I became a widow in my 20s. It taught me to say 'yes' more and live every day like it might be my last.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Powerful rear view shot of a mature woman looking out of her bedroom window
The author, not pictured, lost her husband in her 20s.

Justin Paget/Getty Images

I've traveled to more than 70 countries. Each one helped prepare me for motherhood in a unique way.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
The author with her daughter by Lake Powell, AZ, in 2017.
The author and her daughter on the shore of Lake Powell in 2017.

Courtesy of Jennica Peterson

I was laid off shortly after having a baby. Now I have no choice but to be a stay-at-home mom.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Woman in homeoffice
The author was laid off shortly after returing to work from parental leave.

Courtesy of the author

My family moved to a small town 8 years ago. It's been mostly great, but it's been hard to make friends as an adult.

Tech Insider : Business
A man sitting in bed looking out the window in the morning.
The author (not pictured) has found it difficult to make friends since moving to a small town.

Justin Paget/Getty Images

I love having an only child, and I won't apologize for it. She doesn't need a sibling to be whole.

Tech Insider : Business
The author with her daughter sitting on a bench on a sunny day.
The author is happy being the mother of an only child.

Photo credit: Lisette Garcia

My mother-in-law moved in with us and helps with childcare and household chores. It's the best decision we've ever made.

Tech Insider : Business, Economy, Style
grandma playing
The author's mother-in-law moved in full-time with her family.

Courtesy of the author

My kids were born 17 years apart. My daughter and I grew up together, my son is getting a different version of me.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
A girl is shown from behind on a tree swing.
The author said that motherhood feels different the second time around.

Courtesy of Frankie Samah

I've been a military spouse for 7 years. It's harder than I ever could've imagined.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Author Allie Hubers and her partner in college
I've been married to an Air Force officer for years, and I never could've imagined how challenging and unpredictable our life would be.

Allie Hubers

I made a Cheez-It holiday house. The frosting-and-cheese combo truly shocked me.

Tech Insider : Business
Woman making Cheez-Its holiday house

Courtesy of the author

I have 4 kids. I'm raising them to be quitters.

Tech Insider : Business, Economy, Sports
The author with one of her children.
The author said that some parents she knows see quitting as a failure. By contrast, she encourages her kids to quit things that no longer suit them.

Courtesy of Rachel Garlinghouse

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