This past sunday the kids went to play at grandma’s for the day and Bryon and I wandered kid-less for a few hours downtown. These are some of the pictures he took.
I want to start off by saying that in no way am I saying that anyone needs to be more than a mom to be fulfilled. I am a stay-at-home mom. I am also not saying that being a mom isn’t super important to me. It is my biggest responsibility and my greatest job.
That being said, I am more than a mom.
Becoming a mom is the single largest identity change. Graduating from college, getting married, getting the corner office, none of these are close to the social change that comes from becoming a mother. (probably the biggest personal and physical change too)
I was someone before I had kids, and I will be someone after they leave home. I want my life and how I see myself as well as others and society to remember that identity.
I am not talking about doing, this isn’t a post about working or non-working mom’s, I am talking about who I am.
I am:
- A strange combination of shy and bossy
- Outdoorsy, especially live for hiking
- Not a kid person
- Always cold
- A people pleaser
- Type A with a mix of hippy
- Spontaneous because I am such a planner that if I have the chance and time to plan it tires me out
- Loud guitar player (not good, but I love loud)
- Mostly vegan
- Concerned about the environment but more concerned about helping the people it is affecting now
- Concerned about animal rights but more concerned about child prostitution
- … wish I had dreads, but don’t have all the guts to pull it off yet
- Love non-fiction reading — positive, informative stuff
- Proud of my kids
- Sure the world is going to end, but convinced I need to trust God and enjoy life, only dealing with what can make a difference and not stressing about what I can’t change… or packing cans in the basement. … this isn’t a problem we can work out or plan for beyond staying close to Jesus.
- Accepting of others but unsure how to culturally meet several
- Live life in fast/happy or slow/sad swing
- Don’t watch TV or movies much, I get too emotionally drained
- Don’t watch or read the news (see #15)
- Believe that most of life is what we create, how we respond and what glasses we choose to look through
- Not near as strong or healthy as I wish I was, but determined to keep working on it
- I don’t spell very whell
- Have been in 7 countries and really hope to multiply that by 10 or so if I get the chance
- Love my life
- In love with my husband more than when we were married
Really this is a post about stereotypes (motherhood is just the big one I see everyday). It is hard with human nature to look beyond them. But, I am learning the joy of taking the time to look past the outside and obvious parts of a person and finding some of their true self. Often, even though the outside/obvious person doesn’t seem similar or have ‘friend potential’, the inside has pieces identical to mine.
Sometimes, when you put your thoughts words you become stronger and more mindful of who you are and where you want to go. You’ve shared yourself beautifully here.
I have totally found that. Words and ideas are all just a mess in my head. The chance to write them out organizes them. Thanks for your comment!
Love the pictures!! There are many neat facets of your personality and who you are only brings greater impacts to your mothering, I’m sure.
thanks!
love the pictures! so glad you two had some time alone…and good to see a little more of you. 😉
loved the post. just stumbled across your blog and am so feeling the “I am more than a mother.” I have spent the last 10 years as a single parent to two beautiful children who are the epicenter of my life. However, as the 10 years have unrolled, one thing has become crystal clear..I AM more than a mother and need to start taking my personal space back as well as my hobbies and friendships that have taken a back seat to raising my kids. they are a short 5 and 7 years from leaving the house and starting their own lives. Now is the time for me to re-find mine so that I am prepared when they are no longer the hub and I won’t turn into one of “those moms” who are always pestering their grown children! 🙂 Thank you for posting such well written thoughts on being more than a mom
glad you came by!
Thanks for the add on G+ and for sharing your blog with the world. Definitely going to follow, love the life, love the simplicity, love the minimalist in you!
Nice pictures! And yes.. it is so good to know we are more than ‘just a mum’. Great!
so glad you liked it. Thanks for coming by!
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