The Most Important Part About Being the Nurturer

I am still on a journey to finding this out, but for the most part, I would have to say I am a nurturer. 

This has felt like second nature my whole life. How can I nurture everything I come into contact with? 

Growing up I always followed the mom instinct. Even as a young child, mothering my dolls, stuffed animals, pets, my little sister. It was just how I was. I remember adults commenting, on how I seemed older than my age. I don’t necessarily believe I was, I think I was always just a mom at heart. I loved babies, and still do, but I am perfectly happy with two beautiful, healthy children, and cuddling my nieces and nephews.

I am a stay-at-home mom. I am very happy living this life, and find that it is extremely rewarding. Before I became a mom, I was a hairdresser. Still, in the same field of caring for people, this just meant that caring for people’s hair was my specialty. I don’t look at my stay-at-home mom life as a job per se, but it is what I currently specialize in. 

I have the opportunity and ability to nurture my family, to put healthy, home cooked food in their bellies, care for our home, and care for our pets. I recently babied one of our fish that had fallen ill. It was my son Kaydn’s first pet, so while he was attached, the whole family had also grown attached. I tried everything in my power to help this fish. From Epsom salt baths, heating pads, frequent water changes, you name it, I tried it. The nurturer in me wasn’t giving up! Until just this past Friday, Kaydn came up to me with tears in his eyes, “Mom, I think we should let Marcus go, he’s suffering, and I can’t see him like this anymore”. Ugh, talk about heartbreak. Here is my 11-year-old, following in my footsteps, giving his heart to this fish, and able to see what is best for him. I felt proud, even though it was such a sad and tender moment. 

I seem to be the one that my family and friends come to when they need to support, and I love it! We all need someone to talk to, I might just add therapist to my resume. I hate seeing people sad or upset. I always try to lift them up, and help them to see the brighter side of things. Which could be a lesson: to take my own advice. (Who else is bad at this? Good at giving advice, but not good at following the same advice for ourselves?)

I see myself as a soft place to land, in a warm hug or snuggle. Right where my kids and husband love to be (and also my cat).

I think the most important part of being the nurturer, is remembering to nurture myself, including positive self-talk and encouragement. I try to be gentle on myself when things don’t seem to go the way I would like. I take one step at a time, and remember to breathe in between. 

Whatever it may be, I know that my nurturing foot is always forward, and the caring part of me is always invested.

Written by: Krystle Rhea; Just Breathe Mama