Growing Into Parenthood One Lesson at a Time
Becoming a parent is beautiful—but let’s be honest, it’s also overwhelming, exhausting, and life-changing in every imaginable way. Looking back, there are so many things I wish I had known—not just about diapers and sleep schedules, but about how much parenting would shape my mindset, my patience, and how I show up in the world.
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There’s no such thing as “your time” anymore—not in the early days. The baby eats when they want, sleeps when they want, and cries when they want. Learning to let go of the clock and lean into their rhythm is hard, but it taught me to slow down, be present, and stop rushing life.
There’s no break. Especially in the beginning, it’s constant—cluster feeding, growth spurts, and those nights where you're up every 45 minutes. I didn’t know how emotionally and physically demanding it would be. But I also didn’t know how powerful it would feel to be my baby’s entire world.
You’re not born with endless patience. It comes from being tested every single day. The spilled cereal, the tantrums, the million “why?” questions. And somehow, you breathe through it and keep showing up. Over time, you realize—you’ve grown.
I used to stress so much about dishes and laundry. But now? I sit on the floor and build block towers or cuddle on the couch. Mindful parenting means choosing presence over perfection.
Am I doing this right? Did I respond with enough kindness? Should I have handled bedtime differently? These questions don’t mean you’re failing—they mean you’re aware, and you’re learning. Self-reflection is part of mindful motherhood.
It’s the little things. The way their hair grows a little bit everyday. How their hand wraps around your finger. Parenting taught me to notice details in the everyday—to pause and really see.
There’s nothing selfish about needing a moment to yourself. When you’re constantly holding, feeding, soothing, and being climbed on, it’s okay to feel drained. What matters is how gently you treat yourself in those moments.
They reflect your moods, your reactions, your habits. Parenting forces you to grow emotionally, because you're teaching by example—whether you mean to or not. It’s hard, but it's a gift in disguise.
Forget bouncing back. Your body, your routines, your priorities—they all shift. And while that can feel like loss, it’s also an invitation to build something new. Something softer, slower, and more meaningful.
Everyone says this, and it’s still true. Yes, the days drag. Yes, you’ll cry in the laundry room. But you’ll also laugh until you can’t breathe, feel your heart burst with pride, and grow in ways you never imagined.
If you’re expecting, in the thick of it, or even long past diapers—know this: You are not alone. The chaos, the joy, the doubts, and the peace—it’s all part of the ride. Give yourself grace. Be kind to your mind. And keep showing up, even when it’s hard. Because that’s what real love looks like.
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Hi, I’m Mary Ellen, the creator of the YouTube channel "Life is Messy but I'm Learning as I Grow." I’m thrilled you’re here, joining me on this journey of discovery and creativity! As a mother of two, married to my high school sweetheart, and with a career background in childcare, my life is wonderfully busy and, yes, a little messy—but that's part of the fun.
On this site, I share my favorite things: plant-based cooking, crafting and DIY projects, family-friendly travel tips, gardening advice, and the occasional antics of my two adorable cats. I'm always eager to learn something new and love sharing my discoveries with anyone who will listen—so I’m glad you’re here to listen!
Whether you're looking for inspiration, practical tips, or just a place to connect, I hope you'll find something here that sparks joy and encourages you to learn and grow along with me.