A New Identity

Motherhood, often described as a transformative experience, involves profound personal changes. It requires adapting to a new identity while balancing existing passions and responsibilities.

Once, a friend told me that motherhood is the greatest sacrifice.It’s sacrificing who you were to become someone new.

Creative pursuits

Before embracing motherhood,many women dedicate themselves to creative endeavors. These pursuits can range from artistic projects to professional achievements, shaping their sense of self and purpose.

• creative projects included magazines.
• Festivals.
• Art exhibitions.
• Galleries.

During this phase,the sacrifices of mothers may not be fully appreciated,as personal ambitions take precedence.

Sacrifices didn’t appear meaningful to a selfish twentysomething focused on keeping my art and creativity relevant.

The concept of sacrifice remained abstract.

unexpected Challenges

Pregnancy can bring unforeseen health challenges, altering expectations and priorities. Regular medical monitoring becomes essential,highlighting the vulnerability of both mother and child.

Multiple hospital stays due to gestational high blood pressure and hospital visits twice a week to monitor the baby’s health became necessary.

Initially, there was a belief that nothing would change with a baby. This naivete soon gave way to a deeper understanding of the sacrifices involved.

A New Creation

The arrival of a child marks a significant shift, frequently enough leading to a re-evaluation of priorities. Creative passions may take a backseat as the focus turns to nurturing and raising the new baby.

A baby girl was named after a song that tenor saxophonist John Coltrane created for his wife.

Art was sacrificed to focus on the greatest creation.

balancing Act

Returning to work after maternity leave can be a struggle, as mothers attempt to balance their careers with childcare responsibilities. The desire to reclaim their former selves frequently enough clashes with the demands of motherhood.

A 2-year work-from-home stint involved:

• Performing tarot readings with clients.
• Launching a Patreon.
• Curating multi-day performances for a stage during an NCAA tournament.
• Attempting to revive a Black artists-focused magazine, FAF Collective.

chasing free time and the old feeling of being untethered proved challenging.

An inner critic, later named mom guilt, constantly highlighted what wasn’t being done.

Learning to focus on current gifts and dropping some responsibilities became essential.

A Different Perspective

Years into motherhood, priorities shift, and a new perspective emerges. While creativity remains important, it is balanced with the understanding that not everything can be done simultaneously.

Creativity was never abandoned, but the ability to do everything diminished.

Prioritization and letting go became necessary.

The child became the first priority.

The Ultimate Juggling Act

Motherhood is a continuous balancing act,requiring flexibility and adaptability. It is a journey of sacrifice and growth, where priorities evolve, and new perspectives emerge.

Life doesn’t stop when you become a parent, but it is the ultimate sacrifice. You’ve got to learn to juggle.