Finding the ‘U’ in Mom

There’s no U in Mom…

I mean… literally there is no ‘U’ in the word Mom. Figuratively speaking, there is no YOU in mom-ming either. Being a mom is rough (there’s a ‘u’ in that) ha  

Ladies, it’s the toughest job we’ll ever have, am I right, or am I right? It’s emotionally and physically exhausting. One minute your 12 playing M.A.S.H. marrying Orlando Bloom, naming your kids, and living in a shack (You don’t care, you’re married to Orlando Bloom) Then the next thing you know you’re sitting at the law office you work for (Not married to Orlando Bloom, but pretty much  and promising yourself that you will not be the mom who lives in yoga pants all day and says things like “Don’t put that in your mouth” or “You can’t go out like that in public.” No? Just me? Then….

 Boom! 

It happens, You become THAT mom. Before you know it you’re grocery shopping in your Lulu Lemons, you’re making pb&j’s like nobody’s business, you don’t remember the last time you washed your hair, your elbows deep in laundry, you’re answering the door for 20 pest control solicitors a day (they always ask for the mom, I am the mom people! Thanks botox!), you’re worried about your kid being bullied at school or potty training your toddler before gossip Gail down the street has something to stay about it, and the list could go on.

 Again, you are physically and emotionally drained, this can never be said enough for us mamas. You have lost yourself in the black hole of motherhood, you are doing the same monotonous tasks day in and day out, and… sometimes you wonder, is this it? Is this all I am? Am I just a mom? This feeling hit me hard when I decided to be a stay at home mom. Which by the way is still a full time job. There’s just no health benefits, you’re paid in sticky kisses, and your bosses are much younger and crankier than you. 

 A year ago this time, I  was a mess. I  was having the hardest time transitioning to being at home all day. Don’t get me wrong I absolutely love my kids but… What.A.Game.Changer. Truly I had no idea what I was in for…Props to all you stay at homers out there! It is hard. I know I’m going to receive all sorts of backlash for that comment, both good and bad, but honestly I  just can’t do it on my own anymore guys. Us mamas gotta stick together. THIS IS HARD FOR ME. I    SAID IT.

 I  was talking to a friend the other day about how hard it’s been for me to stay at home and to my surprise she said being a stay at home mom was one of the most difficult and loneliest times of her life. I was shocked. She was the first person I  really opened up to about this particular trial in my life and she felt the same as me? Whaaat?! How could this be?Everyone loves to stay home with their kids, don’t they?

For months I felt guilty that I was struggling with staying home and didn’t dare open up to anybody, other than my hubs of course. Why? Fear of judgment, maybe? I  know I’m a great mom. I  know I love my kids and I know I love to spend time with them. But, I  also know that in order for me to be a good mom, I have to take care of myself first. For me, that means doing stuff for me weather it’s having a part time job, getting my nails or hair done, going out with a girlfriend or even sitting on my own couch with a friend and venting ’til I’m blue in the face (most times this friend is Keith). How many of us moms forget to do us?! It is sooo important to do us. Our kids can’t be happy if we’re not happy, right?

Mamas, before 2019 comes to a close I  challenge you all to make a little time for just yourself. 

xoxo,

Tess