When we have children, our lives quickly become all about them. Our days are prioritized around their schedules and their needs. Our social media newsfeeds are now full of cute baby pics, and our posts share all the silly things our little ones did or said. Our conversations often filled with boasts and concerns about our children. All of this is wonderful and beautiful and at times necessary. But let’s be honest, it can get out of balance quickly. Before we know it, attending to our own needs is no longer a priority. Without realising it, we have stopped taking as good a care of ourselves, as we do our children.
When last when given the option to do something for your child or do something for yourself – did you choose you? Gasp! Yes, I just put it out there – the unspeakable.
I read an article recently on whattoexpect.com, that refers to how Flight Attendants give wonderful parenting advice. It reads:
“secure your oxygen mask first before assisting your kids with theirs. After all, if you can’t breathe, how can you possibly help anyone else? So give yourself a little air — get a pedicure, see a movie or go for a girls’ night out once a month. Keep in mind that loving yourself is one of the best ways to love your children.”
I just want to echo that last sentiment: Loving yourself, is one of the best ways to love your children.
So, guess what mama? It’s very important, to every now and then, choose yourself. You take that bubble bath You curl up on the sofa and watch that chick flick You read a few pages of that novel You sit quietly sipping your favourite glass of red
Whatever you do, make sure you take time – even if it is just a few moments in a week. Focus on that which helps you catch your breath. For me, it’s writing this encouragement (and sipping my G&T) while my husband puts our son down to sleep.
Don’t feel guilty. Don’t defer to a task on your to-do list. Don’t worry about the chores – because you know they will still be there tomorrow. Sigh.
Greetings from a wet and wintery Cape Town, South Africa.
I thought I would take a moment and tell you a bit about myself and how Origin Mommy came to be. I am a 38 (almost 39) year old first-time mommy to a fearfully and wonderfully made 9-monthold boy (who is currently going through sleep regression and teething … so your sympathies are welcome).
I spent about 17 years prior to joining the mommy-tribe in a job/career that was highly stressful and demanding. The last 7 years of that time I was fortunate enough to be an equity partner in my own company and, although I was able to find some joy and purpose in what I did, for the most part it was still a constant struggle to find harmony, unity and a shared vision. After years of prayer, God used what a friend intuitively referred to at the time as a sledgehammer to get me out of that space. Soon thereafter, I saw the indicator on a pregnancy test show positive.
I read this quote on becoming a mommy: “I was his beginning, and he was my beginning too” (paraphrased).
My husband and I decided that I would take a sabbatical from the world of business – as I needed time to find a new passion. Also privilege of being able to stay home with my child during his developmental years was what I had always dreamed about. However, the unclear future was scary. I knew I could enjoy this season of mommy-hood, but that there would come a time when I would need to get back to work. I had no idea what my future career would look like, or if I would have the flexibility to still be the kind of mom that I wanted to me while pursuing it. If you know me, you know that I am a future-focussed planner and so this question about what awaited me one day was one that weighed heavily.
The Origin of creation
I continued to pray that God would show me what He would have me do next. I admit that my prayers were at times more out of fear than faith. Then one day, God took me to Genesis chapter one: The beginning. Let me just say that this does not happen often, but the moments when it does are unforgettable and profound. In reading that piece of scripture I was reminded that beginnings are without form, void and often dark (or unclear). However the Spirit of God hovers over even the darkest, most void spaces….and even there He speaks. I prayerfully unpacked what it meant to me and my circumstance.
God spoke and there was light; there was creation; there was life; a gathering; fruitfulness; multiplication; responsibility; and then there was rest. This was my revelation. My heart soaked up a glorious promise! God was a God of order and He would help me create something, He would give me a purpose (responsibility) and I would find rest. I would just need to trust the process – step by step.
I am a researcher, a note taker, a plan maker.. Here I was in the midst of my baby prep, with my journal full of my mommy-to-be thoughts.
I love researching various topics. My Google search history is, well, interesting to say the least. I research often – lately it’s anything from pregnancy and birth; new-borns and breastfeeding; weaning and sleep schedules. I study the information, unpack what it means and how I can apply it to my life and my circumstance. Where I can, I share and encourage others. In doing so I have developed an every deepening well of understanding and respect for all mommies. Then the idea dropped into my heart. Start a blog – a creative way of journaling my own experiences, coupled with whatever information I have discovered.
Reflecting on what I believe God dropped into my heart a few weeks prior, I considered a name. Then it hit me: Origin Mommy. Those two words symbolise so much – the creator of a home; a fruitful vessel; the gatherer; the bearer of life. For me, in many ways – it starts with Mommy
Mommy, a creature invited to be a cocreator with the Creator Himself. (Paraphased from Lisa-Jo Baker’s book Suprised by Motherhood)
I trust that God will continue to guide me on how Origin Mommy will grow and what her ultimate responsibility will be. I am open to wherever this journey may lead. My ultimate desire is that it would somehow evolve into a lucritive business pf sorts – one that allows me the flexibility to still be the mommy that I want to be for my little guy and any other little ones that may follow….. For now, Origin Mommy is about community – encouraging mommies, empowering mommies and enjoying being part of the mommy tribe.
