There Are No Trophies

I have a strong sense that I use to be unhappy because I believed I shouldn’t have to take a front row seat to discomfort or pain.

I was offended by the idea that I may hurt, struggle, or even suffer in this life. I use to view women who leaned into suffering as uppity; seeking a participation trophy that doesn’t exist.

Now that I’m facing an imminent childbirth, an uncertain motherhood and some new sets of challenges, shifts and role changes I assure you, a trophy is not what I have my sights on.

I simply don’t want to take a backseat to any part of this life, no matter how rough, magical, difficult, or wonderful any of it may be.

When it comes to childbirth, I don’t want a pain-free experience.

I don’t want it to be easy.

It’s just important to me that it be real.