I’ve learned countless things from being a mom, including things I never even realized I didn’t know! The journey of motherhood has provided me with knowledge that I can apply to all aspects of my life. Sometimes, life’s biggest lessons are taught by the tiniest of people.

Lesson 1: Make Setting Boundaries Your Business

When I first had my son, it was the scariest thing in the world. I felt as though I was solely responsible for keeping this new being alive, and that was petrifying. It was so scary that I literally couldn’t sleep for fear he’d stop breathing. I worried incessantly the first couple of months, but that was all for naught. Babies are so resilient! I wish I had more confidence during that time so that I could have enjoyed it more.

Caring for my newborn when I had no idea what to do taught me that we can teach ourselves anything.  In life, there are just some things you are going to be good at.  For me, being a mom was one of them. Over the first few months, I slowly realized that not only was I keeping my son alive, he was actually thriving! Unfortunately, as he was thriving, my marriage was not. As a result of all this juggling, I became very scared that I was losing my edge at work.

So, 10 days after I had my baby, I went on a work trip to speak at a conference because I didn’t want anyone to think I was weak after having a baby. Looking back, I can see how ridiculous that was. I should have set boundaries for myself. I should have declined that trip because I was exhausted and deserved to be at home with my new son.

I have now learned that people will treat you the way that you let them treat you. Because I made it known I was going to work no matter what and show everyone that I had not lost my edge, they took me up on my offer to travel and work. Don’t make that same mistake! Being a mom has taught me that boundaries are important to set at any point in life, but especially when you have a baby.