How to Salvage a Sense of Self as a Mother

Becoming a mother is a beautiful experience.Every aspect of motherhood will fill you with wonder and complete love. You will learn about parts of yourself that you never knew existed. Yet within all of motherhood’s loveliness, there is also a threat of losing your own self to the madness of being a mom. You will no longer have the time to focus on the activities that calm you or give you the opportunity for introspection or self-awareness. Suddenly you will walk, talk and breathe your children. It is especially important to salvage a sense of your own self in order to take care of your family to the best of your ability. When your children are babies, make it a habit that will hopefully continue into their childhood and teenage years. Read on to learn how to salvage a sense of self as a mother.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Take time away from your family. Have your partner watch the kids or get a babysitter. Don’t run errands and don’t meet up with friends. Instead, do something by yourself that will help you to focus on yourself. Get a massage or take a long walk. Go to the library or sit down in a coffee shop and write about all of your emotions, good and bad.
2. Talk to your partner about the inevitable changes you will experience as an individual. He will better understand his own role in your life if you express your confusion, fear or excitement at your altering emotions and insight into your own life.
3. Talk to a close friend or family member about the changes you go through. Express your emotions about your children, your relationship and, most importantly, about yourself. If you feel as though you are losing all ideas of who you actually are, tell someone you trust. If you feel as though you have never known yourself better, tell someone.
4. Continue to engage in activities that you used to enjoy pre-baby. If you are crafty, make the invitations to your baby’s first birthday, or create a yearly album for your family. If you are musically inclined, play the guitar or the piano for your baby. It may even help her sleep. Utilize the time you have with your family to fulfill your creative juices and to teach your children about the things you love.