In today’s society, there is the constant pressure to do the best. Be the best. The value of someone’s life seems to be measured by how successful they are. The age old “follow your dreams” message is lost on deaf ears of those to whom success means climbing the corporate ladder and having the nicest house or the fanciest car. Young people are more likely to hear the phrase “what are you doing to get ahead?” than “what are you passionate about?”
As a young 20-something struggling to figure life out, there are a terrifying amount of unknowns. However, at some point you may come to the realization that you have one goal that is not going to change. For some of us, you realize that that goal isn’t to get into medical school or to become a well known politician (though both of theses are super cool goals, don’t get me wrong!). For some of us, that number-one life goal that we can’t imagine not achieving is simply to become a parent. To give that gift of life and unconditional love to our future children. I know that once I had accepted that my number-one goal in life is to be a mother, my world was changed (also it made complete sense why I always want to steal every small child I see).
So many fruitful conversations have come of this realization. However, many of them seem to have one common theme: should that be my number-one goal in life? Am I selling myself short? Am I wasting money on college if I’d be happy as a stay-at-home parent? Something we all need to hear is that just because you may want to be a parent and would consider taking time off work to be a stay-at-home parent, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a college education! Having that educational foundation will not only allow you to be a more informed citizen, it will allow you to be a more informed parent who helps their children succeed and reach their full potential.
For those of you with similar thoughts and doubts, know you are not alone. Societal pressure may have you questioning your values at times. People who don’t understand may also question you at times. But that is okay. Ask any good parent out there, there is no greater gift than to give life to someone. To foster growth and development. To love someone so unconditionally, and to have that love reciprocated. I cannot imagine anything better, and I am so excited to experience it. The bond between a parent and a child is so ingrained into our human nature. It is something so beautifully, incredibly, and innately human.
All young people need to know one thing: success should be measured by happiness. Do what you’re passionate about. Do what you love. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that just because your number-one goal in life is to be a parent, you’re not living your life to your full potential, or that you are unintelligent or selling yourself short. The world would not go round without parents! Do what you’re passionate about, not what you’re told you should do. So shoutout to all my baby-enthusiast, future parents out there! Keep rocking at life and stay motivated!
