Hey Lovelies!
Last Friday I had two dates with two different set of friends. I met one friend for lunch and then another set of friends for dinner/drinks. That never happens anymore. I used to meet friends for lunch and then meet up with another set of friends for dinner all. the. time.
Then I had a baby. And I kissed those days goodbye. So I was super psyched when I was able to find a babysitter and engage in this once-in-a-lifetime-activity once again. And it was a blast!
During my first few months as a new mother, I had this false idea that in order to be a "good mother," I had to become totally and completely engrossed in my son and all of his wants, needs, activities, etc. This made me feel like I was doing a great job as a mom. The problem was that in the process of trying to become this "great mom," I'd completely lost myself as a person. No bueno.
As Aiden's first birthday drew near, I realized that I'd completely isolated myself from my friends. Maybe it was because I was the first in the pack to have a baby and felt that they didn't understand my new life as a mommy. Who knows?
After realizing that I needed some adult conversation in my life (duh!), I started to make the effort to reach out to friends again. That's when I realized that it's perfectly okay (and healthy!) for me to still like things that are not kid-friendly. Like Jay-Z and Rihanna. No, they're not Dora or Diego, but it's something that I like. Something that makes me me.
Working (we need to eat and live well, right?) and going to graduate school (hooray for upward mobility!) is personally fulfilling for me.
Spending time with friends (fun!) and going to the gym to workout (well-needed stress reliever) makes me happy.
Although it took me some time, I have learned that I do not have to choose between motherhood and womanhood. I can choose both!
See, what makes me a "good" mommy isn't just that I am able to be engrossed in a game of tag or read a book or give a bath. It's not just all the "mommy things" that makes me a good mommy. It's also the "woman things" as well.
When I make time for myself and my social life it makes me refreshed, rejuvenated, and HAPPY... and that's what ultimately makes me a better mommy.
Smooches,
SweetAl
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That's right, you gotta make time for yourself. I love your blog concept, you look great & fab! HAppy 25th! xxx
ReplyDeleteLove this - I can totally relate! I pretty much did exactly.the.same.thing... how great does it feel to do 'me' stuff and really appreciate it...
ReplyDeleteGo you! xxx
Well said! :-) it was the same for me when I first got married. My single friends sorta drifted away like my parents predicted they would but rather than let it happen I made a concious effort to reach out so i'm not just surrounded by couples plus they are my friends... I like them!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a mommy, but excellent post! Finding a balance is often so difficult for women, because we have to wear so many different hats. I'm happy you were able to find a happy medium. Now let's meet for drinks soon ;)
ReplyDeleteGreat post, I am so happy you figured this out early. I have no idea why some women just will not take time for themselves. Everyone needs to be who they are, your children do not define you.
ReplyDeleteYou should go out and enjoy yourself.
http://www.nycsinglemom.com
@Marcia: thanks a lot, hun! Feel free to stop by ANYTIME :)
ReplyDelete@Mrs. O: Doesn't it feel great to feel like "you" again?!
@The Princess Poet: Yes! I've heard people say that it happens when you get married too! Married or single, mommy or no mommy, making time for yourself is super important.
@Nika: Just say when love... *wink*
@Linda: I too, am happy I figured this out when I did.