I was just over at one of my favorite blogs and had a brainstorm I wanted to share with mothers. The post was about the blog author, mom of three young kiddos (approx 5, 3, and 1), thinking about going to finish her nursing degree, and feeling like she wanted to spend NOW with her kids, but was afraid that if she didn’t finish the degree soon that she might somehow be unable to handle the courses or something.

Being a mom of six and having lots and lots of big dreams, I can identify with her struggle. Now that my kids are in school I have had time to start my two new businesses, write books, and do a few more of the things I’ve been waiting to do for 14 years of motherhood. It feels really good to be able to do these things and I am thankful to be at this stage of life.

BUT, I want to tell you moms–the days when your kids are little they want you so much, need you so much, and you are laying groundwork that is going to last for the rest of their lives!

“The days are long but the years go fast” is a saying I’ve heard more than a few times. Indeed, I have had some long days. When I was in the midst of what I jokingly refer to as my “baby avalanche” years (I had 3 babies in 3 years) I had entire months and years when I was so swamped that I often got through days and weeks by telling myself “This won’t last forever. It’s going to get better. Hang on. Hang on. It’s going to pass…”

Yes, it can be tough to be a mom. And, if we have a chance to dream, we remember that we have lots of other things we would like to do! While I think it’s important to find a way to do some of those things if we are able to, I think it is important to remember that our babies will grow up and our time to follow more of our interests will come.

Some of the most inspirational people I know of have started careers in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond. One of my oldest son’s favorite authors, Brian Jaques (Redwall series), is in his late 60s now, and had his first book published just 20 years ago! He had grown children, had worked in various jobs and careers, and yet went on to become a world-wide writing sensation! WOW!

My own mom went to nursing school when she was about 40. She had never even wanted to be a nurse, was never particularly good at science courses in high school or college, and fainted at the sight of blood. But she needed a job, and the nursing program near us was ideal. She did it. Now she’s 56, has been a nurse for about 13 years, and has done great at it. If she can do it, you can too.

I’ve been working on becoming a Certified Natural Health Professional for over a year now. When I took my first class I was worried that my brain wouldn’t work for a class situation any more. I had been on the at-home-mommy track for 13 years! Happily, my brain still did (and still does) work. Somewhere along the line I have stopped being worried that I have less than what it takes to do whatever I want to do.

The kids are only little once. I know everybody says that. But, it’s true. If your heart is to be with them, then just Live It, and live it big. Dress them cute. Play in the back yard. Take a ton of pictures. Throw the funnest birthday parties. Read them bedtime stories. Let them crawl into bed with you. Cut crusts off their bread. Bake cookies. Take them to the library. Let yourself enjoy the stage you’re at without worrying that you’re somehow rotting your brain by not doing other things now. You will have what it takes when the time comes.

Right now is the only chance you’ve got to bask in being MOMMY to your precious kiddos. We never know how long we’ll have them, so live and enjoy your family without regrets! Later on they won’t need you in the same ways, and you’ll be available to pursue some other fun stuff.

It’s hard to wait. But if you open your heart and mind to the incredible treat you have with your little ones in your lap *right now* it will be easier to have a heart that is at rest, and to focus your talents, creativity, and skills on your home and family. You’ve got an incredible opportunity to bless and be blessed. Don’t miss it!