July 21st, 2014

#GoodMama

blog #GoodMama La Tasha Fully Commits to Motherhood

1.  When did you first become a mother and how did you feel? 

I first became a mother at age 32 after 2 years of planning with my husband.  I dreamed of my first son years before we actually conceived him.  So, becoming a mother was a most transformational and affirming experience.  My son Solace was all I dreamed of and more.  I have realigned my life to raise him and his now younger brother and sister.  Today, I am a homeschooling mompreneur who is truly living my dream.

 

2. How do your feelings about motherhood differ now? 

No significant difference.

I have always (as do my family members) believed that becoming a mother is the most honorable position a woman can hold in her lifetime.  

I have a great deal of respect for mothers and have been well-guided on how to live a most fulfilling life as a mother.   I have a village of wise mothers supporting and encouraging me daily.  The support makes being a mother easier than I expected, but the life I live today as a full-time mama first is exactly as I envisioned it.  I have a great time and do it with my children on my hip, legs and wrapped around my fingers.

 

3. What makes you a #goodmama? 

Well,  people tell me I am a good mama because I have fully committed my life to being a mother to my children, while showing them daily the joy I get out of it despite my daily mistakes.  My children tell me I am #goodmama because I always love them and give them chances even when they make not so good choices.  I am a #goodmama because my children make it so.  They accept me in all my faultiness and love me anyway.  I am a #goodmama because I am a reflection of them and that’s enough for me.

 

4. Why do you think African-American moms get a bad rap?

In my opinion, our society does not receive quality, accurate projections of who we are as Black mothers because Black mothers have not traditionally been in the decision making positions to control and influence our broadcasted imagery. Only we can tell our truth. But we are making headway as influencers, like Brownmamas.com,  take advantage of this new online social medium that allows us to broadcast our truth unfiltered to the world. As we gain attention wherever we interact, I believe people who hold negative perceptions of Black women as mothers will follow us to the undeniable truth: that we continue to follow and live the tradition of being the queen mamas of civilization through time and up to this very day.

5. Tell us one of your funniest mommy moments? 

Hmmmmm.  There are so many.  There was one time when I was in a big public bathroom stall just 2 months after having my second child and my 26 month old at the time yelled out, “Mama!  Whhhhhhhy is your butt sooooooooo BIG!”   I and all the other women, just fell out laughing.  It was hilarious.  Fortunately, the other women had like experiences and so I did not have to do the walk of shame.  I will never forget it. I’m falling out laughing now.

 

6. What piece of advice would you give another mom?

Don’t expect perfection because the joy is learning through the trial and error of our imperfections.  Be humble enough to allow your child to correct you so that they learn how to accept criticism and seize redemption. 

Be patient with yourself because you will lose it from time-to-time.  Most importantly, the best template, formula or mold for a mother is you.  You are enough.  Follow your path and no one else’s, for you were divinely made.  How do you know?  Your children chose YOU.   In addition to her commitment to motherhood, La Tasha serves our children as the founder and executive director of EVOKU Actualized Global Leadership Experience.