Meet Polina Sova, mother, model, and photographer. This Mother's Day, Polina reflects on the surprises and little things that go unseen in motherhood.

I became a mother at the ripe age of 34, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Ok, sometimes my body doesn’t move as smoothly, but emotionally and life goal-wise I am semi-settled. 

I have enjoyed every stage of motherhood so far. But now that I think of it, this one is my favorite! My son is approaching 2 soon, and it’s a hoot. I must say the newborn mother phase was a doozy.

My biggest challenge so far has been the identity shift. My idea of myself as a free, career-oriented, independent, and spontaneous woman had to change. My relationship to home, family, finances, and (of course) my partner got turned upside down. Every few months, we have to have a meeting to fine-tune what our roles and responsibilities are. It's exhausting!

Living in Bali means that as a Mum or a family out and about, you’re never a nuisance. People are very welcoming and warm to children of all ages. Also, dressing a toddler is not for the fainthearted. I am so grateful for the unbearably hot climate of Bali. At least I can just throw a pair of undies on the kid and head out the door. I have so much respect for potty training Mums in cold climates. 

When we become mothers, we all shift our focus and energy away from our careers and toward our children. For me, this process was a little bit of a shock. How little I suddenly cared about my career and work in general! I take on more and more projects now, but nothing like when I modeled full-time. I am very fortunate to have a man who always supports me in spending as much time as possible with our little one during his early childhood. 

Something that goes unseen as a mother is the mental load. Can someone think for me, please?

Since becoming a mum, I love to wear anything with pockets. Practicality comes first. But in all seriousness, since becoming a mum, I’ve experienced the most liberating confidence in my appearance. So I am finally comfortable wearing it all.

My mother taught me how to be independent and manage everything as a woman. She also taught me to never forget to stop and look at the little wonders of the world surrounding us.

I'm most excited about watching my son grow up a little more every day.