“What’s up with Mom? She’s acting different these days. She is slower to respond to our requests for ridiculous things that we could easily get ourselves. She is on her phone a lot, too. She seems to be busier and quicker to ‘shush’ us. But strangely, she also seems happier. She seems excited about whatever it is she is doing on her computer and phone all day. She seems a little prouder of herself.”
Well, guess what guys? Mom went back to work. No, it’s not a 9-5 office job, and that’s why she still gets to spend the majority of her day taking care of you, but she is working, and she is working really freaking hard.
I think that after being a SAHM for three years, the whole family got very used to and fond of the idea that Mommy doesn’t work. Nope. Not like those people who really work. Those people who go to the office every day and make a difference with what they are doing. Nope. That’s not Mom. Mom just stays home with us and makes sure we are doing okay. How easy is that, right?
“AHHH!” said every stay-at-home parent you’ve ever met — frustrated and feeling under-appreciated.
And then you know what happened?
“AHHH!” one parent said again. But, why this time? Well, this time her “ahh” was more like an “ah-ha”. This Mom, well she had a moment — she just got a fire ignited inside of her.
It’s pretty crazy how when you are young(ish) and working all you want is to be out of the workforce. You would so much rather be doing something more fun than being a professional adult in the “real world”. And then you become a parent, which really puts things and priorities into perspective. For some of the lucky ones, myself included, we have the option of not working outside of the home and get the extreme benefit of being able to stay home with our bundles of joy, loving on them every chance we get. How fortunate are we for that? So blessed.
Surprisingly though, after some time as a stay-at-home parent and despite our immense and immeasurable love for our children, a lot of men and women who have stayed home for any period (and sometimes extended periods) of time desire to go back to work. And in doing so, it reignites a spark in us that has been dimmed for quite a while.
There is something special about being able to live your passion and enjoy what you do. For the majority of parents, we get to live our devotion for our children through our journey of parenthood. Some of us are content with only that. Some of us feel like that is “enough”. However, some of us need a little something more to really feel alive and empowered, and that we are doing everything we were put on this Earth to do. Either is perfectly acceptable and either is perfectly admirable.
You know what else? You don’t have to always fall on one side or the other. Many of us will have “sparks” at different points in our lives. There may be times when we are completely content with just being “mom” or just being “dad”, and then there may be other times that we are struggling to grasp onto something more than just that role. The good thing is that with a strong family unit and a good support system of friends, we will be encouraged and applauded for having that desire to stay motivated and inspired by doing or being a part of whatever it is that lights us up — be it parenting, be it work, be it a combination of the two, or anything else.
So…to my kids…
What is up with Mom you ask? Momma got her groove back — that’s what’s up.
Momma feels really freaking good at this moment for pursuing something that empowers her and makes her feel like she is contributing to this world, and the people in it, in a whole other way.
But, guess what kiddos? This takes absolutely nothing away from the fact that your mother, well, she is 100% certain that her actual greatest contribution to this world and the people in it will always be you, her children.
******
Are you someone who is looking to get your groove back? Well, jthreeNMe can help and we want to! Be sure to subscribe on the sidebar to stay up-to-date on our latest content and to learn how YOU can live your passion, just like Nicole!
Love your way of writting, very nice made, keep your work up cheers, Dieter
Thank you for such kind words! I so appreciate the support! 🙂
Way to go mom! Moms give so much to our loved ones, it is time to do something for ourselves.
Thank you Melissa! Thanks for commenting and for the praise! 🙂
Love it!
Thank you Crystal!! 🙂
I love this! I’m in the exact same boat wanting you rejoin the workforce. I’m just working on finding the balance between my kids and my work.
Thanks for commenting, Sheila! Finding balance is a total struggle and each day I feel like I am either neglecting my kids or my work…but the truth is that I am pretty much rocking it and both…I just need to remind myself that I don’t have to be perfect and that the way in which I get things done doesn’t either. Thanks again for commenting! 🙂
Love it! 100% true. I’m still at home with my kids but doing a few things that I enjoy including starting a blog and I can’t tell you the difference it has made. Just learning a new business has been enjoyable. Great read.
Thank you! I, just like you, am home with my kiddies. I started my blog earlier this year and it just feels so rewarding! I am so glad you are having the same experience and found this post relatable. Thanks for the kind words and the comment, Ashley! 🙂
Yes, yes, yes! Rock on, lady. Love this post and so happy for you that you found this crazy world of blogging.
Thank you so much for the comment, Becca! And for the encouragement! I, too, feel so lucky to have found something I enjoy so much! Thanks for always being so supportive! 🙂
Congratulations, firstly on your writing, but mainly on you getting your groove on and going back to being a woman, not “only” (I mean no disrespect) a mother. You get to be human again. Hurray!! Good for you!
I am not a mom, but I do have friends who are (and siblings). Those that do stay home often have a struggle of loosing themselves in their families. I think a huge part is ensuring that you have your partners help and support so you don’t lose your groove. Nicely written!
Thank you so much for reading and taking the time to comment. Thank you for the kind words about my writing as well! I totally agree with you that having the support from those that know and love is super necessary and almost vital to keep or get back your “groove”.
Thank you so much! It feels really good! I appreciate your comment and your support! 🙂
Finding balance and getting your groove back can be so hard as a mom. But it’s something that once you do it – it’s totally worth it!
As you said, feeling like you’re contributing to the world (outside of the needs of the people within your home) is something a lot of women crave and I appreciate getting the chance to do regularly!
Thanks so much for commenting, Belinda and yes, now the I have found my groove, I feel so empowered! I do feel like I still struggle with the balance and guilt part, but that will probably be a constant. Still, having passion for what I am doing — is worth any of extra challenges that may present as a result. Totally feels amazing to contribute outside of my home and to others outside of my family! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!
Nice writting ! Like your blog..
Hope see you soon 🙂
xx
Thank you!
Great article. I had a huge desire to go back to work for me and my family benefit from that. I understand the empowerment that underpins this
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment, Fiona! I am so glad that you found this relatable!
Your article applies to me at the moment. I am going back to the labor force. I am improving the groovy me.
Hi, Shirin! Good for you and good luck! You will be absolutely great. Enjoy the new “groovy” you! 🙂