So recently I’ve been talking to a lot of young mothers who adore their children, love their role, but are feeling a bit lost in this newer world of motherhood. Words used include lonely, trapped, left out, and depressed. It is definitely a transition. The interesting thing is that they seem to be suffering alone…well, alone with their children. I found this interesting…and sad. Why is it that we are ashamed to admit that we have, in a sense, lost our lives when our children came into them? Stating this doesn’t automatically mean that we have regrets or negative feelings toward our role or our children. It is stating the fact that we, as mothers, have undergone one of the most traumatic experiences of our lives and are now left with this person(s) to raise, influence, teach, mold, and babysit (for lack of a better word). It is all beautiful and wonderful. We are blessed to be called and allowed to do so. Have I said this yet? It is definitely a transition. It has its downsides. And that’s okay.
I am choosing to quit suffering alone. I am a mother who has always wanted to be a mother, loved being pregnant, and absolutely adores her son. Some days he drives me crazy and I long for the days when I was carefree and could jump at the drop of a hat and meet friends for lunch and a day of shopping. Some days I get angry at my husband because he gets to go to work and I get to stay home alone and try to be productive. At the end of the day, all I managed to do was cart my son around from high chair to bed to playtime.
I am not only choosing to quit suffering alone. I am choosing to quit suffering. I am a SUPER extrovert and I believe that this part of my personality suffers by being a stay at home mom. But, it doesn’t have to. I think that by getting involved in some kind of community…even if it is a virtual one…accessible from the rocking chair…will help. We need to reach out to each other and let us know that we are not alone nor are we being judged. Life is full of transitions…and though this one is a biggie…we can and will get past it.
So, are you with me? Have you felt this way? Where have you gotten your encouragement?
Yes, I believe that every mother has felt this way quite often. There is a Steven Curtis Chapman song that i think is very encouraging to mothers (especially those of young children). Don't know all the words off the top of my head, but here is a sampling.
ReplyDeleteYou are changing the world, one little heartbeat at a time. Making history with every touch and every smile. You may not see it now, but I believe that time will tell how you are changing the world one little heartbeat at a time.
:) near and dear to my heart is your article Christy! I feel this way often, and in small ways I see God answering my prayers toward this very thing, He has brought some good friends in to my life, and I am praying that our new homeschool adventure will prove to provide new lasting relationships! I would love to be apart of this encouragement team, heavens knows I always need it and if I can give it, well that is even better! Love ya friend :)
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