finding strength in motherhood + happy international women’s day!

I’m so excited to be partnering with Athleta at Beachwood Place today to celebrate International Women’s Day. A day to recognize badass women all over the world? You know I’m in.

Athleta and Beachwood Place asked me to share a little bit about strength. I’ve spent the last few days thinking about it and at almost 30 years old, I finally have the confidence to say I am a strong woman. And, I’ve come to the conclusion that my kids are the ones who made me realize it. Hear me out…

First of all, nothing in this world has made me feel more empowered than giving birth. I was really lucky to have great deliveries with both kids and the experiences proved to me that women’s bodies are truly amazing (insanely amazing!). A NICU stay, 2 breastfeeding journeys and loooong nights with kids who hate sleep have shown me that I can handle more than I ever thought I could. Not to mention the carrying, bouncing (allll the bouncing), pacing, wearing and rocking that has made me physically stronger. I am tough.

After G was born, I experienced some of the darkest days of my life…days I truly wouldn’t wish on anyone. But even during the worst times, that little girl’s smile made me pick myself up off the floor. It wasn’t that I couldn’t do it before. She just gave me a reason to. During that time, I learned so much about myself, grew mentally, sought the help I needed and am proud to report that this postpartum journey has been a completely different experience. I am resilient. 

Navigating life with kids forced me to prioritize. I realized how important balance (in every sense of the word) is to me and I’ve had to make lifestyle and career choices to achieve that balance. It took me awhile to be more forgiving of myself…understanding that giving up certain things doesn’t equate to failure. I don’t necessarily have to do it all. I am enough.

I can walk through Target with two screaming kids and not forget anything on the list. I can run on approximately 45 minutes of sleep. I can multitask like a boss. I can maintain relationships, a career, a blog and my sanity (sometimes). I can find joy in the chaos. I am tough. I am resilient. I am enough. I am strong. I am a mom. I am a woman. 

I knew my life would change when I became a mom but I never realized how much I would change and learn about myself. I might be wearing sweatpants and a baseball hat most days but I have so much more strength and confidence than I did 3 years ago. Athleta also encouraged me to share my “power pose” and right now, in this stage of life, it’s just me covered in my babies. Motherhood brought out my strength. And for those kids, I truly feel like I could do anything.

Disclosure: This post was written in partnership with Beachwood Place and Athleta.

Photos by Little Bit Perfect