Does the Worry Ever Stop?

I've been a worrier as long as I can remember. I am just that type of person, I worry about the things I can't change and then of course obsess over the details of everything that I can control. A bit of a control freak? Sure, I'll admit it! I knew that I would worry once I had a child--I had no idea just how much! I honestly worried about how long it would take to get pregnant, then I worried about ensuring my unborn child's and my own health the entire pregnancy, and then I worried about the whole birthing experience. I took one look at that tiny little face after she was born and I realized that I never knew what worry was until I met her.

You can't possibly describe the overwhelming love that you feel for this tiny little being until you become a parent. I thought that I understood after hearing my sisters and friends talk about their children, but nothing could prepare me for this rush of emotions. I had never felt anything like this before and immediately wanted to give all the love, protection, and all the best that life had to offer to this tiny little being. After all of the joy set in a bit and I looked at her sleeping, it was then that the true worry set in. You will never worry about anything in your life quite like your own child.

I'm not saying that I'm obsessive, but I try hard not to get carried away. It's easy to do, and quite honestly I have seen the calmest of friends turn into anxious messes if they think too long about all the things that could possibly happen to their little angels. I do think it's best to try and keep it under control, something that I certainly struggle with. I find that talking to other moms, most especially my own, about some of the crazy anxiety that I get sometimes helps. It helps to know that others have worried like you do, and also to just say it out loud. You are not crazy, but you have to make sure that the worry doesn't get the best of you. It's natural to worry, and you are not alone if you do some of the cliche things like creep into your baby's nursery late at night to check them and be sure that they are breathing. (I won't even tell you how many nights I have done that!)

All you can do is remember that you are providing the very best life for this little one, and part of that is ensuring their well being. You are providing health care, food, and all of the essentials for them to grow up healthy and safe. Your baby will get a cold, they will fall and get a bump or bruise, they will have struggles and disagreements, and will even get their feelings hurt. While you can't prevent these awful things from happening, you can be there for them and wipe away the tears. Part of being a good mother is putting on a band-aid and kissing the boo boo goodbye--be it physical or mental. Are you always going to worry? Absolutely! My mom tells me that even after 32 years, she still worries about me the same way she did when I was a baby. I don't think that the worry ever really goes away, but you do have a bit of confidence knowing that you've taught your baby all of life's best lessons and prepared them for the many things that can get thrown at them.

Above all, know that the worry will always be there, but it gets a little easier in time. I have seen my baby's first cold, I have witnessed her fall over for the first time and get a little bump on her head. I know that there is a lot more to come and life will throw us some curveballs, and the best I can do for my baby is to be there and be the best mother I can. I will always be a worrier, but I will also take pride in the fact that I am teaching her everything I know to have the best life possible.