This weekend, I met a fellow mom for the first time while sitting on the sidelines of our daughters’ soccer practice.
I don’t know why, but I still find it a little intimidating to talk to other moms at my daughter’s activities. It feels like making friends all over again. But usually, pushing yourself to simply say hello ends up being so worth it.
What started as a quick hello and cheering our girls on turned into a passionate, real conversation in the blink of an eye.
I found out she’s a teacher too, and she shared how frustrated she was with the lack of support and maternity leave in her district. She had to return to work just seven weeks after having her baby, while her husband received fully paid paternity leave and more time home with their baby.
I looked at her and said, “OMG. Same.”
And suddenly, we were two moms realizing how much our experiences had in common. We left already looking forward to talking again at the next practice, both feeling validated and determined.
Before we left, we said the same thing: we want to make this world a better place for our daughters.
So, talk to the mom sitting next to you. Say hello. Start the conversation. You never know what connection, friendship, or spark might come from it.
