The most rewarding part of being a mom is the privilege of shaping my daughter while she’s shaping me too. Parenting starts with what we do for our children, but along the way they illuminate parts of us long left untouched. It’s a journey that resembles a rollercoaster, scary, humbling, and full of love. You hold their tiny hand, take the leaps, and even through doubt, keep moving forward until one day you look back in awe of who you’ve both become and and all you’ve accomplished.

Motherhood has taught me that love, patience, and intention will always take you further than force or fear. That it’s in the smallest moments where the biggest impact is made, and that life isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress. Some days feel light, others like a muddy storm, but my daughter reminds me to pause, find joy, and jump in the puddles. Through her, I’m reminded of how much color and beauty there is in this world.

It’s hard to imagine, but first I’d take a deep breath, probably cry, and gather my small village (my sisters and best friends) for a thank you dinner. They’ve carried me through pregnancy, postpartum, divorce, and single motherhood without ever making us feel like a burden. Then, I’d invest in her future by contributing to her college fund and creating a home where she has room to grow, dream, and just be a kid. I’d use this to give her the kind of childhood I’ve always dreamed of.