What if I told you that you aren’t a “bad” mom for wanting time alone, or to have goals + dreams outside of being only a mother?
What about feelings… can you imagine yourself free from taking every outburst of theirs personally? For once, not feeling like you’re failing at this thing?
My first year of motherhood I felt so much guilt anytime I imagined myself feeling, doing or needing anything outside of my baby.
I believed I had to jump up at her every request, tip toe around her emotions, and put myself on the back burner. I didn’t understand then that by having little boundaries between her and I, that I was placing a heavy burden on her that wasn’t hers to carry.
Once I began my own work, I was able to separate my feelings and needs from hers. I was able to handle the rage/confusion/anxiety that came up when she threw a tantrum. I was able to live without taking everything she did or didn’t do, personally.
Do you know what happens when I am not doing my own work? My people pleasing tendencies come out. I start to feel ashamed + overwhelmed, like I can’t breathe. I feel resentful and annoyed. Not just with my children, but really with myself.
If this sounds like you and you are looking for some deeper work, I have a free Breaking Free Journal Guide available. The new (updated version) is publishing soon just in time for you to start the New Year with this at home practice.
It is created by me and is what I use to stay on top of my “stuff” so that I can show up for my babies as the best mama possible. All those on my email list will get a copy.
This is a gift for generations after you– by caring for yourself, you are passing permission to your children, and one day theirs. They can have feelings, needs + ideas independent of others. They can blossom into who they’re created to be without carrying the baggage of those before them.
Sign up through the subscribe link in my bio to get my free Breaking Free Journal Guide.
