Once upon a time, a little girl wanted nothing more than to be a mommy… and her wish came true!
From the time I could talk, “mommy” was at the top of the “What I want to be when I grow up” list. And now that I am a mommy and loving it, I’m happy to say that I’m also discovering my “momME” as well.
So what do I mean by “momME”? I doubt I’m the first to use this term, but as with many things, there are multiple interpretations around a similar theme. I am talking about being the kind of mom I wanted to be (a little “granola,” child-centered SAHM), but finding a balance that allows me to be “me” as well. My daughter comes first MOST of the time, but I am acknowledging that in order to be the mom that I want to be, I have to be selfish from time to time and create times to simple be “me.” Every mommy has different expectations and wants for their “mommy” experience, but we all know that a happy mommy makes it easier to be a “good” mommy. We each give-give-give, and we need to take moments to refill before we can give any more.
So, what’s my story, and where had I gone? At 28, I met my husband and it was love at first sight. He was wearing armor, how could I not fall instantly in love? (more on that another day) I married at 30 and had my daughter 2 years later. She was our gift for our first anniversary. Before that, I had a successful career as an autism interventionist and program director. I had a lot of time to find the things I enjoyed and a lot of time to be selfish. When I had my daughter, my life changed as I knew it… not because it had to, but because I chose to. My life revolved around my daughter. Her needs were almost, if not completely, 100% ahead of my own. I loved this life because it was the life I’d always dreamed of, or at least it was the life I thought “mommyhood” was supposed to be. Then one day, I sat down at my vanity and didn’t recognize the person staring back at me in the mirror.
What’s your story? Are you a mommy? Have you found your “momME”? Have you ever wanted something in your life, but then realized when you got there, you wanted it to be a little bit different? Have you ever gotten lost and had to find yourself again?
Coming soon: Stuck in a Dream and Finding “Mom-ME” — How I Unmasked My Radiance and Awakened My Sparkle