MOTHERHOOD, UNFILTERED: The Many Roles Women Play

By Nondi Beattie

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How do we do it all?

How do we navigate the complexities of life all while being given the divine task of raising, guiding and nurturing another soul unconditionally?

Motherhood is often seen as pure sacrificial love, when in reality it holds far more depth. It’s an intricate experience - physically, emotionally, relationally and socially woven into the most transformative journey a woman can experience.

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Strength in Every Form

From pregnancy and childbirth to the endless demands of childcare, our bodies are physically pushed to their limits. As much as it is exhaustion, aches and sleepless nights, it also serves as a reminder of how resilient our bodies are. Even for those who don’t experience biological motherhood, caregiving itself is physically demanding - holding, soothing, running, lifting. It’s strength in every form.

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Joy, Guilt, and Everything in Between

The emotional weight a mother carries can, by far, be the heaviest. One minute, you’re overwhelmed with love and the next, you’re questioning if you’re doing enough. It’s a constant balancing act of joy, hope, fear, fulfillment and guilt. The highs are euphoric, the lows can feel isolating, and the pressure to get it all “right” is relentless.

However, true emotional wisdom on this journey comes from embracing the messiness, extending grace to every part of yourself and knowing that imperfection isn’t failure. The real success is in you showing up; both for yourself and your children.

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Shifting, Growing, and Finding New Balance

Becoming a mother changes every relationship - starting with the one you have with yourself. Your identity shifts, your priorities change, and suddenly, you’re trying to figure out who you are beyond “mom.”

Partnerships are tested, friendships evolve, and even your relationship with your own mother/caregiver can take on new depth and fresh perspective. Some bonds strengthen, others fade, but one thing is certain: motherhood reshapes how you connect with the world around you.

And as your world spins on the axis of evolution, most times the only thing that grounds you is the inspiration that your children give you. In my experience, motherhood has inspired me to be better than the day before in every sphere of my life.

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Expectation vs. Reality

Society's favourite pastime is painting a picture of what a “good mother” should look like. The pressure and impossible expectations are everywhere, whether it concerns our career choices, parenting styles or our approach to work/life balance. Even so, I have experienced a powerful sense of community among mothers. It truly does take a village to raise a child, and be the best version of ourselves.

Whether it’s exchanging trusted parenting hacks, venting to a friend, hosting playdates, or advocating for better support systems, mothers find strength in each other.

Motherhood was never meant to be a monolith - it’s everything all at once. It’s exhausting and beautiful, challenging yet fulfilling. It’s ever evolving, ever expanding. To answer the question “how do we do it all?”- there’s no perfect way to “do it,” there’s simply a million ways to love.

And that love is what makes the journey extraordinary.

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