“I used to run—I’d just decide, on a whim, to throw my earbuds in and run down my road—whenever I wanted.
And even after I had kids, I’d load up the jogging stroller and pack snacks and cover them head-to-toe in extra layers if it were extra cold—
and I’d still run. And I still loved it.
It was one of those things I reallyyy held onto from my pre-kid self
until last week when a doctor told me,
‘It’s best not to run anymore.’
And just like that, I gave another little piece.
Without a word, I gave up another little thing.
I got a firm ‘no’ to this thing I really wanted.
I could tell you about the joint issue that started when I was pregnant, but this isn’t about me.
This is about all the little things we do no one really talks about, no one really sees.
We talk about the big things we give up—our careers, the way our bodies look.
No one really notices how we truly give up every part of our daily lives, how we give up the things that make us US.
I’ve said goodbye to a lot of opportunities. I’ve said goodbye to perky boobs and stretch mark-free legs. But THIS. It’s one of MY things; we all have them.
The things no one really notices are gone
but us.
The little pieces of ourselves we give away so passively when the world isn’t looking.
We can’t complain, or even be vocal about it, because there’s someone who has it much worse.
‘You’ll be fine without XYZ.’
It all feels sort of dismissive, doesn’t it?
That we’re not allowed to look back or be upset because we’re far too blessed to do that.
Would I give up this thing I love to carry my babies again? You bet I’d do it a thousand times over.
Am I allowed to be sad anyways? Also yes.
Because just know that tonight, there are mamas—parents—humans
handing over little pieces of themselves
that you know nothing about.
Tonight, I handed another something over.
Tonight, I give myself permission to mourn the loss of something I wanted in my life
in exchange for something I want much more.”
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This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Whitney of Trains and Tantrums. You can follow her journey on Facebook and Instagram. Submit your own story here and be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories.
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