Being a mom is the biggest achievement in my life so far, and I can’t imagine that ever changing. It tops my competitive years – all the tournaments I played, the trophies I took home and the accolades and awards I achieved. Playing golf was fun, challenging, satisfying and exhilarating all at once. I pushed myself to the limit and sacrificed a lot to achieve success. That dedication was worth it, and I am proud of the professional I became and the career I had. It’s no secret that to be good at anything you must be focused, determined, disciplined and patient.
Well, being a good mom requires all of that… and so much more!
When I became a mom, I had very little experience around newborns, babies and kids in general. None of my closest family members had any children, so I was a total beginner. In golf terms I was a 36 handicap and there were no manuals to follow. Of course, I had Mike’s help and I also could turn back the clock and try to remember how my parents did things. I thought about how my mom so skillfully juggled having two active kids while working. I have to admit that until I was doing the same, I probably didn’t appreciate all she did, or how lucky I was (and still am) to have her.
It took a few years for it to sink in that I was a mother of two. I know that sounds funny, but motherhood is like being in a classroom. You literally learn something new every day. In a way, motherhood helped me broaden my views and discover myself. It has taught me so much about all different aspects of life and how I approach them. There are also times when I go back to my playing days and reference those moments to help me in this journey. Just like golf, being a mom has its ups and downs. Some days seem so easy and you end up with a 59, but others can be overwhelmingly difficult.
Being a mom is not just a title. Its constant dedication, and knowing you always have to follow through! You have to be there through thick and thin. Being a mom has taught me what unconditional love is, as well as what it feels like to be in a relationship that will last a lifetime.
In golf I sought perfection; I had to do it right all the time. But in the end, it’s just a game. Motherhood is obviously so much more. I let my instincts guide me daily on how to raise our kids with good values, work ethic and manners, while at the same time making sure they can flourish and become independent. In addition to that, we sprinkle in empathy, support and lots of love. Day after day after day. Quite honestly, there are times when that seems daunting.
I’ve realized you have to pick your battles. There are moments to be strong and firm and others when you just need to go with the flow. It’s such an important balancing act, especially as the kids develop their own personalities and reach different milestones.
During the last few months in these unprecedented times, it has forced us all to slow down and figure out what really matters. For me, it remains family.
I now know that my purpose in life was to ultimately become a mom. Above all else, I want to inspire Ava and Will to find their own purpose and to be ready for their own journeys.
You can’t really seek perfection in motherhood, but you can always give your best and try to set an example for your kids. That’s what I will continue to try to do, with as much focus and determination as I poured into my life inside the ropes.
Happy Mother’s Day to all!