the journey to hiraeth

Introduction:

Becoming a mother has been an incredible journey filled with countless precious moments that I hold close to my heart. From the first time I held my son in my arms to his first deep belly laughs, these are the memories that define the essence of motherhood. Yet, as I’ve navigated this beautiful adventure, I’ve discovered a curious instinct within me – the desire to keep some of these moments to myself and my small circle. It’s because I feel some things are just too good to share.

The Fear of Diminishing the Magic:

Parenthood is a whirlwind of emotions and experiences, each one as unique as the child we’re raising. Amidst the joy, there’s also the fear that sharing these special moments might somehow diminish their magic. It’s as if the more people who witness them, the less extraordinary they become.

Imagine your child taking their first steps. For me, it is a heart-stopping moment. The little hands that once clung to mine will some day be taking brave, unsteady steps into the world. But what if, by sharing this moment, I opened it up to scrutiny or belittlement? What if someone compared it to another child’s milestone and inadvertently took away from the magic of my son’s achievement?

The Power of a Small Circle:

As parents, we often feel compelled to document and share every milestone on social media, inviting applause and admiration from our virtual communities. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with this, I’ve come to appreciate the power of a small, intimate circle. These are the people who have walked alongside us in this parenting journey, who have seen us at our best and worst, and who truly understand the significance of these moments.

Sharing with a select few ensures that the magic remains intact. There’s no need to filter or put on a show for them. They appreciate the raw, unfiltered beauty of our child’s growth. They understand the trials and tribulations that led to that moment, making the celebration even more profound.

Protecting the Innocence:

Another reason why I’ve chosen to keep some moments close to my heart is the desire to protect my son’s innocence. In this age of technology and oversharing, it’s easy for children to grow up too quickly, exposed to the opinions and judgments of the world. By preserving certain memories within our family circle, we shield our children from unnecessary external pressures, allowing them to savor their childhood without the weight of public scrutiny.

Conclusion:

Becoming a mom has taught me that not every precious moment needs to be broadcasted to the world. Some memories are like delicate flowers, meant to be cherished within the confines of our own hearts and shared only with those who truly understand their significance. In a world where sharing is often synonymous with validation, remember that there’s immense power in keeping certain moments sacred, allowing them to retain their pure, unfiltered magic.