Applicant #4: Jessica Cadriel
Verity Mom TeamJessica Cadriel is a mom from Bellevue.
My video application:
Find me online:
A bit about me:
My name is Jessica and I'm a wife, mother of two, daughter, sister, friend, and so much more. I get the privilege of staying at home with my kids because of our family's amazing support system- I could not do this motherhood thing alone.
I often equate motherhood to the book, "5 Minutes Peace," by Jill Murphy. Do you remember that book? Mama elephant, who is seeking a little peace and quiet, is followed around to every room in her house, by her three baby elephants who want to show her tricks, sing her songs, and need everything under the sun. They end up getting in the bath with her and taking over the solitude she was hoping for, and at the end of the book, she is able to escape for a solid 3 minutes and 45 seconds of alone time before the trail of elephants follow her back downstairs.
Well folks, this is the story of my life- and probably every other moms life as well. I am finding that taking time to discover what energizes and refreshes me, and giving myself permission to do those things, helps me be a better mom. I have a passion for expressing my thoughts and creativity through writing and blogging, and have found that that is my "5 Minutes Peace."
Though there are mothers out there left and right, motherhood can be an isolating experience, so I believe it's crucial that moms encourage, love, support, and share life with one another any way they can- and that is why I'd love to be the next "Verity Mom."
My blog post:
My world forever changed on July 24, 2007. Never had I felt as much love, affection, joy, excitement, fear, and responsibility as I have that day- the day my journey of motherhood began. 2 1/2 years later, on February 6, 2010, all of those emotions and fears were revisited again, as we welcomed baby number 2 into our lives.
The most beautiful and challenging thing I've learned through this crazy adventure of motherhood, is that my life really is not my own. The entire purpose of living shifts. Motherhood strips you of selfishness, teaches you how to be patient and kind, and shows you that there is a so much beauty about this world and humanity that is to be admired and sought after.
I was 20 when I got married, and 22 when I had my daughter. I realize now, how young I really was, but there is nothing like marriage and motherhood that forces you to grow up. Marriage, and especially motherhood, broke me, and have beautifully required me to put the pieces back together. Only now, I'm a different me, a better me, far from perfect, not put together impeccably by any means, but more whole, and more well-rounded than ever. Without motherhood, my life would not be as rich, and full of depth.
Even though I can't take showers alone, sleep in, eat a meal without my food being picked at, make plans on a whim, or get out the door in less than, what seems like, a million hours, those huge shifts pale in comparison to the beauty I've found through my life not being about me. I appreciate the simple in life far more, I cherish those I love more deeply, I understand the value and need for family and community more than ever, I've learned the importance of mothers encouraging one another, and I've discovered my nitch of expression and creativity.
I am a work in progress, an unfinished piece of art, but I kind of like it that way. I want to keep changing, evolving, and growing. There is nothing like motherhood to make sure that happens. Being a mother is the hardest work I've ever done, and there have been days where I say to myself, "What did I sign up for?" But mostly, I look at my kids, and think of how my life wouldn't be what it is without them, and how I wouldn't be me, without them. Those moments make this thing called motherhood, so worthwhile.
Jessica
Reader Comments (1)
Jessica - how right you are that our purpose is outside of ourselves. Though I don't have children yet, I can see how that would guide us closer to being who we are meant to be - because we'd have the best reason to do so. Thank you for sharing!