1. The relief I felt was short-lived.
It happened early on when I still don’t have the words to describe what it is. All I know is that one day as a kid, I looked at myself in the mirror and felt good, and the next day all I saw was something that “needed to be fixed.” only.
2. Sometimes it’s really, really, really uncomfortable.
Both physically and mentally. Back pain, cramps, migraines, extreme mood swings, bloating, I swear guys can’t handle it.
3. No matter how hard I try, this damn hair tie always disappears.
I’m officially giving up. I consider all my missing hair ties to be an offering to the Goddess of the Universe! lol.
4. Balancing work, raising children, maintaining a home, and living your own life can be a real challenge.
I struggle every day, sigh.
5. That the fears I had about being a “bad” mother were more common than I thought.
I delayed having children because I was worried that the hands-off parenting style I received as a child would resonate within me. I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to deal with small children. It turns out I was wrong, because motherhood has been a source of unexpected joy.
One last bonus item…
…This is what I’ve learned over the last few years. When you’re having a conversation with another woman, it’s very helpful to say, “Do you want me to listen to you? Or do you want me to help you find a solution?” Sometimes you want someone to listen to you during the process, and it helps to set that expectation early on.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
