I have spent the last three years rediscovering myself and my purpose.
This journey began in 2018; our twins we barely two months old when postpartum hit hard. It didn’t stop at six weeks or even the first year. Those feelings and emotions linger still, creating chaos inside my mind made of whirling anxiety, OCD, ADHD, depression, and more, leaving me to wonder how people can have two very different versions of the same life.
I am forty-five years old and have enjoyed life with my husband, my best friend, for the last twenty-eight years. We have seven beautiful daughters from twenty-three down to three. I am looking for growth opportunities with my support system standing strong behind me.
Hobbies are an opportunity to explore who you are. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Photography!
Capturing the perfect moment in time to cherish is such a treasure. My greatest pleasure is taking pictures of those closest to me, my family. I like to think that I am “good” at what I do but not professional. There are a lot of little pieces to the art that I don’t know nor have taken the time to understand. If you share this passion with me, here are some next steps to consider:
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- Check into local classes that teach photography and techniques—adult classes through local community programs, colleges, or online.
- Sign up for a group that supports your interests. Online communities are suitable for advice and opinions but prepare yourself for both positive and negative feedback. You can also check in with a local retailer such as Photo Pro, who may be able to point you in a good direction.
- Join an outside community with perks. I joined ViewBug a few years ago and enjoy building myself through them and the audiences that it pulls.
Genealogy!
My heart and soul belong to my ancestors, literally! I have a special connection with my family’s histories and have taken on a role that displays the passion in ways all family members near and far can enjoy. With the help of Facebook Groups, I have been able to connect with members coast to coast to share lifetimes of stories and photos. I love the thrill of discovery, everything about those in which I descend. If you are interested in learning more about your families story, here are some things that you can do to get started:
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- Interview your parent, grandparents, and even great grandparents. Take notes, take pictures, and take every cherishable moment.
- Check into local libraries or centers that have genealogy resources. Places here in Linn county are The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Family History Center, The Linn County Genealogical Society, Public Libraries.
- Online programs (some require a membership or fee) Ancestry.com, Newspapers.com, 23 and Me, My Heritage, Newspaperarchives.com, and also the public library has some online resources.
- Travel to locations where your family once lived to check into local communities and neighborhoods. You might find someone who remembers them or even a family member.
Taking time to Enjoy your Life
Reading
I enjoy my girls’ nightly bedtime story, but I also look forward to a steamy bedtime story that doesn’t begin with “Once Upon a Time.” I am currently enjoying book sixteen of twenty-one in the Helen Hardt Steele Brothers Saga. Each book gives away a different person’s story and perspective. What are your favorite steamy bedtime stories?
Family Meals
We most often prepare meals at home and eat together. We do try to make time in the kitchen and meals less stressful and time-consuming.
- On weekends we try to prep for two different meals, such as
- Smoke a pork roast for BBQ sliders and Pork Nachos
- Grilled chicken, leftovers are shredded down for salads or soup
- Hamburgers, chopped down the remaining burger, and season for tacos or stroganoff.
- Casseroles and soups throughout the week, especially one pan and done, are always a win-win.
- Tater Tot casserole
- Tomato Soup with grilled cheese sandwiches
- Loaded Potatoes casserole (or twice baked potatoes)
- Ham/Turkey and cheese pinwheels
- Baked Chicken tenders with country gravy and french fries
The last year has been amazing,
I am excited about opportunities to share what I have learned and live with as personal development while being part of a community that supports and empowers. I am proud to be a part of these two groups.
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- A small Facebook group made up of local moms who have experienced PPA, PPD, and Trauma. I am thankful for the woman who created the group and the opportunity to be a contributor. The group is quiet, but it is home!
- I write here at Cedar Rapids Moms as a monthly contributor and look forward to sharing each month.
I am stepping out of my comfort zone and using my voice to be a part of something bigger as I take you inside my life, my family, and our experiences in hopes of inspiring you to remember who you are!
“Move forward on purpose, in purpose.” Kelli Nielsen
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