Sunday, February 1, 2009

Lessons Along the Way…

On Thursday I arrived a tad late to my prenatal yoga class (I call it "big belly yoga" :). For those of you familiar with yoga, but maybe not the "big belly" flavor, at the beginning of our classes we introduce ourselves to the other Yoga Mammas, share how far along we are, and anything that you'd like to share (sometimes it is like highs and lows!) Our teacher also asked us to share any "mommy wisdom" that we have learned along the way, or that someone had shared with us. And since I arrived late, naturally she started with me! (I hate being late and certainly wasn’t feeling very wise!) I told the group my name, that I'm 31 weeks along and that I didn't have any wisdom to share.

As I listened to the the Yoga Mommas share their wisdom -- some things they learned the hard way, and other wisdom that they were trying to embrace -- I realized that in the past 31 weeks I have learned so much about what it means to take care of myself, our marriage and this new little one...and I have SO MUCH MORE to learn!

So even though I don't feel like any of this is "wisdom," here are just a few of the many things I have learned along the way as we get ready to welcome Baby Remington:

  • It is possible to love someone you've never laid eyes on.
  • Changing your course -- even when unexpected-- can be an important part of the journey.
  • The generosity, love and support of my friends and family continues to amaze me.
  • I should consider doing PR for big belly yoga -- I love it so much!
  • Removing stress -- even little ways -- can have a profound and positive impact on my life.
  • First, choose a doctor you trust, and then trust their advice. (And another specific lesson on this topic: if your doctor tells you medicine is safe during pregnancy, and that you need it...take it!)
  • No one's pregnancy or birth will be the same. (Related lesson: Avoid other people's horror stories about birth experiences.)
  • In birth and parenting, prepare yourself for a positive outcome and be open to what happens on the way.
  • Other friends that are also pregnant (or are recent Mommas) are an awesome resource.
  • Being thankful is one important and very powerful way to feel great. I’m so very thankful for Jeremy and for Baby Remington! :)

Again, these are just a few of my little lessons I’ve learned recently. I'd love to hear some of your wisdom for your own life (not necessarily pregnancy or parenting related!) and what you've learned along your our journey.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Trust your own instincts. More often than not, you're right, and when they're not, there's a really good reason or lesson to be learned.

That's all I got. I sure do miss you guys. I need to get down there soon! :)

Anne Gentle said...

Totally, totally agree that changing your course can work so unexpectedly well.

I'd also say I've learned to trust my husband even more deeply and really listen to his perspective. I think that when my instinct is a little off, or I don't quite trust myself and I'm not sure why not, his ideas are closest to the right target.

And one more - wow, we have been buying lots of Lego sets lately, and we haven't had a single one with any missing pieces! How do they DO that? :)

Katie said...

You're right about staying away from other people's horror stories. For reals. That reminds me, did I ever tell you the one about my hemerroid? Ha.

Isn't it amazing the love you feel for that baby before you even meet him? And, nothing can prepare you for the most intense love you will feel when you lay eyes on him. Awesome. I'm giddily excited for you.

Jenny said...

Ahh...so many good lessons! :)