Motherhood is the biggest gamble in the world. It’s huge and scary it is an act of infinite optimism. one of the biggest life changes a woman can experience. It’s nothing like I’ve experienced before. while the lessons are endless. here are five lessons I learned from my 11 months of being a mom .

1. BE THANKFUL

Many people think that human reproduction is a much more efficient process than it is and I was one of them. Growing up in Africa, I feel like the expectation is that you’re just naturally super fertile. 😂 So I never really worried about the possibility of having trouble conceiving. While I’m happy to say I didn’t have trouble doing so. During my pregnancy, I quickly became aware of just how hard some women have it when it comes to conceiving or even carrying a full-term pregnancy. Getting pregnant can be harder than we think. I was super lucky. I had an easy pregnancy, I gave birth to a healthy baby and for that, I’m forever thankful.

2. TIME IS ALL YOU HAVE

In today’s society, we are all too consumed by technology. We are constantly on our phones. From checking our social media accounts to online shopping. We are spending a lot of time on our phones. After my daughter was born, I knew I wanted to practice mindful parenting. A state of active, open attention on the present… Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to experience. so every day I make a conscious effort to not only be physically present but live in the moment.

3. NO PARENTING BOOKS WILL PREPARE YOU FOR WHAT IS COMING

So, parenting books. Everyone expecting a baby reads them but in the end there are a lot of things they just can't prepare you for. While I did learn a lot and will recommend others to do research and invest in a book or two. Parenting books will not prepare you when the time comes. So learn as you go, seek the advice of others who have been there, and be confident that you’ll always figure it out.

4. IT’S OK TO ASK FOR HELP

I am an introvert, when I am feeling down, chances are that I won’t ask for help. I don’t like to burden others with my problems. I will admit that part of my postpartum depression was due to my inability to ask for help. The more I felt like I didn’t need help the more depressed I became. It is ok to ask and seek help. Family and friends are there to help, but you have to do the first step and ask for it.

5. HAVE EMPATHY TOWARD OTHER MOMS

Motherhood is a hard job, and none of us knew what we were signing up for. check on moms in your circle. Especially the first time one, text or call them, and do so regularly. Ask her how you can help and let her know you’re happy to watch the baby.

If you are a mom What motherhood life lessons have you learned so far? please share them in the comment section below?