While having children is a beautiful thing, women are not solely defined by the role of being a mother. Their lives can be wonderful and happy without children. And this is just what the campaign #NonMotherhoodChallenge is trying to prove. Not only is this a funny response to the #MotherhoodChallenge, which asks moms to post pictures of their kids, but it is also bringing awareness to the Infertility Network, an organization that offers information, support and advice for women who are struggling to conceive.
The latest social media craze to grace our Facebook feeds is the #MotherhoodChallenge.
"Reason I'm happy is because the lord gave me the opportunity to be your mother."
It asks women to post pictures showing why they’re happy to be a mom and then tag other moms to do the same.
"Motherhood Challenge, I was nominated to post pictures that make me happy to be a Mother."
Like with many other challenges, what started out as a fun way to show off the joys of motherhood, has now caused quite the controversy.
"These photos make me happy to be Cleos mama…2nd photo our family #LOVE &the 3rd photo cleo&her amazing dad &just in general my mini me."
Comedian Ellie Taylor’s Motherhood Challenge pictures went viral for a different reason.
She shows the joys of not having children, like sleeping and a bottle of wine. She wrote, "Non-Motherhood Challenge: I was nominated by myself to post 5 pictures that make me happy to be a non-mother. Such special memories."
Many other women followed suit on the newly proclaimed #NonMotherhoodChallenge.
"Motherhood Challenge. Here's my 5 photos that make me glad I don't have any kids. #Freedom"
And non-mothers alike rejoiced to be represented for once. Mothers themselves even commented on how smug the Motherhood Challenge was becoming.
"Here's my five non-mom challenge. I actually like my husband after over six years of marriage, and we like to go on child-limited cruises around the world and scuba dive. Up until last month, I was a military flying weapons officer. Carpe diem! and…WHITE COUCH!"
Women are even making collages of their cats and rejoicing that they are proud cat moms.
Dani Bailey via Facebook
"Motherhood Challenge! Here are 5 pictures that make me happy to be a cat mum! I'm tagging people that I think are also great cat mums."
And dog moms are doing just the same.
Vikki Stone via Facebook
"I was nominated for the #motherhoodchallenge. Here are my favorite photos of what it means to be a mother."
There are many women who can’t have children and they’re constantly reminded of it every time they see a new #MotherhoodChallenge photo collage.
"Non-motherhood challenge! I have been inspired and nominated by me to post 5 pics that make me proud every day to be a non-mother."
Because of this, many women in support of the #NonMotherhoodChallenge are now raising awareness for the Infertility Network and challenging people to donate.
"I was nominated by no one to post 5 pictures that show how proud I am of myself and my life despite the face I haven't pushed another human out from between my legs."
So as women, let’s come together and rejoice in the fact that being a mother is beautiful and not being a mother is just as beautiful.
"#nonmotherhoodchallenge These are five things (sleep, money, spontaneous fun and relaxation with my hubby) that make me glad I don't have kids!