"母性具有非常人性化的作用。一切都被简化为必需品。"

Motherhood strips life down to its most basic and essential elements. It's like taking a magnifying glass to the chaos of daily life and realizing what truly matters. When you're a mother, your priorities shift dramatically. Suddenly, things that once seemed important—like career ambitions, social engagements, or personal hobbies—take a backseat to the immediate, pressing needs of another human being. It's an intense, often overwhelming experience, but it's also incredibly grounding.

Historically, this sentiment has been echoed by many women across different cultures and time periods. Motherhood, from ancient times to the present day, has always been seen as a transformative journey. It's a common thread that links women across generations, regardless of the era or society they live in. The quote might have been said in a time of reflection, perhaps by a mother who realized how much her perceptions and values had shifted after having children.

Imagine a busy executive—let's call her Sarah. Sarah used to live for her job. She thrived on the adrenaline of closing a big deal, the thrill of a well-executed presentation. But when she had her first child, everything changed. Suddenly, the late nights at the office, the business trips, the constant networking, all seemed less important. What mattered more was the health and happiness of her baby. Sarah found herself more focused on the essentials—feeding, changing diapers, soothing cries. The high-stakes meetings were replaced by trips to the pediatrician and mommy-and-me classes. This was her new reality, and it was both humbling and enlightening.

Applying this wisdom to your own life isn’t that complicated. Whether you're a mother or not, the principle remains the same: focus on what's essential. When things get overwhelming, ask yourself what truly matters in that moment. This could be the well-being of your family, your health, or simply taking a moment to breathe and center yourself. Strip away the non-essentials and hone in on what makes a real difference in your life.

Think about a time when you felt stressed out—maybe you had deadlines piling up, social commitments, and personal projects all demanding your attention. Now, imagine getting a call that a loved one needs your help urgently. Suddenly, those deadlines and commitments melt away. Your focus narrows to the well-being of that person. In that moment, everything else is secondary. That's the essence of what motherhood teaches: it's about recognizing and responding to what's truly important, often in the face of everything else clamoring for your attention.

So, next time life feels like it's spiraling out of control, remember Sarah and her shift in priorities. Take a step back, breathe, and ask yourself: What are the essentials right now? What can be let go? By constantly refocusing on what truly matters, you can navigate life's chaos a bit more gracefully. In the end, it's not about doing everything but doing the things that matter most.