Photo by Stefano
The following post is written by Steady Mom's monthly contributor, Catherine.
Since becoming a mother, have you ever found your passions and interests pushed on the back burner now and again?
Sometimes this is necessary to keep the household running smoothly, but other times we get
lost in this new role of ours.
Somewhere between pregnancy, nursing, potty training and homework we suddenly take on a new form of our self--MOM.
"Mom" is an amazingly powerful title and one
not to be taken lightly. Being a mother is by far the most humbling and
challenging job I've ever had. I would not trade it for the world.
Sometimes, however, I would trade laundry, dishes, the never ending
picking up of the house, kid-shuttling and cooking for my long lost
hobbies of writing, running, scrapbooking, photography
and reading.
Why do we tend to put ourselves
last? Is it just easier? Does guilt get in the way? Have we
lost who we once were?
It's important to continue having aspirations and passions. Yet how can we make our needs a priority along with all our other responsibilities?
It takes deliberate effort and creativity. Sometimes it means letting go of control, asking for help or just simply giving ourselves mental permission.
It can be a sacrifice to pursue your interests. You
may have to rely on others to care for your children at times. You may have to
let a few things go on the home front (short term) in order to take
time out for yourself.
Overcoming that
feeling of guilt can be hard. But remember: Caring for
yourself will result in a more energetic, enthusiastic and balance mom for
your children.
I started running in March of 2008 with Team in Training to
raise money and awareness for blood cancers. My son has been in
treatment for leukemia since 2005 and I wanted to do a marathon to
honor him. I also wanted to challenge myself.
It was a very large
undertaking and I spent many Saturdays away from my kids. My whole
family made sacrifices during my training.
I learned very quickly that running was an excellent outlet for me. Since then, I've completed two marathons with TNT. I showed my children that working toward a goal takes hard work and dedication. There was nothing better than crossing the finish line with my family cheering me on.
I reclaimed a bit of "me" along the way. I was proud of myself for not giving up and for doing something a tiny bit "selfish."Making time for yourself doesn't always mean taking on an activity like running a marathon. It can be simply a cup of tea and a good book. Meet a friend for coffee, head to the gym without children in tow, or get a pedicure.
The struggle is not usually finding what to do with alone time but making the time for yourself a priority.
You
deserve to pursue the things you enjoy. Being a mindful parent requires
balance. And you can achieve that balance if you take time to reflect and connect with your friends and yourself.
Embracing your passions and hobbies will make you a more intentional, professional mother.
**How do you make time for yourself and your interests?**
Catherine is a mother of three children who finds strength in
simple ideas, inspiring others, and keeping things in perspective. She blogs at The Shoe Box Daily, where you can get tips and
ideas for thriving in the midst of life's challenges.
