A big part of a mom’s job is standing on the sidelines. We watch our little ones make their way through the Big, Wide World. We hold our breath with each new step, adventure, and stumble.  We are coach, cheerleader, and team medic all wrapped up in one. Though sometimes what we want most in the world is to scoop them up, kiss their boo-boos (physical and emotional), and make everything alright, we swallow hard and hold back. Why? … because we know the value of a child’s sense of accomplishment and what it can do to boost that child’s self-confidence.

Many of us will watch our kids head off to their first day of school this fall. It may be the very first day of preschool, a new school, a new grade, or maybe even college. No matter what part of the journey they are on, we will still stand by with those same butterflies – feeling anxious and excited for them, bursting with love and heartfelt wishes for a perfect day, a perfect year, a perfect life. That’s a mother’s job.

But, what about mom? What is mom’s Big Adventure? (Apart from being a mom, that is!)

Perhaps surprisingly, moms often find that motherhood stirs up the creative spirit. Maybe it’s all that Play-Doh and finger paint. Maybe it’s the constant make-believe chatter and lilting kids’ music. Maybe it’s the chance to run away on bedtime story adventures. Whatever the reason, moms have a wonderful opportunity to explore possibilities that were once set aside in favor of being Grown Up.

You’ve shared with us, here on Fans of Being a Mom, how much you love the chance to be a kid again. You’ve written about swinging across the monkey bars, dancing in public, and singing out loud. You’ve traded stories about playing hookie, staying up late, giggle fests, and the wonder of seeing the world through a child’s eyes. These are wonderful moments, but what I like best is when a mom suddenly realizes that not only is her child’s life full of possibilities, so is her own.

So, what about it? As your child steps into the next part of life this fall, where will your feet lead you? Will you learn how to dance, experiment with cooking, take up scrapbooking, climb a mountain, pick up a musical instrument? Will you try throwing some clay on the potter’s wheel, getting into downward facing dog at yoga class, or maybe trying your hand at blogging? What adventure will you choose for yourself?

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