How I Took My Time for Granted — Until I Became a Mom

There’s a version of me from a few years ago I often think about. She had all the time in the world — slow mornings, peaceful weekends, spontaneous phone calls, solo walks, hours of doing nothing. And what did she do with all that time?

Mostly, she wasted it.

I never realized how sacred time was until I became a mom. And if I could go back, I wouldn’t change the past — but I would definitely thank it. This post is a little love letter to that version of me, and a gentle reminder to anyone who still has time on their side: don’t take it for granted.

💤 1. I Was Too Lazy to Do Anything

I would wake up, scroll, snack, sleep again, repeat. I had no structure. No urgency. No “why.” Productivity? What was that? It’s only after having a baby that I understood how precious every 10 minutes can be. Now, even a simple 15-minute shower feels like a retreat. If only I had used even a bit of that time to fuel myself.

🏙️ 2. I Never Explored My Own City

The cafes I wanted to try, the quiet bookstores, the tiny parks, the early morning walks — I always thought, “I’ll go later.” Guess what? “Later” never came. These days, going anywhere requires planning, packing snacks, a possible meltdown, and two extra hands. I now cherish the luxury of just leaving the house freely.

🥥 3. I Couldn’t Step Out With Oiled Hair

This one makes me smile now. I used to be so self-conscious about how I looked. Oiled hair? No way. But motherhood taught me to let go — of expectations, of filters, of what people might think. The truth is, everyone’s too tangled in their own lives to notice you. I wish I had known that earlier. I would've saved myself years of overthinking.

📱 4. I Let Time Slip Through My Fingers

I used to spend hours talking on the phone, binge-watching shows, or endlessly scrolling — and I thought I was “relaxing.” Today, I can’t even finish a short series without a dozen interruptions. That “free time” I took for granted? It’s a luxury I didn’t know I had.

👨‍👩‍👧 5. I Took My Parents for Granted

Having a baby opened my eyes — and my heart — to what my parents actually did for us. I used to think it was easy. They made it look easy. But raising a moody teenager like me and a naughty little brother? That takes superhero strength. I finally understand what “it takes a village” really means.

❤️ 6. I Took Our Time as a Couple for Granted

Before the baby, we had time — even if it was just on weekends. Now, we’re juggling work, parenting, deadlines, and tantrums. Conversations are constantly interrupted by our little boss, and dates have been replaced by diaper duty. And yet, I’ve never loved us more. Even in chaos, there’s connection — deeper, stronger, quieter.

🌱 If You’re Reading This and Still Have Time…

Use it.Value it.Don’t wait for some “big life change” to make you realize what you have right now. Explore your city. Talk to your parents more. Take walks without your phone. Oiling your hair and running errands is not embarrassing. And please, for the love of your future self, stop doom-scrolling.

One day, you’ll miss this phase — not because it was perfect, but because it was yours.

Motherhood taught me how fast time flies — but also how beautifully it can be filled.Don’t wait to grow up or slow down to appreciate it.