So who were you, exactly, before you became a mom? Admit it—you got caught up in it all and you’ve almost forgotten. Especially if you’ve had one pregnancy after another in recent years. You’ve switched to family mode, and that’s perfectly fine. Your kids need you, and the early years are the most crucial—everyone knows that.
But what about you? Haven’t you forgotten about yourself a little?
You used to love fashion; you enjoyed dressing up. And now you can’t even remember the last time you took the time to put together an outfit or do your hair in a style more sophisticated than the usual ponytail.
You used to love good food and trying new things. But now you just go along with whatever the kids want. What wouldn’t you do to make them happy? Or to avoid an unnecessarily unpleasant tantrum—whichever comes first!
You used to love taking time for yourself—to recharge, to go out with friends. But that was before, back when you didn’t have kids. These days, you don’t dare leave the family nest for very long without your little ones. What if they can’t fall asleep without a kiss from Mom? What if they get bored? What if they think you’re abandoning them? What if you get too bored yourself?
All your love, all your energy has shifted to these little beings you created yourself. That’s no small thing, you know! You’re proud, and it’s only natural, in a way, that you’d trade your little personal pleasures for family happiness.
Except that after a while, you might realize that, once again, you’ve gotten caught up in it all. You’re exhausted, your comforting little routine bores you, and the kids’ jokes don’t make you laugh as much anymore. Your nerves are on edge, and you don’t understand why—because you have everything you need to be happy. A wonderful family, healthy kids, a big house, and a good job.
No one is lacking anything—no one, that is, except maybe you. Yes, you’ve forgotten about yourself, my friend! You were so busy focusing on the happiness and well-being of others that you forgot about your own.
The little pleasures you used to treat yourself to—as simple and subtle as they were—played a big role in your mental well-being, and that’s when you realize it—it hits you right in the face.
So today, I want to tell you to take some time for yourself, Mom! Pamper yourself, cook yourself a nice meal, make an appointment at the salon, go out for a drink with your old friends (without feeling guilty and without checking your phone every 15 minutes! Okay, at least try to make a little effort!).
Because the foundation of a healthy, happy family is a mom who’s fulfilled and comfortable in her own skin.
Have you ever lost sight of yourself in the whirlwind of motherhood, or have you ever felt guilty about doing things just for yourself as a mom? I’d love to hear from you! 😉
Marie-Christine