I am about as passionate as they come. When I find something I love, I usually find a way to get involved or become a huge cheerleader for it (sometimes both).
I have always been this way.
When my first baby was born, my whole paradigm shifted and I LIVED to obsess over this tiny human.
I poured every ounce of energy into her.
You’re probably thinking (like I did in the beginning), “What’s so bad about that?!”
The answer would be *almost* nothing… except for the part when you forget who you are.
It can be easy forget your passions, giftings, and what brings you joy.
I found myself in that exact place and asking, “Wow, how did THAT happen?”
You see, because I had a dysfunctional childhood, I have always worked super hard to make sure that my daughters have the most present mama.
I want them to have the healthiest, happiest childhood possible.
Don’t we all want that for our babies?!
I think it is a great thing…but when mama is unhappy and losing herself in the trenches and tasks of motherhood it does not benefit anyone!
Hear my heart; motherhood is one of the best things that has ever happened to me! It brings me so much joy… but I do have other things I love that I shouldn’t just give up because I am a mom.
It is SO important that we take time to cultivate what we love and to do what makes us come alive!
A speaker that I respect, Lynne Hybels, once said,
“Mamas, don’t feel guilty or afraid to do the things that make you come alive. By you doing so, you give permission to your children to find/do the things that make them come alive!”
How freeing is that?!
I used to look at pursuing my passions, interests, and giftings as time away from my kids.
In my perspective, they were having to sacrifice time with me and that it was unfair to them.
Hearing her speak about how pursuing what we love gives our children permission to do the same totally changed my perspective. I actually began to see that it did not harm them, it benefited them!
Lynne also said, “ I don’t want to rob my daughter of the model of an authentically alive woman.”
What an amazing perspective!
I want my girls to see me doing what I love! I want them to do it with me when possible!
Serving in my church, speaking, writing, going to women’s conferences for a weekend, traveling, hiking… you name it!
I want them to say one day that their mom was full of joy.
She did the things that she loved and encouraged them to do the same.
I don’t want to go through motherhood with an empty cup and none of my own joy to offer.
So, I plan to do more things that I love this year.
I plan to talk about it with my girls and explain WHY I am doing what I love.
I plan to help them find what they love and try new things with them!
Do you have hobbies, dreams, giftings, and passions?
Do them mama! No more guilt. It is good for you and it is GOOD for your babies!
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This is one of the many reasons I love you…. you speak passionately straight from your heart! You are the best!!! ;0)
Thank you for cheering me on and being my friend, Nichole! Love you right back!