Many moms at home with their children have admitted to me that, occasionally, they feel trapped.
They love their children, yes.
And they know how blessed they are to be home with them.
But, they can't help but wonder...
What about ME? I do remember feeling that way too.
Before I had children, I had spent years learning to be a teacher and a writer.
Then when I had my first child, I set my career ambitions aside so I could be a full-time stay-at-home mom.
I planned to return to my career when my children were older.
I was incredibly grateful I could do so when many of my other girlfriends had to leave their children in daycares and dayhomes and go back to work.
But when I was surrounded by runny noses and dirty diapers, I often caught myself thinking, "Is this really all there is?" "What about my dreams?" and "Will all this baby-talk turn my brain to mush?" No, this isn't all there is.
The time for you to pursue your own dreams is coming.
And, no, baby-talk will not turn your brain to mush.
Well, not permanently, anyway.
There are seasons of motherhood.
Perhaps the season you're in right now doesn't leave you time to pursue your own ambitions.
But instead of letting that frustrate you and get you down, I hope you can recognize that seasons change.
In a season or two, or a few, it will be your turn.
So enjoy what you have right now, and look forward to what lies ahead! But I know that can be easier said than done.
Especially at three in the morning when you're trying to quiet a colicky baby.
So, while you wait for the season to change, here are some things you can do to pursue your own dreams as best you can.
1.
Take classes.
When my kids were small, I registered in an evening journalism class at the local university.
I didn't have the time or energy to pursue my writing as a career, but the class helped keep my writing skills sharp.
2.
Volunteer at your kids' school, preschool, or Sunday School.
I was always involved as a volunteer in whatever my kids were doing.
I chose to help with things that were relevant to my goal of becoming a professional writer and editor.
So, I edited the kindergarten newsletter and wrote Sunday School curriculum for the preschool classes.
What are your kids involved in? Is there anyway you can get involved too, and inch a teeny bit closer to your dream? 3.
Chase your dream as best you can.
Whatever it is you want to do, do it the best you can right now.
Do you dream of building a ministry? Start small.
Do what you can.
Allow it to grow as your children grow.
Want to become a business owner? Maybe you can start taking on small projects you can do when the kids are napping, or after they go to bed.
As they grow older, you'll find more time to develop your business.
Mom, if you're feeling trapped, please know that you're not the only mommy who has ever felt that way.
Trust me, most of us have been there too! And please know that whatever your life looks like right now, it's only for a season.
Thank goodness, seasons change!
They love their children, yes.
And they know how blessed they are to be home with them.
But, they can't help but wonder...
What about ME? I do remember feeling that way too.
Before I had children, I had spent years learning to be a teacher and a writer.
Then when I had my first child, I set my career ambitions aside so I could be a full-time stay-at-home mom.
I planned to return to my career when my children were older.
I was incredibly grateful I could do so when many of my other girlfriends had to leave their children in daycares and dayhomes and go back to work.
But when I was surrounded by runny noses and dirty diapers, I often caught myself thinking, "Is this really all there is?" "What about my dreams?" and "Will all this baby-talk turn my brain to mush?" No, this isn't all there is.
The time for you to pursue your own dreams is coming.
And, no, baby-talk will not turn your brain to mush.
Well, not permanently, anyway.
There are seasons of motherhood.
Perhaps the season you're in right now doesn't leave you time to pursue your own ambitions.
But instead of letting that frustrate you and get you down, I hope you can recognize that seasons change.
In a season or two, or a few, it will be your turn.
So enjoy what you have right now, and look forward to what lies ahead! But I know that can be easier said than done.
Especially at three in the morning when you're trying to quiet a colicky baby.
So, while you wait for the season to change, here are some things you can do to pursue your own dreams as best you can.
1.
Take classes.
When my kids were small, I registered in an evening journalism class at the local university.
I didn't have the time or energy to pursue my writing as a career, but the class helped keep my writing skills sharp.
2.
Volunteer at your kids' school, preschool, or Sunday School.
I was always involved as a volunteer in whatever my kids were doing.
I chose to help with things that were relevant to my goal of becoming a professional writer and editor.
So, I edited the kindergarten newsletter and wrote Sunday School curriculum for the preschool classes.
What are your kids involved in? Is there anyway you can get involved too, and inch a teeny bit closer to your dream? 3.
Chase your dream as best you can.
Whatever it is you want to do, do it the best you can right now.
Do you dream of building a ministry? Start small.
Do what you can.
Allow it to grow as your children grow.
Want to become a business owner? Maybe you can start taking on small projects you can do when the kids are napping, or after they go to bed.
As they grow older, you'll find more time to develop your business.
Mom, if you're feeling trapped, please know that you're not the only mommy who has ever felt that way.
Trust me, most of us have been there too! And please know that whatever your life looks like right now, it's only for a season.
Thank goodness, seasons change!