Opportunity for change

"...we have the opportunity to be birthed all over again along with our children's budding sprit. For this to happen, all we need do is yield to the ever-shifting adventure of parenthood. Our children will lead the way. This is why parenting a young child is our greatest opportunity for change. If we are open to it, our child acts as our guru." - Dr. Shefali Tsabary (Author of 'The Conscious Parent')

This quote is a much fancier way of saying exactly what I have been feeling since meeting Ruby. Letting go of expectations and following my gut with regards to parenting her has allowed me to grow in ways I hadn't imagined. Rather than being the parent I thought I would be, I am being the parent that she needs me to be. Instead of having certain expectations of her or of myself, I am "winging it" (which is a completely new experience for me!!). I am doing my best to foster her interests and abilities and honour her spirit, rather than imposing my ideals or my own interests upon her.

Before Ruby, I was all about structure, organization and rules. I was happiest when I was busy and being productive. I was a believer in the parent-child relationship being one of teacher-student, boss-employee, leader-follower. Without me even realizing it initially, she changed all of that for me. I have come to realize that this journey is new for both of us...I am not the expert. We are learning and growing together and she is the leader and the teacher just as much as I am. I may be providing her with opportunities to learn language and practice gross and fine motor skills (etc.), but she, in turn, is teaching me about patience, love, vulnerability and the list goes on and on. I am learning about selflessness and how to slow down and enjoy the little things and those quiet moments.

This is a challenging journey, but I honestly feel as though it has been my greatest opportunity for growth and change. I believe that Ruby is helping me to become a better person and moulding me in to the parent that she needs in order to reach her fullest potential. I only hope that I can be open enough to this experience and therefore gain the ability to be what and who she needs me to be.