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In Support of the Sisterhood of Motherhood

In Support of the Sisterhood of Motherhood

August 6, 2012 by Amy, Using Our Words 22 Comments

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I went to BlogHer again this year thinking maybe I’d learn how to get a piece published in a magazine. Or how to find a way to make money (rather than lose it) doing what I love. Or just see some of my favorite people who sustain me in my writing efforts.

But I didn’t think I’d come away totally moved by a realization that’s been lying there under the surface of my blog since the very beginning.

You see, when you go to one of these bloggy conferences, you’re supposed to arrive with a 15-second summary of what your blog is all about. Since there are about a gazillion parenting bloggers, I’ve always struggled with what sets me apart. (Besides the most sincere, supportive, insightful readers, that is.)

But on Saturday afternoon, Christy Turlington Burns, who was speaking on a panel about her charity Every Mother Counts, used a phrase that lit a fire inside of me.

“The sisterhood of motherhood”

Yes. Yes! That, that is what I believe in.

I do my best to avoid writing about politics, religion, and other divisive topics. (Except, of course, my breastfeeding experience and the introduction of my former employer’s CEO.) Not because I’m hiding behind my words or trying not to alienate people. But because I believe the ties that bind us are so much stronger than those that divide us.

There is truly an inherent sisterhood in motherhood. It doesn’t matter where you live, what language you speak, what you wear, who sleeps in your bed, who sees what’s under your shirt, or what your job title is.

If you are a mom, we are more alike than different.

We’ve handed over our hearts, and in many cases our bodies.

We’ve stayed up late, woken up early, and collected our very own set of sleepless nights.

We’ve healed boo boos and hurt feelings with a kiss.

We’ve felt heart-bursting pride.

We’ve memorized dimples, rolls, birthmarks, and facial expressions.

We’ve loved so deeply that we know both euphoria and heartbreak.

We’ve questioned ourselves.

We’ve questioned others.

We’ve learned that our guts can give us more guidance than any parenting book.

We’ve talked in silly voices and made silly faces—all while taking it surprisingly seriously.

We’ve experienced days that have brought us to our knees.

We’ve experienced days that have raised us up.

We’ve admired a little something about ourselves in someone else.

We’ve been driven crazy by a little something about ourselves in someone else.

We’ve shed tears.

We’ve wiped noses.

We’ve held hands.

We’ve held hearts.

We’ve added “mom” to our proudest list of accomplishments.

These are big things. Big, huge things that unite us. So let’s do our best to hold on to these truths rather than engaging in the latest battle of the virtual mommy war. Because in that war, the only casualty is a mother’s confidence—and, in turn, a child’s role model.

We all want the best for our kids. And, as a woman, I want what’s best for mothers everywhere. I believe that’s a sisterhood built on laughter, learning, honesty, thoughtful dialogue, and love.

Welcome, sisters. I couldn’t be more proud to be in your company.

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Filed Under: featured, Mom Musings Tagged With: blogging, BlogHer, conferences, confidence, friendship, motherhood, sisterhood, support

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Comments

  1. Aimee @ everydayepistle.com says

    August 6, 2012 at 8:07 pm

    Well said, sister! Good to finally meet you at BlogHer in NY, but not nearly enough time to really dish. Oh, well. Guess I’ll have to come to CA… 🙂

    Reply
    • Aimee @ everydayepistle.com says

      August 6, 2012 at 8:08 pm

      PS: I have no idea why I’m showing up as a bubble head on my comments. Apparently, I missed that session.

      Reply
    • Amy, Using Our Words says

      August 6, 2012 at 8:15 pm

      You know your CA sisters would welcome you any time!

      Reply
  2. Jodie Hoffman says

    August 6, 2012 at 8:24 pm

    so, in the spirit of sisterhood…
    – our “handshake” would be the wrist grab (you know, the grab you do when you kid wants to run off and you need to stop them)…
    – the “kiss” would be the finger lick/clean something off your face
    – the “colors” would be that mustard yellow baby poop and that green that gets smears across the face during cold season
    – the mascot would be every single binkie, blanket, woobie, teddy bear, any child every needed to fall asleep
    – and our motto would definitely be your eloquent words above, “laughter, learning, honesty, thoughtful dialogue, and love.”

    So… in more of the spirit of sisterhood, when’s happy hour?! 😉

    Reply
    • Amy, Using Our Words says

      August 6, 2012 at 8:27 pm

      Any time, sister. Any time.

      Thanks, as always, for adding your great humor and insight!

      Reply
  3. Melinda says

    August 6, 2012 at 10:21 pm

    I so wish we were mothers of youngsters at the same time. But at least I have you as the sister who has been missing in my life!<3

    Reply
    • Amy, Using Our Words says

      August 7, 2012 at 8:27 am

      So very sweet. Thanks, Melinda!

      Reply
  4. Neena says

    August 7, 2012 at 4:34 am

    This post is so beautiful!!! These words…wow!

    Reply
    • Amy, Using Our Words says

      August 7, 2012 at 8:27 am

      Aww, thanks my friend. Spending time with you this past week helped me come to this realization.

      Reply
  5. Cristie says

    August 7, 2012 at 8:54 am

    This is why I love you, even if you leave me with dirty underwear.;)

    Reply
    • Amy, Using Our Words says

      August 7, 2012 at 1:53 pm

      You mean ALSO because I leave you dirty underwear, right? Thanks for being a huge part of the inspiration behind this post!

      Reply
  6. Jean Parks says

    August 7, 2012 at 10:02 pm

    The things we have in common as mothers can become ties that bind us so strongly together as people that our differences seem trivial. I loved your perspective here, your words are truth & your post was refreshing.

    Reply
    • Amy, Using Our Words says

      August 8, 2012 at 10:43 am

      Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, Jean. I appreciate your perspective!

      Reply
  7. Pam says

    August 10, 2012 at 8:18 pm

    Beautiful thoughts and words Amy! It gave me goose bumps!

    Reply
    • Amy, Using Our Words says

      August 12, 2012 at 7:36 am

      Aww, thank you!

      Reply
  8. Priya says

    August 11, 2012 at 2:51 am

    It’s great to find a post on something that bids all of us together. “Because in that war, the only casualty is a mother’s confidence—and, in turn, a child’s role model.” – so true and so well said

    Reply
    • Amy, Using Our Words says

      August 12, 2012 at 7:36 am

      It’s great to hear you agree. Thanks, Priya!

      Reply
  9. Desiree says

    August 11, 2012 at 7:10 am

    One word: Fabulous.

    Reply
    • Amy, Using Our Words says

      August 12, 2012 at 7:35 am

      Thank you, my friend!

      Reply
  10. Aimee H says

    August 17, 2012 at 3:30 pm

    You are far prettier than Christy Turlington Burns.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 10 Things I Learned at BlogHer says:
    August 9, 2012 at 2:15 pm

    […] (yes, the Martha) and Katie (as in Couric). Especially after realizing they’re totally in the Sisterhood. (Martha was raving about the fun she has with her grandkids, and Katie said her girls are her […]

    Reply
  2. Bellybar joins The President, Martha, Katie and More at BlogHer 2012! says:
    March 26, 2015 at 4:15 am

    […] – one of our favorite bloggers, Amy at UsingOurWords.com wrote the perfect piece called “In Support of the Sisterhood of Motherhood” to describe BlogHer and our experiences.  […]

    Reply

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