What my daughter has taught me

For anyone who’s had the chance to hear me talk about my peripartum experience, you know it wasn’t exactly the smoothest ride. Between being completely burned out from work and craving a career change, my pregnancy threw me a few curveballs. I had some health complications, ended up in the hospital twice for high blood pressure, and eventually had to deal with preeclampsia and a postpartum ICU stay. But, through it all, my little one was healthy and happy, and for that, I’ll forever be thankful. She was incredible from the start, but I’ll admit, it took me a little while to really bond with her. I was filled with anxiety—not just about being a new mom, but about my health too. My family was wonderful, offering all the support they could, but it was a long journey, and I’m still finding my way through it.

Three months after returning to work, I handed in my six-month notice. I was craving a shift in perspective, a chance to take a risk, and to create more balance, joy, and peace for my family. Leaving was bittersweet—I'd grown a lot in my role, formed great friendships, and learned so much. But the time had come for me to move on. I thought that once my last day at the hospital arrived, I’d feel this instant sense of freedom, that I’d be able to find calm and transition quickly into this new phase of life. Spoiler alert: that didn’t happen! It took several months for me to feel more like me again in my new role. Really, just recently. Between finding the right job, navigating my non-compete, and wanting to soak up all the moments with my little girl, I made the decision to be a full-time mom until I could start the launch of my health coaching program.

Now that I’m here, I want to share some of the beautiful, surprising, and sometimes humbling lessons my little one has taught me over the past few months.

 Curiosity and Wonder

A toddler’s curiosity knows no bounds. They marvel at the simplest things—a leaf, a rock, the sound of a bird, even my collection of hair ties. Everything is new, exciting, and worth exploring.

As I get older, I sometimes forget how wonderful the world truly is. But she has reignited my sense of curiosity. She has shown me that it’s okay to wonder, to seek new experiences. This curiosity fuels growth and keeps the world feeling fresh and vibrant. It’s a reminder that learning doesn’t end—it’s a lifelong journey.

Resilience

Have you ever seen a toddler fall, get back up, and immediately try again? It’s incredible to witness. Whether it’s learning to walk, climb stairs, or figuring out how to stack blocks, toddlers face challenges head-on, without fear of failure. They simply dust themselves off and try again.

I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about avoiding setbacks—it’s about bouncing back with determination. Watching her navigate life’s little challenges has shown me that persistence is key. Every fall, every mistake is just a part of the process, and it’s how we respond that matters most.

 Living in the Moment

My toddler has truly mastered the art of living in the moment. She’s fully immersed in whatever is happening right then and there. If I blow her a bubble, she looks at it with such wide-eyed wonder, as if it’s the most magical thing she’s ever seen. And when she’s in the bath, it’s like she’s discovered water all over again—splashing around with pure joy, like it’s the first time she’s ever touched it. Every little thing is an adventure for her, and it’s impossible not to be swept up in her excitement and delight.

As an adult, it’s so easy to get caught up in the endless swirl of to-do lists, work deadlines, and future plans. But my little one has this beautiful way of reminding me to slow down, take a breath, and appreciate the world around me. Whether we’re watching the leaves drift down from the trees, spotting the neighborhood cat, or simply playing together on the porch, she’s teaching me that it’s the simple moments that often carry the most joy. I find myself feeling more grateful and at peace because of her. It’s such a small shift, but it’s one that has brought so much more light and happiness into our daily lives.

 Unconditional Love

The love of a toddler is pure, effortless, and given without hesitation. No matter how exhausted I am, how chaotic the house feels, or how many times I’ve had to say “no,” my daughter still greets me with smiles, her favorite stuffed pig, and a kind of devotion that has no limits. In those moments, I’m reminded that love isn’t something that needs to be earned or conditioned—it just is.

This unconditional love has taught me to be kinder to myself and to others. It’s shown me that love doesn’t require proof or expectations. It can simply be given, freely and with all your heart. And it’s in these moments, when love flows without barriers, that we experience the most authentic and beautiful connections.

Gratitude

Toddlers are experts in expressing gratitude. A simple “thank you” after receiving something, or the unbridled joy when they are gifted something new, reminds me of how important it is to express appreciation for the little things. When my toddler exclaims, “Look, a rainbow!” or “Wow, it’s so yummy!” I’m reminded that gratitude can be found in the simplest moments.

In the rush of adulthood, I sometimes forget to give thanks for the small pleasures—a good meal, a sunny day, a hug from a loved one. My toddler’s enthusiasm has taught me to slow down and savor life’s daily blessings. Gratitude brings more joy into my heart and creates a sense of abundance, even on ordinary days.

Forgiveness

Toddlers don’t seem to hold grudges. If they’re upset, they cry it out and then move on. One minute they’re angry, the next minute they’re laughing and playing. There’s a purity in their emotional responses that I envy. The ability to forgive, to let go of anger, and move forward is something aspirational.

As adults, we tend to carry around old wounds and grudges, but my daughter has shown me that holding onto resentment only weighs us down. It’s freeing to let go, to forgive, and to embrace a fresh start. Children, in their simplicity, hold the key to one of the most powerful virtues—peace through forgiveness.

Patience

This journey has been challenging for me. Parenting a toddler demands an extraordinary amount of patience. From waiting as they climb the stairs to watching them unload every book from the shelf just to do it again, patience has become something I’ve had to practice in real time. Along the way, I’ve discovered that patience isn’t simply about waiting—it’s about accepting mistakes, fostering growth, and embracing learning.

She has shown me that patience is a quiet kind of strength. Whether it’s waiting for her to finish a meal or helping her take her first steps, I’ve come to appreciate the process and trust that everything unfolds when it's meant to.

 Joy in Simplicity

Lastly, my daughter has taught me that joy doesn’t need to be complicated. Whether it's running around with bare feet, dancing to a favorite song, or simply watching a bug crawl across the floor, toddlers find joy in the simplest things. They don’t need big events or grand gestures to feel fulfilled.

In a world that often demands more—more success, more possessions, more achievements—it’s easy to forget that happiness can be found in the little things. Her ability to find delight in the simplest moments has been a powerful reminder for me to slow down and appreciate what truly matters.

We can find growth in learning to slow down.