Inspiring Mama #1

Name: Morgan Johnston

IG name: ruggedandfancy

Where you currently live: Birmingham, Alabama

Child/childrens names/ages: 

Tennessee Wolf Johnston, 11 weeks

1. What were some of your first thoughts/feelings when finding out you were going to become a mama?

My husband and I have been together for twelve years and had never gotten pregnant. I was scared that maybe it just wasn't going to happen for us. Then in the busiest time of our lives, my husband releasing a new record with a huge PR push and me running our company... I found out I was pregnant. We were shocked. SHOCKED. It seemed unreal for weeks, and I was so scared that something would happen that I didn't allow myself to really accept it until the second trimester. There was a lot of praying and talks with God. It was great for our relationship. 

2. Do you have a motto or quote that has helped you along during motherhood?

To love and care for your child is to worship God. It makes those insane moments have greater purpose and it calms me. 

3. What has changed the most in your life since becoming a mother?

We still get to be creatives. We still get to travel. We still do all the things we did before. The only things that have changed are I am WAY better at time management. I probably get more done before 8am than most people do all day. And more than anything, my capacity for love has increased exponentially. Love for my child, my husband, myself, for God, for total strangers. Everyone is someone's child. 

4.  If you could teach your child/children one lesson in life what would it be?

Always talk to God, know that He is there whether you can see him or not. That's some pretty powerful stuff. 

5. How has motherhood changed your mindset (maybe you broke a habit or once had a pet peeve that no longer bothers you)?

I quit hating my body. I look at pictures before I was pregnant when I used to be so hard on myself, pointing out all the flaws. I see those photos now and I think, man I looked HOT! My body is still recuperating from pregnancy and birth, but I feel strong and proud of what it did for me. 

6. Any advice for new mothers or mothers-to-be? 

Don't be hard on yourself. That's maybe the biggest thing. Feel good about what you've done and give yourself a break.