Parenthood.
It exhilarates, exhausts, disgusts, and lifts us like nothing else possibly could.
How would you sum up the journey in six words? Inspired by Hemingway’s assertion that a story can be told in six words, I asked that to parents around me – at soccer practice, in the blog world, even at the grocery store.
Here are 55 responses … from the anxious to the delirious to the simply joyous, all honest, all from the heart.
1. “Having my heart outside my body.”
Hannah H.
2. “Fulfilling, enduring, exhausting, challenging, thrilling, proud.”
Andrea P.
3. “The most humbling experience in life.”
Matt C.
4. “The craziest ride of your life.”
Brittany R.
5. “Heart, bigger. Brain, hurts. Arms, full.”
Alison, author of Writing, Wishing blog
6. “Best job you’ll do for free.”
Amanda P.
7. “My greatest love, joy and anxiety!”
Tara G.
8. “Love, care, teach, manners and values.”
Lamar H., author of Inspirational Basketball blog
9. “One crazy rollercoaster of a bootcamp.”
Erica W.
10. “Parenthood is elation, exhaustion, heartbreak; repeat.”
Lesley M.
11. “A life turned upside down instantly.”
Christine Carter, author of Mom Cafeblog
12. “Life with kids is beautiful chaos.”
Erica G.
13. “Exhausting sacrifice which brings innumerable blessings.”
Kris B.
14. “Joyful, painful, most rewarding hard work.”
Jennifer H., author of Living in Graceland blog
15. “Days go slow, years go fast.”
Rebecca C., author of The Unsteady Path blog
16. “What the heck was I thinking?”
Kelly S.
17. Never ending, mostly joy-filled adventure.”
Lori C.
18. “Best thing ever happened to me.”
Janet C.
19. “How blessed I am by God!”
Donna H.
20. “Hand me a very large cocktail.”
Megan M.
21. Selfless, frustrating and rewarding learning experience.”
Beth. H.
22. Love, frustration, anger, humiliation, ache, angst.”
Leslie P.
23. Leaving a legacy by changing diapers.”
Laura O., author of Mommy-Miracles blog
24. “Parents are very loving leaders.”
Rebecca Scarberry, Author of YA novella, “Messages From Henry”
(pigeon hero)
25. “Love, with a side of chaos.”
Ashley T.
26. “Sometimes you just have to laugh.”
Jillian L.
27. “Hurt him and I’ll cut you.”
Renee J., author of “Renée Schuls-Jacobson” blog
28. “What could possibly happen again today?”
Holly Homer, author of June Cleaver Nirvana blog
29. “Extraordinarily humbling, challenging, rewarding lifetime commitment.”
Debbie H.
30. “It’s the most wonderful experience ever!”
Jamie J., author of Kreyv blog.
31. “Instantaneous love combined with eternal worry.”
Lacey E.
32. “Tangible selfless love, an unexpected gift.”
Mandrile Y., author of the Polished Before Shined blog
33. “Most precious gift I could receive.”
Kimberly S.
34. “Learning and growing every single day.”
Tricia, author of Raising Humans blog
35. “The hardest but most fulfilling job.”
Deanna M.
36. “One of the hardest jobs ever.”
Chelsea W., author of MS Mummy of Two blog
37. “Always Be there for your kids.”
Kevin D., author of Sports Dad Hub blog
38. “Rewarding, ever changing, maddening yet satisfying.”
Rhonda S.
39. “The craziest rollercoaster you’ll ever ride.”
Renae Christine, author of Rich Mom Daily blog
40. “Buckle up, and enjoy the ride.”
Kimbra, author of Mommy’s Rambles blog
41. “Motherhood called me. Leave a message.”
Jen, author of Life on the Sonny Side blog
42. “Re-evaluating what is important in life.”
Tina S., author of One Mom’s Battle blog
43. “Chaos reigns in some sane insanity.”
Teri B., author of Snarkfest blog
44. “The hardest job you’ll ever love.”
Leslie B., author of Time Out For Mom blog
45. “Parenthood is a fantastic rollercoaster ride.”
Brigitte M., writer for Fragrant Man blog
46. “Hardest and best job in life.”
Danielle D.
47. “Keep an eye out; don’t hover.”
Michelle N., author of A Dish of Daily Life blog
48. “Colorful, crazy world of unconditional love.”
Rosey A., author of Mail 4 Rosey blog
50. “Watching your heart walk outside yourself.”
Mehgan B.
51. “My life is better with kids.”
Frugie, author of Frugalista Blog
52. “Relentless pressure released by random hugs.”
Cindy R., author of The Reedster Speaks blog
53. “Parenthood is what gives me perspective.”
Jen B., author of Another Jennifer blog
54. “The most beautiful and terrifying adventure!”
Grace, author of Arms Wide Open blog
55. “The biggest, hardest, greatest job ever.”
Sheri Lynch, co-host of “The Bob and Sheri Show“
56. “Your reward is becoming a grandparent!”
Pamela K., author of “A Renaissance Woman” blog
57. “First 20 years are the hardest.”
Laurie, author of “The Trophy Mom” blog
58. “Teaches unconditional love and abundant patience.”
Stacy J., author of Stacy Uncorked blog
59. “Teach them compassion and financial survival.”*
Jesse W., author of Do Your Job blog
60. “Gives me plenty to blog about!”
Eli P., author of Coach Daddy blog
What would your six-word sentence read? And which of these do you most associate with?
*-Jesse later added, “I ran out of words, but I would have added: “and then kick them the f*** out of your house.” 🙂 🙂
Just a dad ... 