, I’m probably being mean to myself as it was a picture from 2010 so thats 7 years ago now so it’s silly to compare – but looking back I almost don’t recognise myself! I was young, perfectly preened on a night out. Plus, I WAS NOT EXHAUSTED. I can’t really remember what that feels like – being a mother turns your life upside down and now we are seven months down the line, it’s hard to remember what life was like before! What did I do with all that time? Why did I moan I was tired? WHY did I think I was fat when I fitted into a size 10/12? Oh how things change!

All of this being said I wouldn’t change it for the world – Violet is everything to me and so is being a mother. I just LOVE motherhood. I feel like it came so naturally to me and I don’t mean that in a boastful way as I certainly don’t know what the hell I’m doing most of the time – but I mean I just love every second. Taking care of Violet and watching her learn and grow is my world. I feel in my element when I’m with her, which fulfils me more than any job or hobby I’ve ever had.

So, I thought today I’d talk about some of the ways motherhood has changed me as a person – hopefully for the better, although at 4am when I’m feeling tired and grumpy, maybe not so much…

I’m more patient

There is one thing you need buckets of as a mother and thats patience. Babies like to test this out a LOT, usually just as you are about to leave the house when you are already running late – I swear that is babies favourite time to fill their nappies! Or they like to scream when you are in a quiet cafe or puke down your new top, you really do need to be ready for anything and not be frustrated when things don’t go your way. I find my patience is tested to the max when I’m tired but I just tell myself ‘tomorrow is a new day’ and it is.

I have more compassion

Having a mini-human on the earth that I care so much about has made me one emotional train-wreck. I cry at adverts these days. I thought it was the pregnancy hormones but it never goes away. I feel like I’m more caring towards people around me and more understanding of situations that happen.

I forget things

Another thing I thought would be pregnancy-related, but no! Baby brain sticks with you forever – gone are the days I can write 3-4 blog posts in a day. If I write 1 I feel like it’s a miracle as my brain just works so SLOWLY these days. I also have a habit of forgetting simple things (like closing the front door – kind of important!) and leaving the house in my slippers.

I’m less anxious

Before baby (and even in pregnancy) I would worry about SO MUCH – Goodness, I don’t know where I found the time to mull over some of the trivial things in life. I think childbirth changed everything, I suddenly felt like if I could push out a baby and keep her alive, I maybe should give myself a bit of credit and stop worrying about things so much. That logic seems to have worked as I worry so much less now (although I do still continuously google baby related questions, so no one is perfect!)

I can adapt

Before Violet arrived I loved a routine. I was a creature of habit for sure, however babies certainly don’t do what you want/expect them to do. I find if you do want them to do something, they’ll do the opposite, it’s like they just know! I’ve learned I need to to adapt at the drop of a hat and be ready for anything.

I am a skilled multi-tasker

During the week I feel like a Mumma-Octopus, I usually have about 4 things on at any one time, with one eye on the baby, the other filling the washing machine, whilst the dinner cooks and I’m halfway through a blog post. I never seem to be able to dedicate myself to a single task now, there is always so much to do so learning to multi-multi-task is essential!

I don’t care about what people think

Motherhood is filled with judgemental opinions and comments – it seems everyone has an opinion they feel the need to force down your throat. I think this has given me good practice in not-caring what people think. I am doing things my way and how it suits our family and thats final. I welcome opinions but doesn’t mean I’ll accept them all!

I care less about what I look like

Before Violet I didn’t even pop to the shops without a full face of make-up. I straightened my hair every day and always had painted nails. Now? Not so much, I’m happy with a quick 2 minute splash of make-up (or nothing) and my hair in a Mum-bun. It’s not that I don’t have time for it, I probably do but I’d rather spend that time playing with Violet. I still do enjoy putting on a full-face sometimes and when I do I feel extra pampered and special too!

A smile can bring so much joy

Being a mum has taught me that the little things in life are where you find the most joy – beforehand I was seeking big things and always ended up being disappointed. But now, just a single smile or an afternoon with Violet on her playmat singing songs and clapping along. Motherhood teaches you a lot about living in the moment and appreciating the little things as babies change and grow up SO quickly.

Party girl I am not

The other day I drove through Brighton at 10pm on a Friday night, I saw hoards of girls in short skirts queuing for a bar, shivering and huddling together as obviously you would NEVER take a jacket. I’m not that girl anymore – bring me my Pj’s, crochet and a bar of chocolate and that is my PERFECT Friday night, plus there is no hangover either. Win win!

I am fulfilled

This one is hard to put into words, but I feel like Violet was the missing puzzle piece of my life I’d been looking for for so long. I feel complete with her by my side and my heart is so full of love for her in a way I can never describe. Being a mother is just everything I dreamed of and more and I can’t wait to see what is in store for us over the years.

And in case you were wondering…. this is the picture from 7 years ago (I think I prefer the first picture more 🙂 )

How do you think Motherhood changed you as a person?