Saturday, November 27, 2010

accomplishments?

I have been thinking a lot lately about my life. I know I am still very young, I still have a lot of life to live, hopefully. But I wonder if I am doing it right. I want to start by saying, I LOVE my life. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful husband, and two beautiful and healthy kids. But living in a place like this, I can't help but feel a little unaccomplished. I got married at 18 (I know, incredibly young. But I wouldn't change it, it was perfect timing for me), so obviously I didn't have many college credits. We were poor, and were trying to make things work, Matt was in school. I took a class here and there at SLCC, but not much, at all. I then had a baby, and we made the decision for me to stay home with Lucas. In order to make that a reality, Matt had to work and go to school full time. We didn't make enough money to pay for any form on childcare, so the idea of me going to school at that time wasn't an option. Finally the time came. It felt good, it made since. So I enrolled in classes and was SO excited. Then, about a week before school started, something didn't seem so right. I felt like I was jumping the gun. So I prayed about it, and felt it was best to cancel my plans to go back to school. I was very disappointed. A few short weeks later, we found out we were expecting our little Ladybug, Lila. It all made since. I was so tired and sick during the pregnancy, I realized I couldn't have done school on top of it. Then, Matt got into the masters program for speech and language pathology. We understood it would be busy, but we had no idea just how busy it would be. And then you add the fact that I am struggling to figure out the whole "mom thing", let alone with two kids, so life seems VERY busy, and stressful all the time. We live in a ward that almost everyone is a student. All the women in the ward go to school, all those that don't, already have a degree, plus they served a mission. I haven't done anything! I look up to these women, not just from what they have accomplished in those aspects. But these women are strong, smart, and incredible; they have testimonies that are so strong, they are great at practicing their religion. They are wonderful homemakers, and great cooks. They know how to budget, grocery shop with the kids (I HATE doing that!), they keep their houses clean, they have time to play with their kids. Do these talents (yes, I consider all of those talents) come from mission or school? I used to think you learn to do these things as time goes by, and as you have more practice. I have been married for almost 5 years, my oldest is 3, I still don't have it down, not even close. A lot of these women have children who are just a year or two older than Lucas. It is not like they have years and years and years of practice that I lack. All of my sisters and sisters in law, have some schooling done, it ranges anywhere from an associates, to hair school, to bachelors, to masters. Me, well I have nothing. I am not complaining about my life. Like I said, I love it! I love staying home with my kids (some days more than others). I truly do believe that being a mom is a calling far more sacred than anything else. But sometimes I feel so unaccomplished. I don't think I would feel this way if I didn't believe that school or missions are important. If I thought that school wasn't for me, then it would be different. But I don't feel that way. I feel like I would be a great student, I enjoyed my one semester at SNOW before I got married, and the few classes I took later on. I think I would enjoy it now. I told a dear friend some of my feelings. She said something that made me feel better. She said 'everything has a season.' As much as I want to do more (not that motherhood isn't enough, but you know what I mean) it isn't my time yet. For now I need to learn how to be the best mom and wife that I can be. I am thankful for the women, married or single, with or without children, who show me how to be better every day. Thank you. I pray that one day, I can be like you.

8 comments:

Cash Family said...

When you're feeling like this, you just need to freaking call me. I feel the same way... except I'm older than you, and I just played instead of going to college. Like 90% of the time, I feel like a loser and that I really haven't done anything. I yell at my kids and I swear, and I really try to be nice, but sometimes I have mean thoughts about people.... :) I think we were meant to be friends because we think a lot alike. I just love you Brooke!

Anonymous said...

As I walked out of the library the other day my mind was on the stress of upcoming activities, i.e. Thanksgiving, Christmas shopping, work, etc. I was almost stopped in my tracks with the overpowering thought that "this life is so very temporary. You're real home isn't even here. These seemingly stressful and doubtful times are for but a small moment". I know how you are feeling. It seems so many friends,mentors, and especially women have titles and letters behind their names. However, I have discovered God loves us no less, and when our door to him is open, feelings of our "genuine" self worth follow. I have learned and continue to learn a great deal from you and though you don't recognize it so have others, titles and letters aside. I love you Brooke. I hope you know that.

Stofam said...

Hey Brooke!
I so know how you are feeling. I have always had the goal to go and finish school and although I cant go now, the thought of me going back at some point is keeping me content. There is no need to compare yourself to those other women. Your life is exactly where it should be doing what you need to be doing. Your children and husband know that and I can see that. Although there are days that we would trade as moms, I think we are learning more as moms then we ever would as a student or missionary (not that Im knocking those)! KNow that I love you and that I think your are doing an AMAZING job and the time will come when your dreams will come true!!

Hikari said...

