"And as somebody said, 'Everybody with a womb doesn't have to have a child any more than everybody with vocal cords has to be an opera singer." - Gloria Steinam

Growing up, the idea of having children one day was never one of my dreams. I never pictured myself in a suburban area, driving my future children to soccer practice, and living the picture perfect life with my husband.

Granted, many people my age already have their plans to have children one day and raise a family, and that in itself is a completely valid dream. I can completely support this decision, but why is it as soon as I openly say that I do not want children that I am greeted with trepidation, judgment, and skepticism?

I do not view it as a compromise or a loss of any kind to intentionally make the choice to not want children one day, solely because it is a different life choice, one worthy of just as much respect as if I were to want to have children one day. It is simply a choice I am making to not have children, for it is not a component in my life that I wish to experience.

My vision, my goals, my hopes and dreams for my life do not include motherhood. I want to dedicate my life to exploring the world, striving to be my best self, and allowing every ounce of my life to be invested in adventure.

There are plenty of women who are able to fulfill this life promise, while also serving as phenomenal mothers, and that is truly admirable. This is not an expression that as a woman your life is as a fork in the road of either motherhood or a career, for there are a plethora of women who do this beautifully. I just simply do not see motherhood as something that I want to pursue in addition to my goals in life, and that is okay.

Family members, coworkers, and friends alike have all rushed to my side whenever I have expressed my decision to not want to have children one day, as if it is a "phase" I am going through, as if I am going to look back on my life with regret for neglecting my ticking clock for motherhood. Too many people have hinted and outwardly protested, that life without children is a life unfulfilled, and to that, I completely disagree.

As I continue to be open with my choice to pursue other elements of my life, I have come to the conclusion that our culture is unable to comprehend and accept this idea that women who wish to not be mothers and wives are able to live fulfilling lives. As if not wanting to desperately be that soccer mom who packs their brown sack lunches Monday through Friday are any less valid than those who dream to do this one day.

I yearn for the day where both paths in life are welcomed, accepted, and appreciated. Motherhood is not an obligation of all women. I yearn for a tomorrow where my identity as woman is the same worth, validity, and purpose as one who wants to have children. I refuse to feel as if I need to conform into society's box of wanting to have a family one day, for I do not. And that is okay.

At the end of the day, we have to come to terms with the fact that women, just as much as men, are allowed to make conscious decisions about what and where they choose to make their lives. Any and all decisions are completely valid and acceptable.