It’s ironic that in the beginning, as mothers we become so excited about the new life growing inside of us. We think little on the aftermath and how our bodies will be affected.
Since this is my last pregnancy I was all about working out, remaining active, working from home, nesting, homeschooling my toddler, making sure there was a home cooked meal everyday, blah, blah, blah! Then, it happened......
We entered the third trimester and suddenly something changed. I’m tired instead of glowing with excitement. My desire to do my favorite things has escaped me as the Braxton Hicks contractions leave me pinned to the couch. I become upset with myself instead of loving myself.
As a mother to a three year old already, I feel like I’m not giving him the love and attention he needs and I’m feeling guilty. I feel like I’m annoyed more than I’m happy and the hormones and pain have overtaken my cool, calm, and collected Mom status.
I snap at my partner over the smallest things and some days I wonder how he still loves me. But then I remember, I am human. I am growing a life inside of me. I am allowed to rest and not be superwoman. I am supposed to ask for help.
It’s crazy how we have these grandiose expectations of ourselves and then project those same expectations back on to ourselves thinking they are coming from others. Every single day I’m thinking my family expects me to push my body to the maximum, but it’s me that’s expecting it.
I’ve never been one to ask for help or indulge in self care. However, with this pregnancy and stage of my life I have learned that it is not only imperative that I focus on keeping my body healthy but it is also extremely important to take a few moments to get grounded.
My mind and my soul must be at peace to flourish. Both of these things must be in alignment for me to be the best version of myself and the mother my children need.
I’ve neglected myself for far too long because I was taught that was selfish. The beliefs passed down to me presented a false sense of reality that also made me take on every single thing that happened to me on my own, never asking for any kind of help. In fact, if I did I would be labeled as weak.
I am so thankful for the realization of self that was gifted to me by my children. They have helped me to recognize that life is not to be taken for granted. They have pushed me to understand that being a delicate flower is actually better than being a suit of armor. The flower is blooming with life while the metal armor is stagnant and still unless in battle.
If you’re struggling with being who you need to be for you then take a moment to visualize what you need. Then, take action. No one will be upset with you. In fact, you will be the only one that suffers.
That dinner can be fixed tomorrow. That blanket can be folded later. That mess will be there in an hour. To be honest, you need to care for yourself more than you do everything else. What happens when you can’t anymore because you’ve run yourself into the ground?
My goodness I never thought I’d learn ANY of this and here I am sharing with you! ❤️
—Liv
Comments