Investing in Yourself: Pursue Your Passion

Today, indulge me a little. I want you to take a minute, close your eyes, and think back to that BC time – you know, Before Children. Remember those days? Now, eyes still closed, allow yourself to drift back a bit further to your single days, before your spouse entered the picture. Meditate for a moment on the person you were then.

What hopes and dreams occupied your thoughts (and maybe your diary)? What did you picture yourself doing in the future? What kinds of things helped you pass your free time back then? Today, I'm urging you to reconnect with some of those dreams that made you uniquely you and to, in turn, focus on another way you can invest in yourself: by pursuing your passion.

Our Worlds as Moms

Many times as moms, our worlds consists of The Kids. Couple The Kids with The Hubby and The House (even thrown The Pet into that mix) and there's not much time at the end of the day for sleep, let alone pursuing those things we used to love to do that helped shape who we are.

Sure, we love The Kids and The Hubby. We've even adapted to our role as Mom, fulfilling needs and balancing daily life with a knack that would have Harriet Nelson (or even Miranda Hobbes) singing praise. I'm betting, though, that when you did the little back-in-time exercise a few moments ago, changing diapers and loading the dishwasher weren't on either your dream or things-I-love-to-do lists.

Reclaim Your Passion (and a Little Piece of Yourself)

Which brings me to this: what interests you outside of The Kids, The Hubby and The House? Maybe you'd like to take up sketching again. Perhaps indulging in photography is more your speed. For me, it was taking up the pen (the keyboard, if we're being realistic) and giving in to the writing bug, much like I did when I was younger. The point is this: whatever you liked (or like) to do, do it.

Having a hobby outside of The Kids and outside of the things you enjoy with The Hubby is an essential part to keeping us going as moms and women. Why? For one thing, you'll be an interesting person to your kids and will have an opportunity to show them what it means to develop and pursue a hobby. Also, by focusing on something other the latest sneaky veggie recipe, you'll be able to exercise your mind and keep it active.

Our lives are always changing. We grow up, get married, have children. Each chapter in our book of life presents us with new challenges and more responsibilities. Sometimes, these things can grow to ultimately consume our lives, leaving perhaps just enough room for a trace of the person we were. Why not reconnect with that person, and bring a bit of her into your life today?

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