Did you know that when flamingos – both mom AND dad – have children, as they feed their young chicks, they lose their pink color? They are literally drained of their beautiful color due to having to care for and feed their young.
Can’t you just feel that in your soul??
I don’t know about you, but when my daughter was born, I now had a two-year-old and a newborn. And I couldn’t put it into words until now, but I was drained of my color! For a long time, I felt like I was just surviving. Making it from breakfast to bedtime.
Then, in the blink of an eye, they were both in school and I decided to go back to school and begin building a whole new career for myself outside of being a mom. I found subjects and topics I was passionate about – subjects that didn’t solely revolve around my identity as a mom.
The kids got even older and began to be able to handle most things on their own with only a small bit of guidance from me or dad: potty, showers, getting dressed, getting snacks, playing in the yard with friends, going to bed, sleeping all night, etc.
We are now in this big kid era where they can do things independently more and more. And they want to try and learn new things and new skills. My son loves to cook and often wants to try to make our meals all on his own. My daughter loves making me or my husband our cups of coffee while we eagerly sit on the couch.
Every day I feel like I am getting more and more of my color back.
Don’t get me wrong, daily stresses are still there. And all days aren’t a happy-go-lucky family sitting on the couch laughing together. But as my kids gain more independence and ask to be taught more skills that will guide them through the years, I can feel the shift. I feel hopeful for new and more challenging parenting adventures. And I’m thankful that I’ll be able to take on these new challenges with the color back in my life, and with a little more hope. I am grateful to feel less like I am barely surviving and more like I am LIVING.
Take heart, momma. If you are still in the color-draining days, your time is coming. Your color WILL return!
If you love this concept like me and want to learn more or find things that will make your heart happy seek out Lindsey Gurk, a popular TikTok/Instagram mom who has taken this fact about Flamingos and really made it her anthem in motherhood and even has merch!
Even though I’m not a biological mom, I have two little kiddos in my life through my boyfriend. And I needed to read this. Adjusting to kids plus (especially) going through a crazy custody battle, my color is drained. Thanks for putting this feeling into words. ❤️
I had no idea about flamingoes losing their color, but boy did this speak to me!!! As a special-needs mama, I was just commiserating with my husband and with dear friend who’s also a mama of a neurodivergent kiddo this AM, and the struggles of parenting – whether your offspring are neurotypical or not – are no joke!
What a valuable insight that equates to both nature and hum nature. Great post!
Wow, this is so insightful! Thank you so much for your word on this. It’s so important!
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