Rediscovering Myself: A New Chapter in Motherhood and Identity
For the past 3.5 years, being a mom has been my entire world. It's the most rewarding and all-consuming role I’ve ever taken on. But somewhere along the way, I quietly stepped back from pieces of myself that once brought me joy—like hiking, live music, grabbing coffee with a friend, or even having a full conversation that wasn’t punctuated by snack requests or toddler negotiations.
Most of my social life lately happens in quick conversations with other parents at the playground or during kid-focused activities. And while I deeply love being with my boys and watching them grow, I’ve recently felt a pull to reconnect with the parts of myself I put on pause.
Maybe it’s the shift in seasons—coming out of a long, rainy spring here in New Hampshire—but I’ve been intentionally carving out space for things that fuel me beyond motherhood:
Meeting a friend for coffee while the kids are in daycare
Taking a solo hour or two to wander, shop, or sit quietly
Journaling for creativity and mental clarity
Getting back into fitness, not just for physical health, but for the mental reset it provides
It’s a new journey. One where I’m still fully a mom—but also someone rediscovering who she is outside of that role. I’m learning that making time for myself doesn’t diminish how much I love my family. In fact, it makes me more present, more grounded, and more inspired in every part of my life.
If you're in a similar season of life—balancing caregiving, career, and your own well-being—I’d love to hear what’s helped you. I’m still figuring it out, but I’m showing up for myself in small ways, and that feels like a powerful start.
