It is so easy to lose ourselves in motherhood. Being a mother is a 24/7 job which leaves us with so little time for ourselves. I am personally guilty of giving and giving to others until I have nothing left for myself. As mothers, it’s natural to pour our hearts and souls into raising our little ones, and we often lose sights of our own passions and interests while doing so. One of my goals for this year is to change that, I want to spend more time focusing on the little things that I love and that allow me to have that creative outlet that I so dearly miss. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love nothing more than being a mother. It is truly a dream come true, but being a stay at home/ work from home mom can become so repetitive without making time for yourself. I mean you can only be asked if your cat is a “teenager or a big kid” from your toddler so many times without going a tad bit crazy. Diving into your own passions and interests is so important for your day to day well being as a mother.
Embrace the change
The number one mistake many moms make is neglecting their own passions for the sake of their children. It's time to shift the focus back to yourself and embrace the journey of self-discovery. Often times your passions and interests shift once you have children. Before having children I worked as an intensive in home counselor for at risk youth. It was my job but also my true passion! After having children my entire mind set changed and while it was hard to say goodbye to my clients, I knew it was the best path for our family. I am always searching for new things to try on top of my passions that will always be there. I’ve always loved writing, hence why I have this blog. I also enjoy photography and home design. A few new hobbies I want to try out are: baking sourdough, watercolor, scrapbooking.
This may be controversial but motherhood shouldn't define you entirely. It's essential to maintain a sense of individuality outside of being a parent. While I type this blog post out, I am 100% confident that I do not always follow my own advice. Motherhood is my identity, it’s what I am passionate about, but that doesn’t mean I can’t do other activities that I enjoy as well.
Finding the Time
Instead of waiting for the perfect time, prioritize pursuing your passions now. Your children will benefit from seeing you fulfilled and happy. When you finally figure out how to integrate your passions into your daily life, without neglecting your responsibilities as a parent you will feel so much more at ease. One common thing many moms are doing is neglecting self-care and personal time (guilty as charged). Make it a priority to carve out moments in your day for activities that bring you joy, whether it's painting, writing, or simply reading a book after the kids go to sleep. Every evening when my kids are in bed I take out my laptop and write. I have so many half blog posts written that I hope to publish one day because of taking the time to write out what is on my mind.
Connect with Others
Seek out communities of women who share your interests. Whether it's joining a book club, attending a painting class, or participating in online forums (like the Everyday Darling Motherhood Collective), surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can provide support and encouragement on your journey. I personally feel so energized after connecting with others that share similar interests as me.
Lead by Example
By pursuing your own passions, you're teaching your children the importance of self-discovery and personal fulfillment. Show them that it's possible to balance parenthood with pursuing dreams and aspirations. Isla and I have been spending a lot of time doing photography together lately. She often sees me taking pictures on my phone or camera and loves when she’s able to join in. Last week we went to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens and brought along her camera (linked here). I told her to take a photo of anything she thought was beautiful. By the end of our little trip she had taken over 100 pictures!
Finding your passions as a mom with young children is not only possible but essential for your overall well-being. By prioritizing self-discovery, embracing new experiences, and carving out time for yourself, you'll not only enrich your own life but also set a powerful example for your children to follow. Embrace the journey, and rediscover the joy of pursuing your passions alongside the beautiful chaos of motherhood.
I’d love to hear what your passions and hobbies are. What makes you feel like you?
Professional photography by Juls Photography and Co.
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