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I’m a mom to a newborn son.
And if you told me that my life would turn upside
down, I wouldn’t have believed you.
s I navigate my new identity,
I’ve leaned on anchors that
were created way before my
transformation.
I’ve heard all the sayings
about the ways to prepare
for a baby, but honestly nothing can truly
prepare you until you’re in the thick of it, just
trying to survive.
And I am in the thick of it. Especially during this
first year. I now understand why first birthday
parties are so celebrated not only because
it’s a major milestone in a baby’s growth
but a parent’s one too. It’s the wildest, most
immersive university without any textbooks.
Navigating Emotional Shifts
Surprisingly, the postpartum period was more
manageable than I anticipated. The lack of
sleep, which everyone warns about, turned
out to be the easiest part for me. It catches up
with you, of course, but I found a strange sense
of calm in those early weeks—just being, not
rushing, not needing to be anywhere.
One of the more challenging aspects I
found about parenthood was the change in
relationships. Everything changed. I wasn’t just
a daughter anymore – I was now a mother,
needing to follow my own instincts. My
relationship with my husband evolved as we
navigated new priorities and changing roles.
And perhaps most profoundly, my relationship
with myself changed.
Remembering Who I Was
Before my son was born, I felt grounded in
who I was. I had a morning ritual that was slow,
intentional and nourishing. I’d prepare matcha
– sifting the powder, whisking it slowly, and
sipping the cup in quiet reflection. It allowed
RITUAL
The Power of