I was looking through my old photos the other day and found a bunch of my pre-baby and early parenthood self.
They reminded me so much of everything I have gone through in the last few years. Today, I thought that I would share them with you!
Oh wow, this brings back so many memories. This was the last picture I have of myself before I held my son in my arms for the first time. We had finished decorating the nursery and were anxiously waiting for him to arrive. Little did I know at the time that my life would change forever in just one month. I never anticipated loving someone so much while also grieving for the loss of my old self at the same time.
Ah, another one. My son was about 15 months old in this picture. Don’t let the smile fool you. In the short year after he was born, I probably cried more than I ever had in my adult life. I was struggling with the transition of becoming a mom and raising my child with almost no support except for my husband and best friend (I had no mom friends at the time). I had not planned on being a stay-at-home parent, but that’s how life worked out at the time. Honestly, it did not fit me very well and I lost myself in the process. This part of my life was incredibly difficult not only because of all the changes I was encountering, but also for my relationship with my husband. It was around the time this picture was taken that I started going to a therapist who helped me find support outside of my very, very small bubble and I began putting more work into my marriage. I also created a more healthy identity for myself and put more intentional time into self-care.
This is a much more recent photo of my children and myself on a typical day this past year. I have learned so much in just a few short years not only about parenting, but about myself, my limits and boundaries, my need for support, and the importance of the solid foundation of my marriage that my husband and I count on every day for our family.
Wow... it’s amazing how things have changed for me. If someone had told the past me everything I would go through to get to where I am today, I wouldn’t believe it.
I am so grateful for everything that I have gone through… even the failures! Some days were pretty horrible back then and I wouldn’t wish for anyone to experience what I have been through, but my mistakes have made me so much stronger as well.
These photos may seem random to you, but they hold so much significance for me. They remind me of the progress I have made and of how I have grown and learned. Everything I have experienced both personally and vicariously through other couples raising kids together, I have put into The Partnerhood program. Thanks to these struggles, I want to share what I’ve learned so other couples can learn from my mistakes.
Thank you for going down memory lane with me! Here’s to creating many more memories with you.
With gratitude,
Christie Sears Thompson
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
The Partnerhood (www.thepartnerhood.com)
Trade Winds Therapy & Relationship Coaching (www.tradewindstherapy.com)