the ringmasters of the circus

WORDS : MARIAH PRUSSIA PHOTOGRAPHY : Gabor Barbely on unsplash.com

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Where to begin when attempting to define the term “mother?” A mother is a woman who has more roles in one day than an actor has in a lifetime. As a mother or ringmaster, you will understand the energy required to gather all of the little clowns during the morning rush, and what it takes to prepare them for the circus we call life. Let’s not forget the healthy fuel required to run their little engines, the occasional doctor visits for optimal performance, and the moments of embracing them after an act that didn’t go so well. These are only a handful of performances and acts of love provided by a mother. The list is eternal and would never be exchanged for a lessor role.

When asked to write about motherhood and how I felt about being named the 2020 North Dakota Mother of the Year (American Mother’s, Inc.), many emotions, memories and thoughts crossed my mind on how to best describe the cha-

PHONE: 701-293-0002 os, love and honor for being presented an award for the most unrecognized role. So, what better way to describe motherhood, then by what we all know to be true, a beautiful and organized, yet unorganized, circus. Being a mother has been, and continues to be, a blessing, a lesson and an unknown circus that requires faith and, honestly, luck at times. Whether you are a mother for the first time or fifth, there will always be a sense of uncertainty, or an underlying feeling of guilt of being insufficient. The reality is, you are more than enough. You are the tightrope walker when times get tough, the lioness protecting her cubs, and the ringmaster keeping the show together. You will have moments of weakness, moments of insecurities, and moments where you battle against yourself to go on stage. Guess what … you are not alone.

Coming to terms with the responsibilities of the ringmaster is a challenge, yet important to understand that everyone, especially mothers, need a break from the circus. Without the internal light, the fire and the energy required to perform on a daily basis, the show will go on. However, eventually the light will fade, the fire will go out, and your energy will become depleted. It is extremely challenging to provide all that you can to your children when you are not making the time to refuel your soul, your spirit and your body. Motherhood is a privilege, a challenge and by far the most beneficial personal development course in life. There is a saying, “A mother’s job is to teach her children not to need her anymore.” After reflecting on that quote, I feel the reality is, we need our children more than they need us. Our children require love, the basic necessities in life, and lessons to help them grow. However, as a mother, our children teach us the importance of time management, patience and tough love, and help us recognize that we are not alone. Our children help us evolve into strong, confident and fearless ringmasters, allowing us to share our strengths and struggles with new ringmasters along the way.

I am grateful for my two beautiful circus performers, honored to be representing the state of North Dakota as 2020 Mother of the Year, and blessed for the numerous lessons that have come with motherhood. The recognition of the mother of the year award provided me with an affirmation that sacrificing time with my children to work doesn’t mean I am sacrificing the love that I have for them. As a mother, I have that found leading by example sometimes means falling on your face, and showing your children that once you fall, you have the opportunity to rise. Falling isn’t failing; it’s a lesson for the next show!