I am a very independent person. I don’t like relying on people to do something for me. To be honest, I have been let down so many times in my life that it is just easier to do things for myself. With that being said, motherhood has taught me that we can’t do it alone. We need help, and we need support.
I am 5 years into motherhood and just welcomed my third child. I have needed my tribe more than ever the last 6-7 months and that has been hard for me. I am not one that lets my kids go with just anyone. I actually rarely let anyone watch them, and they have only ever slept at my grandmother’s house. I don’t consider myself a helicopter mom, but I just like my babies with me. My anxieties and fears have hindered me from letting others in. It is not that I don’t trust others, but I know how quick my kids are and how things can happen in a blink of an eye.
When I was 16 weeks pregnant with number three, I started having stabbing pain in my right side. I ended up having to get my appendix removed and spent a few days in the hospital. It was scary and I missed my kids, but luckily we had our tribe. They rallied around us and made sure our kids were taken care of. That has happened 3 more times since then. My pregnancy wasn’t easy and I had to rely on others. I just couldn’t do it alone anymore. Most recently, our sweet 7 week old was hospitalized because she had a fever and we didn’t know the cause. So many of our nearest and dearest reached out. Not only did they reach out, but they insisted on helping. Our big kids were loved on beyond belief, and I am pretty sure they want us to leave for a couple days again so they can loved on by others some more.
So Mamas, please let others in. Your tribe wants to be there. They want to be able to love you and your family and help you navigate life. Letting others help looks different for everyone, but don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
I was forced into letting others in, but I am glad that I have been able to trust others during difficult times. I can’t keep my kids in my bubble forever; they will grow up and be forced with making decisions on their own. They will grow up and have their own children, and I pray that I can raise them to trust their people, to let others in, and to accept help when needed. These experiences have not only taught me life lessons, they are teaching my littles life lessons as well and for that, I am eternally grateful.
