The Gift of Motherhood: A Celebration of Joy, Love, and Gratitude

Raised in India, I was unaware of the existence of Mother's Day, a celebration honoring mothers. Later, when I relocated to the USA, I initially perceived Mother's Day as a commercialized event, orchestrated by Hallmark, rather than a heartfelt celebration of mothers and motherhood. Years later, I've come to appreciate the beauty and significance of dedicating a special day to celebrate mothers. Motherhood is a sacred journey, where the very souls we nurture and guide, become the mirrors that reflect our own untapped potential. As we guide them on their journey, they, in turn, illuminate the paths we need to take, to become wiser, stronger, and more compassionate individuals.

I feel blessed to be a part of my children - Kavya and Dhiya's lives. Amidst the chaos of everyday life, filled with arguments, embraces, and tears, we've learned to cherish and love each other as a family in a beautifully imperfect way. As a mother, I've discovered that every day is a new adventure, full of surprises and unpredictable moments that make life a thrilling ride.

Ten Life Lessons My Children Taught Me:

1. Patience is a virtue - and I've learned to embrace it wholeheartedly.
2. The smallest moments matter the most - like playful moments, silly dances, quiet conversations, inside jokes, and making memories on ordinary days.
3. Flexibility is key - even if it means a cozy family sleepover in Mommy's bed.
4. Nobody's perfect, not even Mommy - and that's okay! Asking for help takes courage and strength.
5. Listen with your heart - because maternal instincts are powerful and accurate.
6. See eye-to-eye with your child - their ideas and logic might just surprise you.
7. Size doesn't matter - love knows no bounds, and a child's hug or kiss can fill a heart of any size.
8. Trust is a precious gift - and my children have taught me that a promise kept or broken can make all the difference.
9. The love and trust my children have in me is a treasure I cherish deeply.
10. Kavya Kowtha , my older one, taught me to celebrate life by taking breaks, reflecting, and enjoying small things - a valuable lesson in finding joy and staying alive.
11. Dhiya, my little one, keeps me grounded, reminding me to embrace my imperfections, ask questions, and disrupt the status quo - I admire her carefree attitude towards life and strive to be more like her, unapologetically myself!

The greatest gift of motherhood is not just the joy of watching our children bloom, but also the opportunity to confront and overcome our own limitations. As we guide them on their journey, they, in turn, illuminate the paths we need to take, to become wiser, stronger, and more compassionate individuals.

As I reflect on my journey as a mother, I realize that the most precious gift I can give my children is not a perfect life, but an authentic one. A life where we embrace our imperfections, learn from our mistakes and grow together. . And as I look at Kavya and Dhiya, I know that they are not just my children, but my teachers, my friends, and my inspiration. And for that, I am eternally grateful.