The Goal of Motherhood.

I haven't really thought about my education recently.

When I graduated, I was pregnant with Sloane and I knew that I wouldn't be returning for some time.

I struggled with that realization because I really enjoyed school. I loved my major and I loved learning.

I have now realized that there was so much more to learn from Motherhood, but I still don't feel like my education was a "waste". I actually hate when people say things like that.

Getting an education is NEVER a waste. There is value in being educated.

Having two daughters, I know that the conversation about education and motherhood will eventually come up. Honestly, I'm nervous for the topic. While being a mom is the greatest joy I think I will ever know, I still feel extremely blessed that I was able to go to school and graduate.

Today I read an article by Heather Hale that really summed up my feelings on the subject.

I wanted to record my favorite part for the day when this topic comes up.

"Motherhood is the most noble, challenging and intellectually stimulating profession on the planet. Mothers have to be a teacher, counselor, mediator, organizer, financial planner and judge all the time, every day. It takes planning and creativity to manage a household, and it takes patience and perseverance to raise the next generation.

What I learned in school went far beyond what I learned in class. Participating in study groups helped me learn to teach and counsel with others. Juggling classes and my job and a husband taught me how to organize and manage my finances. My classes pushed me intellectually, which expanded my creativity and forced me to plan my time wisely. Beyond everything else, working four years toward a single goal taught me patience and perseverance which, hopefully, prepared me in my quest to raise the next generation.

...I chose to go to college, knowing full well that I wanted to stay home with my children, because I understood that motherhood was going to be hard. Raising children is hard, whether or not you choose to stay home, and it is going to take every ounce of wisdom and perseverance you can muster. If you have the chance to pursue higher education, take it.

If college is not an option for you, read all you can, stay up to date with current events, pick up a newspaper, and seek information that will help you grow intellectually. Your children need you to be the very best you that you can be, because you will be the entire world to them. You have within you the power to inspire them to be the best they can be. And isn't that the goal of motherhood?" http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=24774499&nid=1009&title=a-case-for-educated-stay-at-home-moms&fm=home_page&s_cid=featured-5"

I really do believe that my education plays a part in how I parent. The pressure of motherhood can be so overwhelming at times. There are quite a few times during the week where I draw energy just from the experiences I had while in school. Remembering the stress of finals week, the very week before I had Holynd, has really helped me through some overwhelming days.

But more then that, receiving my degree was something I really really wanted just for myself. I want my girls to know that you don't have to choose one or the other. You just have to figure out how to make it work and then make it happen. It might be a really slow process, stressful at times, but if education is something you are passionate about then go for it. It's never a waste.