Losing Your Identity in ‘Motherhood’

I am a Mother and that is all that I am.

Obviously, this is not true, but this is how I’ve been acting, feeling and living lately. I live and breathe for my kids. My schedule revolves around them, my daily thoughts and actions are consumed with baby feeding, pooping, nursing, pumping, and it’s been difficult to focus or do anything for myself these days.

I know it’s the sacrifice you make as a parent and putting your children and their needs before your own is necessary, especially during the precious first year. But, I’ve been feeling sluggish and in a fog as of late.

Understandably, I am not going to be my usual energetic self after months of sleep deprivation, and burning the candle at both ends most days, but I am determined to find a better balance in my life.

I stopped writing, meditating, going for my daily walks in nature, socializing, and lost my zest and passion for living life to the fullest.

I put too much pressure on myself to do it ALL. To stick to my rigid schedule and get everything done. The perfectionist in me, which I’ve tried to let go of, has come back full force!

I know I was meant for something greater and want to live through my passions, but as of late I find myself saying “I don’t have any time for that” and “this time is temporary, so I just need to get through it”, and although this is true, it doesn’t mean I have to continue to ignore my body and it’s needs, my yearning for some peace and a deeper spiritual connection which I lost touch with, carving out more “ME” time , laughing and enjoying life more.

I started the Move-It Mama Tribe as a passion project, but I just have one foot in. I want to jump in. I want to bring the best me. I want to shine. Why can’t I…. Because I’m a Mom?

Being a Mom has taught me so much about myself and should be all the more reason why I should continue to pursue my calling, let go of fears, and JUMP in.

I might not have as much free time anymore, but I am more than just a Mom and I deserve and can have it all.

I want to feel strong again and no longer weak, physically and mentally.

I want to practice yoga and mindfulness more often.

I want to slow down and BREATHE.

I want to continue to meet the needs of my children, but also meet my own needs.

I want to reconnect with my husband.

I want to go on trips without fear of it ruining our schedule.

I want to write more often, as it’s been a powerful tool in my healing journey.

I want to wake up every morning with excitement for the day ahead and actually LIVE in the moment, instead of wishing the day were over.

I also need to get my nails done, hair done, a foot massage and a week’s vacation on a tropical island…. hehe! (Wishful thinking?)

And instead of saying “I don’t have time”, I am going to MAKE time. I might not be able to do it all everyday, but each day I’ll make sure I take a couple minutes for myself, even if it’s writing a paragraph for a blog, working out, sharing a recipe with my Tribe, or just taking time to BREATHE for 5 straight minutes while taking a shower.

Life can get busy, messy and chaotic… but if I don’t start slowing down a bit and enjoying each day, it’ll pass by too quickly, without staying TRUE to myself and my purpose here.

If you too are struggling Mama, I am here for you. Let’s do this together! XO