Getting pulled 5 different directions by kids and responsibilities doesn’t leave much time for yourself. A lot of times moms tend to take care of everyone else and forget to take care of themselves. This can lead to feelings such as being burned out, loss of identity, and depression. It’s important that moms take time to relax, cultivate their talents and spend time with other adults.
This used to be my life. I made sure that dinner was made, laundry was done, everyone had rides, homework was done, teeth were brushed, kids were tucked into bed and on and on and on. Day in and day out, everyday, every little thing I did was focused on kids and a husband and their needs and wants. I made sure everyone was happy, except me.
That doesn’t mean that I don’t love my kids and that they don’t make me happy. I LOVE being a mom! However being a mom is a hard, thankless, tiring job that can leave you feeling like a maid, cook, and chauffeur and nothing more.
When people would ask me about me and my likes and interests, I wouldn’t know what to tell them. I would mention my kids and the things we enjoyed doing together, but could never think of anything to tell them about me personally. I forgot who I was other than mom and wife.
When I first got divorced I struggled knowing what to do with myself when it was just me and I didn’t have my kids with me. I had to change that. I had to start taking time to find myself again.
As I started remembering who I was as a person, I realized something important. I realized I hadn’t been truly happy for a long time. I had given up so much to take care of others and neglected me. I thought that I was doing what needed to be done and that I could be happy as long as everyone else was happy. Turns out that wasn’t the case.
I discovered as I took care of me, I was happier when I was with my kids and taking care of them as well. We were able to have more fun together and I could even share my new interests and likes with them too. Taking time to take care of me has made me a better mom. I have learned that when I am taken care of and happy with myself, I have more patience with my kids and can be a happier momma to them.
So all of you beautiful Momma’s out there do something for you today. Even if it’s just 20 mins of alone time in your room where you can have a moment of peace or power nap. Do something that will help make yourself happy, so you can be happy with your family.
