Connect What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

It is hard to put the most rewarding part of being a mother into words because this role is the most meaningful experience of my life. As a maternal therapist, I work with women through this dramatic shift in identity when becoming a mother. It’s impossible to deny that it’s often challenging, and tests us in all ways, but it is truly my life’s purpose. Watching my children grow with courage, compassion, and a smile on their faces is priceless.

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

Motherhood has taught me compassion and patience, along with working through mistakes. I don’t pretend to be a perfect parent, but we maintain an open and honest dialogue in our home. Sometimes I catch myself rushing and my children will point out a butterfly or a new flower on a plant, and it’s little moments like that that remind me what matters in life. I am grateful that my children remind me to slow down and to be present.

What would you do with $20,000?

I would invest the $20,000 into my dream directly related to motherhood, and my work as a perinatal mental health counselor. I have a goal to one day go to Europe to research and interview maternal healthcare providers and mothers in countries that offer more systemic support for postpartum. I have yet to decide in what format I would share my findings (blog, book, or documentary), but I’m hoping it could open more dialogue and advocate ways to better support mothers in the US.