We made it another year, mamas! So it means it’s time to set new goals and resolutions… or for me, another year to break or make excuses not to follow those resolutions. I don’t like New Year’s resolutions because they are typically so generic: usually around being healthier, more productive at home, and being a better wife and mom.
But what happened to us as women, a person, the people we were before kids and spouses? What happened to her? This past year was a tough one for me: new baby, new job, on top of the normal day-to-day stuff that every mom has to deal with. So I declared that this year would be the year of the Mom.
Every year, moms get Mother’s Day, a day where we “relax” and get cards and flowers to praise our hard work for the entire year. But the Year of the Mom means we get an entire year to focus on us and dedicate time and resources on what makes US happy.
Motherhood is the best thing that has happened to me, but it also has made me forget what I loved before I had kids. The simple things that I did that gave me joy and purpose. Whether that’s working out or eating pizza every Friday night while watching your favorite rom-com, find your joy and do it. This doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. It’s taking the time to find your happy.
Remember you were a person, woman, spouse, coworker, friend before you became a mom. Don’t lose yourself in motherhood; don’t get trapped in the fog that overtakes some moms when they are overworked and tired.
Find your people, whether that’s family, friends or new moms who can be there for you to laugh or cry with you during motherhood. We all need emotional and physically support. Don’t ignore either, find someone to listen to you, but also be there for someone too. We all want to be heard and as moms we know each other’s struggles.
My joy before kids was working out, hanging with girlfriends, and cooking. I have started to work these joys back into my life slowly and I have found that I am a better mom because of it. All it took was asking my husband for time to restart these simple things that I did before I was mom.
The Year of the Mom is simple: put yourself first. It’s hard for moms to be selfish, but remember what brought you joy before so you can bring that joy and happiness back you your family when you’re done. Moms, it’s our year, let’s take care of ourselves, support each other, and embrace motherhood to the fullest!