Hi Brooke. I hope you don't mind- but I read your blog once after Patrick mentioned it- and tonight while browsing for something to entertain me, I clicked on it again.

I was feeling this same way the other day. It's funny you mention finishing school and a mission. I am finishing school in a few weeks. I have served a mission. Yet still, I feel like I'm so behind on life in so many areas. Trust me, just having done those things doesn't make you any brighter or spiritual. I think that Heavenly Father gives us those feelings to urge us to be better. To make our lives extraordinary. To accomplish what we CAN in the season of life we are currently in. Don't feel behind or unaccomplished, because in a way- I think we all are. If you have time, go to the library and pick out some books on subjects that interest you. You don't need school or a degree to learn.

When Patrick talks about you- he always mentions how you are such a good friend and so spiritual. He said that he would trust any of your advice, any time. Trust me- he doesn't say that about hardly anyone.

candace said...

As a girl who was raised by an unschooled, un-missioned mom just like you--as "unaccomplished" as you feel--I can say I wouldn't trade her for anything. She is the best mom ever. My mom has often talked about how she would always look to find a role model to look up to that didn't have school or other "accomplishments." I can see from the other comments that you are DEFINITELY not alone. Find a person you can look up to who you feel is "on your level." Although, I really don't think you have ANYTHING to worry about. I have school and 3 years of a full-time job under my belt, and I promise I could never do what you do all day long. You are an AMAZING woman. I love your honesty and I'm so glad I know you.

p.s. Have you ever thought of taking online classes?

Becky said...

You have many good friends who have said a lot of good things and I agree with them all. I just want to add that even though I'm one of those "schooled" girls, I honestly don't remember anything I learned and I actually often find myself wishing I was more like you. You can do so many things that I can't do or don't have the patience for. You're crafty, creative, you play with Lucas much more than I play with my kids and you're extremely entertaining to be around. Sometimes I fear I bore people to death. :) I think everyone wishes they could do and be something more than they are. It's a constant struggle for me, too, to be satisfied with who and what I am and to feel that I have some worth. The time will come for you to do all you dream of doing but right now, as you know, your mission is to be the wonderful mom that you are and make the rest of us lousy moms look bad. ;) j/k. As you can see, you're loved.

Heather said...

Brooke. I love you.

It's so funny that you say all of this (okay, maybe 'funny' isn't quite the right word, but still). I feel the same way looking at other women/moms. I think everyone does. We only see what others want us to see (for the most part). I try to remind myself that you never get the whole picture, even if it seems like thats what you're getting. A lot of people are good at B.S.-ing it (pardon my French). I don't see how little sleep so-and-so is getting just to be able to have her house immaculate. I don't see how much tv so-and-so's kids watch so that she can cook the most amazing dinners EVERY single night. And a million other scenarios. I mean, seriously. The majority of the time my house is a disaster...but you'd better believe that if i know someone will be coming over i make it a priority to clean up--so that's what you see. :-) BUT, I do think that even though we need to accept ourselves for who we are and not beat ourselves up for not being the 'perfect' mom/wife/friend, we can still always work on improving. Its good to have aspirations and goals to work towards.

One of my favorite sayings: Don't let the 'perfect' get in the way of the 'good'.

I agree with Becky: I WISH i was as crafty and creative as you, or played with James as much as you play with Lucas. I admire your compassion. You are a fabulous listener and always give very thoughtful and very applicable advice.

Also, these other women are most likely mid to late twenties, right? Brooke, you're only 22 (right?), maybe 23. Give yourself a break!!! You are accomplished in some of the most important ways! You DO have a strong testimony, I know you do. And that is the most important thing when you consider that you are also doing the 2 of the most important things you can possibly do in this life-fostering an eternal marriage and raising 2 of God's children.

You are AWESOME!!!

Lindsey said...

Brooke,

I think it is human nature to feel that way no matter where we are. You are doing a great job, I totally look up to you. I can relate to feeling unaccomplished, I think as women it doesn't matter if you have a degree or mission or whatever, we always feel like we aren't enough. I look at everyone else and feel like I am the only one struggling that can't keep their house clean and is horrible at budgeting (it is true). I feel like even though I have an undergrad compared to Aaron and a lot of people, I am not accomplished. I know it probably sounds stupid, but I feel that way. Seriously, school doesn't help you to be a good mom. I think a lifetime of hard work and sacrifice is what makes you a good mom. You love your kids and that is all that matters. I had a good long chat with my sister yesterday. I was crying because I am so frustrated with never having a clean house and never really feeling good about what I have done in a day. Motherhood is hard, and you are doing a great job, better than most so keep your head up and if you want to see someone else's mess come on over, there is no way I will have time to shove it all in the closet before you get here ;)