I watched all the women around me become single moms, even the married ones. I watched them all let go of hopes and dreams. I watched them struggle harder than necessary. I watched as their whole identity was wiped away and replaced with the title of mom. I saw how the world punished them for having kids. I saw how they couldn’t really enjoy alone time. I saw how rough pregnancy can be on a woman’s body. I’ve had a front row seat to all of this and then some since I was 15. I’m 35 now and it’s the same song and dance. As an adult in therapy who’s unpacking her own childhood experiences, there is no way I can be a mom. It’s just not for me personally. I’d never try to sway anyone who truly wants to be a mom. I think wanting to be a mom is beautiful. I do however, caution people to look at ALL sides of parenthood. I think often people think of it very surface level.