I started Letters from Motherhood in its first form (Letters to All of Us) years ago as I struggled through new motherhood and finding community. I was sitting with the feeling that motherhood was consuming not only my life, but my mind—all of my thoughts and emotions surrounded these little people I was tasked with caring with each day. Where was I? And who was I now? I needed to know.
Social media brings us constant images of perfection: perfect houses, perfect meals, perfect kids, perfect parents who know the perfect things to say all the time. But perfection is bullshit. Real life is messy. I am messy. I also fail a lot.
Letters to All of Us eventually failed. I struggled to connect to the project in the way that I intended and I couldn’t figure out why. In time, I understood that through those letters, I was trying to minimize the biggest part of me: my motherhood. I had internalized the voices who say writing about motherhood is frivolous and silly and insignificant. That if I want to be successful, being a mom is something to hide.
What I’m learning is that motherhood is a complete story. Though I have 30 other identities, all of which are deeply me, this part is pure, chaotic, complex, layered love.
Letters to Motherhood was born. And now, as I grow deeper and more comfortable in my role as a mother, I write From Motherhood instead of To it.
Vulnerability is often seen as a weakness, a detriment to ones’ personality, but I now know it to be my greatest gift. How we live in the trenches not only makes us who we are, it’s also what connects us to others. Real, raw human connection is what I strive to create when I write.
I might fail again. I expect to. But as my kids have taught me, everybody falls. Life is what happens when you get back up.
What you can expect
A letter per week on whatever is resonant with me at the moment—culture, identity, grappling with the human condition. Included will be links to interesting things to read around the internet and the children’s books we’re reading at home.
All posts are free.
If you do choose to support me as a paid subscriber, 100% of the proceeds will be matched and donated to benefit a worthy cause (currently Everytown & Moms Demand Action). I’m excited about the changes we can foster with our impact.
If you’re a longtime reader, I’m so grateful for your support and for sticking by me through my failures and missteps. It means so much.
If you’re new, I’m glad you’re here. I look forward to knowing you.
In the meantime, please share!