I thought I would write this, in hopes to help others but also as a reminder to myself.

It is so easy over the course of time, with all the hard work and sacrifices we make being mothers, it is easy to forget who we REALLY are. I think

we have learned (incorrectly?) that being a good mother means putting our wants and needs aside. Not always just for a little while, but sometimes we push aside our personal lives for good.

And what happens in 18 or 20 or 25 years? Our children are grown and gone and we have no idea who we really are! And in fact, our children probably benefit from seeing us pursue and enjoy those things that made us who we are before we ever thought about babies. We want our children to be happy, confident, and to pursue the things they enjoy. Well, we should do the same! How much better could we be as parents if we are happy and fufilled on a personal level?

So basically, I'm just saying that if you used to paint before you had that first child, let that child grow up seeing you paint. If you used to run everyday, keep doing it! Take that little one with you every morning in a jogging pram. Whatever it is that you used to do, the things that made you smile, MAKE TIME for it after having children. It's more important than ever to hold onto those little things that define you. Your children will be happier for it, because you'll be a happier Mum!

Enlist your partner, family, or enroll your child in daycare one day a week. You are such an important peron to so many people, and those things that you love should not be set aside for later. No one knows how much time we have in this life anyway, so enjoy it now! And by all means, don't hide it, let your little ones see how happy music makes you, or dance, or reading, or knitting. Whatever thing it is, keep doing it. For your children AND for yourself!