Lessons Learned from an “On The Move Mom”

“Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That’s why it’s a comfort to go hand in hand.” ~Emily Kimbrough

Any time we experience big changes in life, whether it involves a birth, death, divorce, career change etc., there is an opening to learn, grow and expand our views on life. My big awakening started with the gift of two very different and equally amazing little boys.

It is easy to lose sight of your identity when stepping into the role of ‘stay at home mom’ in a society that in my experience doesn’t hold this role in high esteem. The term ‘stay at home’ sums it all up to me; as though I sit around at home all day doing nothing. I would like to rename this role to ‘on the move mom’ for very rarely do we stay at home.

I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to be the person who cares for my boys during the day. I will not take for granted there are many moms and dads out there who dream of this kind of opportunity. To me, the stay at home mom vs. working mom role is just one example of the many debates, differences and judgments that come up after entering into the world of raising children.

Parenting is full of how-to’s, shoulds, do’s and don’ts  – and millions of methods that claim to be the ‘right’ way to do things. The truth is, there is no right way. We are all just trying to do our best for our families – no matter how that looks for each of us.

In many ways my life as an ‘on the move mom’ has felt like a roller coaster ride. The daily highs and lows that accompany life with children range from me feeling a little weathered at the end of a full day, to me teary eyed and dumbfounded I could be so lucky to live such an amazing life.

Children are the best instructors and reminders of what pure joy looks and feels like. They are also very unpredictable. They can make something as basic as a trip to the grocery store feel like a vigorous climb up a very steep mountain. And climbers beware: you must  appear composed, polite and not the least bit out of breath while accompanying your counterparts during these basic tasks.

Becoming a mom has taught me to be resilient; to stand up for what I believe in and voice my opinions – even when I know my truth won’t be well received by some. It has helped me muster up the courage to set boundaries and value myself because I know there are two sets of eyes watching my every move.

[bctt tweet=”I’d like to rename ‘stay at home mom’ to ‘on the move mom’. #lovinglife ❤” username=”emilymadill”]

One of the constants on this journey is the close relationships I cherish with amazing friends. These special friends seem to just ‘get me’ and celebrate my ‘on the move mom’ moves. I trust them with my heart, my successes and my stumbles. Having the comfort of trusted people who understand my sometimes broken English and interrupted conversation, is a lifeline during these busy and important times of life.

I know I will continue to stumble, learn and grow. Knowing I can do this hand in hand with some really wonderful people is something I sincerely hope everyone out there has the gift of experiencing – whether your are a mom, a dad or not. Our communities help us make the ride less bumpy and a whole lot more enjoyable.

What about you? How does your community enrich your life journey? Post your comments below, I’d love to hear them.

xo ❤ Emily

If you are interested in connecting to who you are on a deeper level, or if you would like to create a self-care and self-love practice — come on over and join our growing community within my E-Course, ‘Fall In Love With Your Life, One Week at a Time’. It is a chance to create your own life practice in a way that is meaningful to you.❤

Save

Save

Save

Save