I got married at a very young age, right after completing my O-Levels. Within a few months, I became pregnant with my eldest son. Due to that, I took a break from my studies. I felt that my son needed me more than anything during those early years, and my husband was very supportive of my decision.Many people around me, even within my family, made negative comments about me not continuing my studies but with the support of a few well-wishers, I stood firm in my decision.
When my son was around three years old, I resumed my studies and completed my General Education Diploma (GED). Soon after, I started my undergraduate studies I conceived my second son. Just like before, I felt that prioritizing my children over my studies was the wiser decision. Later on by the grace of Almighty, I delivered a healthy baby boy.
We plan, and Allah plans. Just two months later, I became pregnant again. This was one of the most challenging periods of my life. I was affected both mentally and physically. For the first couple of months, I could barely process what was happening to me. Eventually, I delivered another healthy baby boy. I had back-to-back two C-sections within just 11 months. Now, I am a mother to three sons.
I will not deny that I went through emotional roller coasters while watching my friends and even juniors complete their studies and begin their careers, while I was at home raising my children. We are human beings; it is normal to feel sadness, frustration, or even regret at times, after making the right choice.
Because of all these breaks, I became confused about which subject to pursue. Once I was finally able to continue my studies, there were also limitations, as the GED was no longer accepted in Bangladesh. I experimented with a few online programs offered by institutions that accepted GED qualifications, but I could not continue because I lacked interest in those subjects.
At the same time, I also realized that there was a lot I needed to improve in my parenting, and many practices that needed correction. Since I was actively learning about parenting, my husband encouraged me to begin “The Daily Parent” journey, where I could share my knowledge and experiences with the world.
As I started this journey, I realized that this was my Ikigai — my reason for being, my sense of purpose. I want to educate people and build awareness about mindful parenting in our society, and I felt that the best way to begin this journey was by studying psychology.
It has now been almost a year since I started my undergraduate studies in psychology, and for the first time in my life, I am truly enjoying to study. Through all these experiences, I now see my motherhood journey as a blessing in disguise. Finally, I can clearly see the career path I want to pursue and the kind of impact I want to bring to society.
I am sharing my story to assure mothers who are sacrificing their dreams for the sake of their children, and who sometimes question their decisions, not to lose hope. Today’s sacrifices can open doors you never imagined in your wildest dreams.
Today, I can tell my children that their mother gave them her full attention when they needed her the most, and now it is time for her to focus on growing herself too. Once you build a strong bond with your children, it becomes easier for them to understand you.
Everyone has a different story to tell, and each journey unfolds in its own time. Some dreams take longer to bloom, and that is okay. Never underestimate the value of the sacrifices you are making today. Motherhood may pause certain journeys, but it can also shape us into the very person we were meant to become. One day, your children may not only understand your sacrifices, but also be inspired by them.
Faizah Abdullah
#thedailyparent
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