Motherhood isn’t the only thing about me.

Sure, it’s what I always wanted. What I longed for. And prayed for. And it’s the hardest, most important job I’ve ever had. But…

It’s not the only thing about me. It’s not the only thing I’ll ever do. It’s not the WHOLE of my story.

I used to think it would be. That it should be, even. And for the longest time, I very much wanted "motherhood" to be my whole identity.

But I’m realizing now as my kids grow up into the unique people they are meant to be, they also grow a little bit AWAY from me. I’m not their center but orbiting somewhere in the periphery. And that’s okay. That’s where I’m SUPPOSED to be.

I’m not supposed to be the most important thing to my children. And my motherhood isn’t the only thing about me.

This realization is perhaps the best gift I can give my children, really, because it takes the pressure off. They are free to grow and change and become without worrying about my emotions. "What about mom? Won’t she be sad? What will she do without us? Who is she if not our mother???"

I don’t want to force them to hang on. Or look back. Too afraid to step bravely out into the world for fear of leaving me behind. Because they WILL in many ways leave me behind. And I don’t want to burden them with guilt…over simply growing up.

So, yes. I let motherhood be a very important thing. Perhaps the biggest part of my life right now.

But I also love other things. I love to write, and my next book releases this Fall. I read a lot. I maintain my medical license as a family practice doctor so I can return to clinic if and when the opportunity arises. I go to writers’ conferences and take girls’ trips and at least once a week my kids find me deep in conversation on the phone with a friend. I have Netflix shows I like to watch and food I make just for me and every Monday morning I meet up for a walk with two beloved friends from the neighborhood.

I am a mother.

And I am ME.

It's true, motherhood IS very important. It’s probably my very favorite thing!

But it’s not the only thing about me.