For many of us, the minute that we become Mothers we feel a loss of identity and self. Suddenly it is all about looking after another person and we feel like we no longer matter. This feeling rears itself in a number of ways:
1. We no longer like the way we look
Our bodies have changed, we don't have time to pamper ourselves like we used to and we no longer feel sexy or attractive. If we are breast feeding, we may even feel that our body no longer belongs to us.
2. We don't know who we are any more
A mere few months ago we were career women with hobbies and a large circle of friends who we saw lots of. Suddenly we're stuck at home, looking after a child and not doing much else. This can be very lonely and scary.
3. We don't know what the future holds...
Will we be able to focus on our careers like we used to? Will we ever get back to normal? Should we go back to work at all? Should we be at home caring for our children full time?
Well for what it's worth, here's what I think...
EVERY woman encounters these emotions after having a baby but rest assured, as your child gets a bit older you start to feel a bit more like 'you'. The interesting bit though is that you might even find that you are a more exciting version of you. Perhaps you will have new ambitions or ideas. SO many women give up their jobs and start really successful businesses when they become Mums. I love chatting to Mumpreneurs...they are always so inspiring and driven.
What I'm saying is that rather than panicking that you are a shadow of your former self now that you have had a baby, why not get really excited about who you can be? It's a wonderful opportunity to reinvent yourself.
Once you have the energy, why not change your hair or general style? Have a brainstorm about business ideas...really think about who you want to be.
Mums, we can be whoever or whatever we want to be. The world is our oyster and this new stage in our lives is the best yet.
Why not:
Write a children's book? (JK Rowling managed it so why can't we?)
Invent a must have item for babies? (Ewan The Sheep is a great example of this...a simple idea that caught on and has made Lynda Harding one very successful mum of 6)
Start your own blog? (I really recommend doing this)
Do what you have always dreamed of but never dared? (my friend just gave up her job to follow her long-held dream of opening a bakery)
Update your wardrobe and makeup when the time feels right? (Always wanted to dress like Audrey Hepburn? Go for it! Be the new you!)
Go back to work with a new outlook...be the person who you want to be and don't take any of the crap that you used to. You are now superwoman!
Upfront Mama
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