How I Feel About Being “Just A Mom”

How I Feel About Being "Just A Mom"

Who I am?  Someone asked this on social media the other day and I really had to think about the answer.  They wanted to know who I was besides being a mom.  Most of the ladies suggested they were “just moms” but they were okay with that.  I did fall into that category as well.  But then I started thinking about it.

Who was I before kids?  

Well, I was me.  Did I stand out in a crowd?  No.  Was I living a passionate and fulfulling life?  Not especially.  I was happy, I enjoyed my life and my time, but even then nothing defined “me.”  Sure, I was a reader, and I loved music and concerts (and I still do), but that hasn’t changed.  I just don’t get as much time for that now that I have to be a reader to little people, and also a singer of teeth-brushing songs, but my time will come again.

Becoming a mom gave my life more meaning, not less.  

Being "Just A Mom"

Now I have these little people who my world revolves around.  I’m passionate about them, and for them.  I’m experiencing life again, through their eyes, and I’m very happy to be “just a mom” right now.  Maybe while the girls were babies I did feel a little overwhelmed, overtired, and over being “Mom” every minute of the day (and night), but it was worth it.  The sleepless nights, the long no-nap days, and the 2 hour bedtimes for toddlers was worth it in the long run.

Now that the girls are both in school, a little time has freed up in my life.  I can get back to doing more reading, listening to more music, and pursuing other interests outside of my home and my family.  I take a ballet class once a week.  I try to fit in some outdoor fitness (I call it taking a walk/jog since I’m not really going for a run,) or gardening.  Having the creative outlet of my blog is also great fun, I’m really enjoying writing in my “spare time” (which I usually have to schedule!)  And my husband and I go out once a month – sometimes more – to see a movie and have dinner.

How I Feel About Being "Just A Mom"

I don’t need anything else to define me right now.  Being “just a Mom” works.  And the days when the little people come home and excitedly tell you about the fun things that happened in their day, or ask to read you a story, really do define my life right now.  I love it.

Seeing the girls learn and grow is the most amazing thing to me.  The science of growing from tiny babies into fully functioning walking/talking/learning beings is so neat to me.  And the psychology of their development, and how different they are from each other is also quite a wonder.  I don’t think I will ever stop being amazed by them, or be tired of being “just a Mom.”

What do you think?

Share your thoughts on being “just a Mom” – do you identify with that label?  Are you completely against it?  I’m always interested in my readers opinions.  Leave me a comment and weigh in!

~Jess

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6 Comments

  1. People don’t realise how much there is to being a mum. Just a Mum is actually a hell of a lot. Thanks for linking up with #puddinglove

  2. I am enjoying being ‘Just a Mum’ whilst on maternity leave, but to be honest I am now more like Jack of all Trades – there are so many things to do and get done! Being ‘Just a Mum’ is one of the hardest jobs I have had! Thanks for a lovely read, think its great that you get out and do ballet in the week 🙂 Thank you for linking up #PuddingLove

    1. Jack of All Trades is definitely another way to describe Motherhood! It’s often hard to keep up with all the things you want to get done in a day. The first year (I found) is so full of “new” and “unplanned” things that often the small person takes way more time that you really have in a waking day – that’s assuming they let you get some sleep! 😉 It does settle out a bit as they get bigger, but then there’s more laundry, and more dishes (and meal prep!) and for some, the heading to work and being exhausted when you get home.
      Thanks for the comment!
      ~Jess

    1. When my kids were babies I totally felt like “just a mom” and I was okay with it. My babies needed me and that is a very important job. As they get older you can teach them that Mom has other interest as well, and may go out to pursue those, just like the kids have their extracurriculars, or days with friends. Thanks for the comment Crystal!
      ~Jess

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