Two Day Magazine

So, I hit my mid-twenties and looked around. I noticed, wow, a lot of my friends and acquaintances are getting married and having babies. (Not necessarily in that order!) So, now, whenever I see these friends and acquaintances, the first thing out of their mouths is, “When are you going to settle down and have babies?”

To make matters worse, I was at dinner the other night and asked for extra pickles. No reason, I just like pickles. The waiter brings the pickles to me, AND ASKS ME IF I’M PREGNANT. I said, “Excuse me?” He looked at me and said, “If you aren’t pregnant, you should get pregnant soon!” I’m never ordering pickles again.

I want to travel the world, meet new and interesting people, have weird and wonderful experiences, build a life for myself, and then, and only then, IF I feel compelled, sure, I could think about a baby. One. Single. Baby. Which makes me think that I am so not ready to have that baby considering I still feel like a baby, myself. So, here is my list of reasons why I am not prepared for parenthood. (I’m sure some of you ladies and gents can relate!)

Reason #1: I Have No Set Schedule.
I am so lucky that I work from home. My office is my laptop and it gives me enormous flexibility in my daily life. Which is awesome, considering that my daily life has little structure. Sometimes, I stay up until 3 am writing. Or reading. Or watching bad reality television. No one is interrupting me with ear-piercing screams. It’s just me, curled up on my couch, with no one else to worry about.

Reason #2: I’m Self Involved.
I love yoga. I do Bikram yoga every week and I love to be active. I spend a lot of time on fun activities for myself and with friends. I like to go out to eat. I like to travel and can pack a bag in minutes and be out the door. I like the spontaneity of my life. I enjoy going out for “one drink” with friends and family and end up closing the bar. No one to answer to, no one to stress over. This, of course, is selfish, but that’s why I am not a mother!

Reason #3: I Heart Spontaneity.
You can’t just get up and go on a road trip when you have kids. There is no impromptu night out with friends. I can’t buy a new dress for fun when I have other mouths to feed, or take a friend to lunch for no reason at all. Yes, this is indulgent. But, I am not apologizing! This is merely an explanation!

Reason #4: I am Still A Kid, Myself.
Not that you have to surrender your child-like spirit when you have children, but let’s be honest. A little bit of your inner kid gets grounded the minute you become a parent. Your life isn’t your own, anymore. For some, that is fine. There are plenty of people who don’t mind sharing the road of life. But, for me? I’m enjoying the freedom that being childless allows me. I know how hard parenting is. I know the sacrifices that come with the territory, and, no sir, I’m so not ready!

Reason #5: I Just Don’t Want To.
How’s that for an answer? Motherhood is the most wonderful thing in the world (or so I’m told.) There is nothing like it. It’s also the hardest job in the world. It’s also the most thankless, under appreciated job in the world. And, I just don’t want to take on that burden of responsibility right now in my life. I just started a new career path. For the first time in my life, I feel grown up enough to strike out on my own and do things that excite me, scare me, inspire me. I am learning more and more everyday about who I am and what kind of life I want for myself.

In conclusion...
If I get to the places I want to be, of course I would love to share that with another, and that includes the possibility of having a family. But, not yet. I refuse to give myself a timeline of how things are going to transpire in my life. I live in the moment, plan for my future, and cherish every day that I have. I am healthy, I am young, I am alive. And, of course, I thank my parents for making me strong enough to know that my life is my own, and what I choose to be is up to me! So, whether you want a huge family or no family at all, just know that it is okay to live the life you want and embrace your truth!