I realized this during my last girls’ night out. And when I became a contributor for Maman Caféine—when something just took hold of me and I couldn’t stop myself from commenting on everything that pops up in our Facebook group—it confirmed it. I GO CRAZY!!!
I go completely bonkers when I meet other moms. Let’s just say that with four kids—one of whom is autistic—my social life has taken a serious hit. So when I find myself around other moms, I’m super excited to be able to use a language other than “goo-goo gaga” and belly farts. Finally, I’ll be able to talk about existential things like my daughter’s poop in the potty or pacifiers that vanish into another dimension. I’ll be able to have a deep conversation where I can recount my childbirth experience without traumatizing anyone. Most importantly—and I mean most importantly—I’ll be able to wear something other than my pajamas and my messy hair.
But seriously, jokes aside, it feels so good to be surrounded by women who are going through pretty much the same things as you. To meet women whose journeys are inspiring. To chat and realize you’re not alone in experiencing certain things. It’s even cooler when your story can encourage someone else or when I manage to make the girl who’s feeling a little down laugh.
It feels good to be something other than a mom who’s swamped for just one evening. I go a little crazy, I think, mostly because I want to make the most of this time spent with my fellow moms. And then, at some point, we all end up pulling out our phones to show photos of our greatest achievements—our kids—and we realize that it feels good to miss them just a little. And then we head home feeling satisfied until the next time we go a little crazy all over again!