Have you ever felt like you’ve lost your joy? That in the chaos of being a wife, mother, employee, and all the other roles we play in life, you’ve lost who you were along the way? Have you ever not known what to say when people ask what your hobbies are or what you do for fun?
I have.
I felt that way for a long time without even realizing it. I was just kind of floating through the motions of life, thinking I was excelling in all of my many roles when, really, I was probably only mediocre at best in all of them. You see, you can’t pour from an empty cup and I didn’t realize is that mine was empty. My joy was gone.
Sure, my kids bring me an indescribable joy. There has been no greater earthly gift in this life than to get to be their mom and I’m beyond thankful that God blessed me with my two baby girls. And my husband? Well, he’s the bees-knees. Seriously, I struck gold with him. Best husband award for sure. My job? I love my job and I’m proud to tell people that I have a successful career. We really do have a great life. I mean, we’re living the American Dream, right? But, so what? What good is the American Dream if you’re just floating through it?
It took me awhile to realize and admit it. To admit that my relationship with God was lacking, to say the least, and the things I liked to do weren’t being done. But, do I even remember what those things are?
5 years ago, Todd and I took the plunge of moving from Tampa to Atlanta to be near my family so that we could buy a house and start a family. It was a huge change. And, looking back, it was a hard transition for me… harder than I realized at the time. Shortly after moving here, I started a blog. I’ve always been big into social media since back in the GeoCities days in high school {remember that?!}. My intention was never to amass a huge following or anything like that {and I didn’t}; it was just something I did because I wanted to. I genuinely enjoyed it. Once I went back to work after Lady A was born, I simply didn’t have the time anymore and my little blog fell by the wayside {Visit the P&D Archive above to read some of my favorite old posts}. My last post was in early 2013.
So, after my recent realization that something was missing, I decided to write again and here’s why:
It’s Fun.
I like to think that I’m a pretty okay writer. And, as silly as it sounds, I only like to do things that I’m at least okay at. Sure, I should probably take myself less seriously in some aspects and take more risks. Writing is fun for me because it comes easy and I can say whatever I want. It’s like having an open dialogue with the Internet.
Community.
I am such a social person at heart. The hardest thing about living in GA is not having my tribe close to me. We do have {great} friends here but they’re far away and busy, too. Blogging has allowed me to start building community with other moms like me who long to connect but don’t have the time to do it any other way. It’s been refreshing to read their stories, see their pictures, and know that there are people out there who can relate to me and vice versa.
My Family.
I guess you can sum up all the reasons into two words: Self Care. I write because I want to. Because it’s fun. Because I needed something for me so that I can be a better me. And, when it comes down to it, I want to be a better me for my family. So that my cup is full which will allow me to pour into them. There are so many lessons I hope my girls learn from me and one of them is that it’s important to take care of yourself in all aspects. Mind. Body. Soul.
This blog is my way of putting the oxygen mask on myself so that I can put my family’s on, too. And, if I can entertain and/or encourage others along the way, even better.
Yes! This is EXACTLY why I started blogging! My oxygen mask, love it!
I hope it works the way you want it to! Having an outlet is so important! Thanks for reading!!
Great post. Very insightful and honest.
Thank you for reading and for your kind words!
I could have written this myself except not nearly as well. Haha! I love your writing style!
Thank you, Jackie!! That’s such a great compliment! I’m sure you’d write it better. 😉
Love this post! You took the words right out of my mouth! I am new to blogging!
Thank you! Welcome to the blogging world!!
Yes! I am glad you are writing again.
Thank you so much! Me too!
🙂
Shannon, you are a gifted soul. Your writing is wonderfully unique and refreshing. I envy your husband…I believe he is the one that hit spousal gold.
Oh, sweet husband… you slay me. LOL
Awesome, heartfelt post! I have for sure for sure been in that place, not to long ago actually. And I like how you recognized that your relationship with GOD was a little lacking and that could have attributed to it. That is something for me to think about.
Thank You.
Thanks for reading and for the kind words, Taria! So glad you can relate. And, yes girl! Gotta get that relationship right first and foremost. Nothing else will work otherwise.
I’m glad you find joy in writing and that it helps balance your busy life!
Thank you, Jessica! I’m still trying to figure out how to fit it I without sacrificing something else!
Good on you for getting back to writing. I have just started my own blog and have really enjoyed some of the lovely people I have met and what a great community it is. I am enjoying reading other people’s thoughts and what people think of mine. Plus I am enjoying trying to be a bit creative. It is so nice to have something for you. I have kids, study and work so it’s my little bit of me time. I have just subscribed to your blog so looking forward to following along. 🙂
Thank you so much! I feel the same way! How do you find time to get it all in?
I don’t really!!! Something always gets forgotten and I have to pull something back sometimes in order to regain balance. But I do like a challenge!😀
So glad you are blogging! I write for my day job and blogging is my little piece of writing for myself, love it!
Thank you, JeeYoung! I love being connected with you!
Writing has always been so thereputic for me. Hopefully it works for you too. So much is more easily expressed when you write it down, even if it just helps you to get it out.
It’s the best therapy! Thank you!
Welcome back to the writing world!
Thank you! It’s good to be here!
I write for many of the same reasons – especially, self-care. Having this creative outlet really helps me be a better mother and wife because I’m happier!
Yes! We all need something for us!
Cool! Welcome back to blogging. Welcome back to Atlanta. Welcome back to breathing… 😊😊😊 Blessings to you.
Thank you! Thank you! And, thank you!! It’s great to be back!
Aww very sweet! I feel like that sometimes too. Especially nursing after for almost a year- I always seriously joke that I have a dictator and can’t do anything I like because I don’t want to waste my milk stash going somewhere without my London. Ahh mommyhood! ❤️
Xox,
Farrah
Londonhadalittlelamb.com
Yes! Tiny little dictators! But, keep it up, girl! A year is fantastic!!