Seasons of Giving and Receiving

Photo: @audreyblake_

Seasons of Giving and Receiving

As women, we are natural-born givers. It is engrained in our being to give to and do for others. When we enter the season of motherhood, this is amplified even more as we have a tiny life that depends on us for so long. We pour into them each and every day: caring, loving, teaching, and comforting. We go to bed at night exhausted from giving until our own cup is empty.

If there is one thing I have learned so far in this journey of life, it is that there are seasons of giving and receiving. I want to share this because I know that there are so many mothers out there who need to hear that it is OK to accept help and to be in a season of giving.

As mothers, we often feel like we have to do it all—and in many ways our culture facilitates this myth. We see our friends on social media “doing it all” and we see celebrities losing all of their baby weight in the snap of a finger. We think that we should be able to do that, too.

It’s so important for us to remember that no one has it all, and certainly no one has it easy. We may see moments on Facebook or Instagram in which our friends are at their best. We don’t see their struggles and their tears—and trust me, we all have them!

One of the most crucial times that we need to be able to accept help from our friends and loved ones is when we welcome a new baby or child into the family. Whether that is by adoption, birth, or fostering, the transition is a huge one! We come home and our lives are turned upside down in a moment; and no matter how long we’ve had to prepare, we are never fully ready for what comes along with parenthood.

So, if you are going through one of these big transitions, I encourage you to accept help from your husband, your family, and your friends. You are not a failure if you take a break for yourself and let others help you out. We all need a break at some point! You must first fill up your own cup before pouring into others. And remember, you will once again return to a season of giving that you find comfort in.

“Motherhood has taught me the meaning of living in the moment and being at peace. Children don't think about yesterday, and they don't think about tomorrow. They just exist in the moment.”

– Actress Jessalyn Gilsig

As a mother, you will have plenty of time to give of yourself. Live in the moment of accepting help graciously and without making excuses to yourself or others. Moments in motherhood will pass far too quickly, after all. As always, we are here to be of support to you. Please contact us anytime Care@theollieworld.com.