Rediscovering Your Colour: Embracing the Flamingo Analogy of Motherhood

Recently, I stumbled upon a fascinating fact about flamingos that struck a chord with me, and I felt like I needed to write a little about it, rather than just a simply a social media story/post.

When I think of flamingos, I envision those vibrant, pink birds standing tall and proud against the backdrop of shimmering water (and yes, looking a little bit creepy also). But here's the fact I learnt; when these majestic birds become parents, their color fades to a pale pink or white. They dedicate all their resources to caring for their young, causing their once vibrant plumage to dramatically dim.

This fact struck a chord with me in many ways as this transformation mirrors the experience of motherhood (and certain situations in life too if I'm honest). When our children are young, we pour every ounce of our energy, love, and attention into nurturing them. We give so much of ourselves that we often feel drained, exhausted, and, at times, as though we've lost our own sense of identity.

As mothers, we may find ourselves sacrificing our passions, dreams, and even our own well-being for the sake of our children. Our once vibrant personalities may feel muted, overshadowed by the demands of parenthood. We may lose sight of who we are outside of our roles as mothers, feeling as though we've lost our color or spark.

But here's the beauty of the flamingo analogy—just as parent flamingos regain their vibrant plumage as their chicks become more independent, so too can mothers rediscover their color and vitality. While I used to describe the earlier years of motherhood as being "in the trenches," a bit of a battle for survival, I definitely prefer the flamingo analogy. After all, war doesn't typically end well; there are always casualties. And although certain aspects of motherhood may leave us feeling like we have a touch of PTSD, embracing the imagery of flamingos and the assurance that our color WILL return offers a much more uplifting perspective. In fact, I like to believe that I'm even more vibrant now than I was before having children. Through the journey of motherhood, I've gained a deeper understanding of myself, and I'm immensely proud and grateful for how far I've come.

Yes, motherhood can be exhausting. It's messy, challenging, and often overwhelming. But it's also incredibly rewarding, filled with moments of joy, laughter, and unconditional love. And just like the flamingos, we mothers are resilient. We have an innate ability to adapt, to weather the storms, and to emerge stronger and more vibrant than ever before.

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