Diary of a supermum: Motherhood bliss

Being a full time mother can be a fulfilling experience. Read on to know why

By Suneeta rao

It is very likely, that after experiencing the freedom of being single, or in cases like mine, the dizzying heights of showbiz, the everydayness and ‘ordinariness’ of life as a Mum can be terrifying. Even depressing at times. But the moment you realise that this is probably the most extraordinary time in your life – that you have created a new being – and have the chance to watch the growth, laughter, tears, tantrums and sparks of genius that burst forth from this little person, all feelings of inadequacy or despair vanish into thin air. You feel whole, you feel important, and most of all, you feel like LIVING.

But in addition to this, if you can respect all the choices you have made in the past, and if you can convince yourself completely and honestly, that you did what you had to do at the time, and it was the best thing to do, then nothing or no one else can make you feel like you have wasted your time. You can then look forward to the future and be happy. Otherwise, you will be consumed with regret – which is the most pointless emotion of all. And don’t let it bother you if anyone says, “Oh, you’re a mother, er – what else do you do?” Say it proudly that you are a full time mother. Without a hint of shyness, shame, or embarrassment. I know I myself have said in the past that it is cool to be a working Mum. But if you are not, it is equally cool, if not more!

And the rewards are plenty. At school today, the teacher told me that Maya asked to go to the bathroom, even though she had her pamper on! I was overjoyed. She doesn’t even do this at home!  I think she is on her way to being potty trained at last. This has been the most stressful thing about motherhood so far. At music class, when I had finished putting on Maya’s shoes and was putting on mine, she asked, “Mama, can I help you?” And she did. Slowly and meticulously, she put the strap of my sandal on. Just when I start wondering whether I am doing the right thing as a mother, she does something to reaffirm my faith in myself. On our way home from her school, she was daydreaming in her car seat, and she said softly, “Yes, mama?”, when I called out her name. She is two years old, for God’s sake! I must be doing something right. Or am I taking credit where it isn’t due?

I continue to be baffled by her maturity and sensitivity. The ways she holds her grandfather’s hand and leads him to his chair, the way she asks me,” Mama, What are you thinking?” when I zone out for a few seconds, and the way she always point out the smallest of injuries or marks on someone’s skin and says, “You got ‘Awwa’ there, can I kiss it better?”(Awwa meaning hurt), I can see that she feels other people’s pain and understands and cares in a way that is beyond her years. There is a lesson in there for all of us. Again.