Hi friends,
Lately I have been having a bit of a personal struggle. It's a struggle that shows up every now-and-then, and it's always an interesting journey to answer the question, "Who Am I?" I am a mother, I am a wife, I am a friend, I am a daughter, a sister. I am also a short-order cook, a meal-planner, an event-planner, a taxi driver, a laundress (good word, huh?), a house cleaner, a nanny, etc...you get the picture- I am a BUSY woman. I have been so blessed to be a "stay-at-home-mom" for 7 years and, for the most part, have loved it. and now I find myself at a funny point in my life. My children are all in school full-day. I am just as busy as ever- volunteering in the classrooms, maintaining a household, working in the church,keeping our family organized, and trying to squeeze in some exercise. But WHO AM I? Sometimes i feel like i have lost my identity as ME. Should i go to work? Would that make my life and my family's life too crazy? Should I volunteer more in other areas (not elementary school)? Maybe I should spend some time each week at the FAmily History Center? So this is my plea to you: what works for you? Have you ever found yourself in this situation? If my mom reads this, maybe she has some interesting insights for me (She raised 6 kids and is still alive) I'd love to hear from any of you who might care to share. Thanks!
4 comments:
When I finally was aBLE TO STAY AT HOME, ALL MY KIDS WERE IN SCHOOL, AND jESSICA STARTED KINDERGARTEN. I had volunteered in their classes, and at the family history center and drovew myself bonkers! I was finally told by a family counselor that I really needed to start getting some "ME" time, and NOW is when you have that opportunity to do that for you! I appreciate my "ME" time and HATE when I miss it due to this or that. Having the "ME" time has helped me find out WHO I AM by being able to start doing things for me and not for the kids or the family! One last thing...Don't think your weird because your asking that, because EVERY woman comes to that point in their life where if they dont ask it, have at least thought about it!
I HOPE I HELPED!
LOVE YA!
Danelle
Dear Emily, Funny thing, Cecelia Budica and I had a similar conversation today. A stay-stay-at-home mom does have a tough job. No kudos for a job well done, like a clean house, cooking and volunteering and all that goes along with being a wife and mother. No adult conversations, or getting dressed up for work and sharing with co-workers. If you work outside the home, you get instant recognition but if you stay at home, you won't see the results of your labor for years. But this is the most important job ever and just think, when your kids are older you can have a second career! As to now...how lucky you don't have to work but you could do sub teaching for a few favorite teachers. It would be rewarding and not tie you down and give you some play money. You would have time to do what you want and need to do and still bve able to work if want. You are so talented in so many areas. Have you thought of doing a community day class for women in scrap booking or card making or some sort of craft? YOu are so talented! Others feel as you do and would love to take a day class. Through the community you would get paid and have a place to do a class. And meet so many interesting people. You are a great organizer...people like classes on how to organize. Sometimes Mothers and wives wonder.., who was I? Where did I go? It seems Mothers are always giving and not always receiving. It is hard and you do lose your identity and focus sometimes. I found Temple work and prayer helped. Unfortunately, I did not find that until most of you had left the nest. It also helped when Dad no longer traveled and helped take the load. One thing that really helped, was when he was home, he always read or told "Frank, the Turkey" bedtime stories to you kids before going to bed giving me some alone time. There is no easy answer but I know you will find what is best for you! I love you and am proud of all your many accomplishments.
Love, Mom
You are the envy of many moms right now (me included). My suggestion (not that I have any experience w/ this subject... yet) is the take the first year or two (of your kids being in school all day) to do whatever the heck you want! Indulge in your hobbies. Go to lunch with girlfriends. Read many a good books. Take naps. Watch t.v. Do.whatever.the.heck.you.want! After raising your kids to this point, you deserve a huge break. Figure out the rest later! OXOXOXO
I think this is the time to find a hobby that you like. Have you ever wanted to paint, sculpt, learn photography? Do something that would be relaxing and enjoying. Figure out who you are besides the above mentioned. :)
Photography has helped me with this who am I struggle. Although we all love being mommy, wife and all those other things that come with it I think it's good to develop our own spirits with talents that we can take with us in the next life.
By the way, YOU ARE AWESOME!!
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