It’s been three years since my last blog article… If you are curious as to why the writing hiatus, let’s rewind to 2020.

The year 2020 was one for the record books; Covid-19 made its debut, the world went into lockdown, but most importantly, I became a momma!  Anyone that shares this special title knows just how truly incredible motherhood (and that first year) is.  Between newborn snuggles, kissing those tiny toes, learning to nurse, changing a-gazillion diapers, or experiencing the joy of watching your spouse hold the new love of your life, it’s the most remarkable miracle life has to offer.  In my books, nothing else compares!

Motherhood can make you feel like a whole new person.  Not only does your body change (and let me tell you, IT DOES), but your lifestyle changes too.  More so, the hobbies you once obsessed over become redefined.  Kuddos to any woman that can keep up with all things they once did, but for most, and certainly for me, my priorities changed.  Motherhood meant my immediate needs were second on the priority list.  Date nights became “let’s stay home and put in a pizza.”  Furthermore, taking my favorite yoga class was replaced with a walk alongside a stroller.  Managing a blog/website was superseded with the desire to simply spend more time with my family. Our new precious baby sure had me wrapped around his sweet tiny finger, and truthfully I didn’t mind. 

Some people might look at parenthood as a crutch, hindering you from what you once did.  I however view it as an incredible blessing.  Becoming a mother has filled my days with more love and joy than I ever thought possible.  I’ll be honest, I still miss my “old self” every now and then.  I’d be willing to bet most momma’s miss their old selves too. However, when you experience motherhood-moments such as baby smiling back at you with that sweet gummy grin or your toddler telling you unprompted “I love you” it unforgivingly reminds a gal just how incredibly lucky she is.

So, there you have it, motherhood became my new number one, and other things took the back burner for a while – aka my passion for writing.  Yes, I could have found some time once I established a new rhythm to life, but in reality, I needed some time to also rediscover myself.  My cadence was broken. Not only did I need to go back into a post-covid world, but now I was navigating it with a tiny human on my hip. My decisions, how I spent my time, and where I went directly affected us both.   It might sound crazy, but not only did I stop writing, I also turned off most of social media for three years too!  I went into this cave-like place that made me feel safe.  Was it actually safer, or was it just a way of coping?  Truthfully, I think it was a little of both.  Ultimately, I was happier becoming the biggest introvert I’ve ever been, and in return I believe my family was happier too.

Why should any of this matter to you?  My hope is that you can relate.  Whether you’ve rearranged a few things you’ve once loved or maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed and need a cheerleader reminding you that it’s okay to press pause -- I’m here to say it’s perfectly normal. You are not weak, nor are you losing yourself.  I like to compare my momentary life pause to a good glass of wine.  Sometimes, you set aside your favorite bottle, so that when you come back to it, it tastes that much sweeter!  Plus, as they say, “wine gets better with age” --  I think women do too!

Want more? Read additional “motherhood” blogs…