Hi: My name is Mom

I recently moved, and with a move comes new neighbors. I was talking with a cute mom neighbor next door and she said, “so what do you like to do?”. BLANK. My mind literally went blank. I sat in silence for a solid minute before I blurted out, “well, I’m a mom.” Then I felt weird because she just laughed so I followed it up with, “and I like to run. And bake. I like to bake.” While this experience was embarrassing, it also opened my eyes to what in the world had happened to me. Yes, I am a mom. I have two beautiful boys. Their lives are certainly without a doubt, the best part of mine. It’s only natural that the first thing that came to my mind was my children. That part is not what the problem is. Being a mom does not mean that you must give up your passions, your hobbies or yourself. You can be a mom AND a really good baker. You can be a mom AND still find time to go for an evening run. You can be a mom AND still have girl’s nights where you laugh until you pee your pants (if you’re a mom, this shouldn’t be too difficult).

When was the last time you did something for you? When did you put yourself first? I admit, it doesn’t happen as often as I would like, but giving yourself a break to do things you love, that make up the other part of you is important. You deserve to grow in those areas too. And it is okay if being a mom is the first thing that comes to mind when asked what you like to do. Be proud of it. But then have a slew of other things that make you, you.