“I want to mother the world, I thought. I have so much love.Then—I have no business being a mother. I am a selfish woman.Then—I can do this. Millions of women have been mothers.Then—I feel very alone. I do not know what I'm capable of.”
Quote Analysis
In this quote by Megan Mayhew Bergman, the speaker expresses conflicting feelings about motherhood. The internal struggle she describes reflects the complexity of the decision to become a mother. The speaker transitions from feeling a profound desire to nurture others to questioning her own capabilities and selfishness. This reflection is a common experience for many women who grapple with the expectations and uncertainties of motherhood.
The Modern Struggle of Balancing Motherhood and Self-Identity
In this quote from Megan Mayhew Bergman, a contemporary writer, she captures the conflicting emotions of many women who grapple with the idea of motherhood. The struggle to balance one's own desires and needs with the responsibilities of caring for others is a timeless dilemma that continues to resonate with women today.
Personal Struggle with Motherhood
"I want to mother the world, I thought. I have so much love. Then—I have no business being a mother. I am a selfish woman. Then—I can do this. Millions of women have been mothers. Then—I feel very alone. I do not know what I'm capable of.” - Megan Mayhew Bergman"
Reflection Questions
In this thought-provoking quote by Megan Mayhew Bergman, the conflicting emotions and thoughts of motherhood are explored. As you reflect on these words, consider the following questions:
- How do you feel about the idea of mothering the world and having an abundance of love to give?
- Do you ever struggle with feelings of selfishness when considering the responsibilities of motherhood?
- What examples of strong and capable mothers do you look up to and draw inspiration from?
- Have you ever felt overwhelmed or isolated in your journey as a mother or caregiver?
- How do you navigate your doubts and uncertainties about your abilities as a mother while still striving to do your best?
Similar quotes
“I thought as much. Miss Murray, though I am a beast, do not think that I am stupid. I know that I am hideous and hateful. I am not loved, nor ever hope to be. Nor am I fool enough to think that what I feel for you is love.But in this world, alone, I do not hate you. And alone in this world, you do not hate me.”
“I feel that it is possible that I might never have existed, for my self consists in thought; therefore I who think would never have been if my mother had been killed before I had come to life; therefore I am not a necessary being. I am not eternal or infinite either…”
“You see, I never knew what I wanted to be -- I still don;t know. All I knew was that I was supposed to get married and have babies just like my mother did and my sisters did. I wanted to do that. I met your father and I was his wife, that is who I was. Then I had my children. And then I was a mother. That's who I was. A wife and a mother but I don't know if I was or if I am of any real value. You and the boys are all grown up, so what I am now?”
“The point is that I have been totally blind since my pre-mature birth. I have no visual memories, no light in the darkness. Yet, I see so much beauty in my world. It is constantly surrounding me. I know I am loved beyond measure. I am supported, not coddled. I am encouraged, not thwarted. I am pushed, not babied. I don't know what I want to be when I grow up or who I want to be as an adult. But, I do know that I will succeed. The people in my life believe I can and so, I know without a doubt that I will”
“I do not love; I do not love anybody except myself. That is a rather shocking thing to admit. I have none of the selfless love of my mother. I have none of the plodding, practical love. . . . . I am, to be blunt and concise, in love only with myself, my puny being with its small inadequate breasts and meager, thin talents. I am capable of affection for those who reflect my own world.”