It was such a delight to meet so many of you at the Fabulous Mom’s Night Out this past Monday night. For those of you who were unable to make the event, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the next one, because it will be well worth it, I promise!
One thing I enjoy about meeting new people is listening to other Mom’s introduce themselves. It is always interesting and enlightening to hear another Mother share in the common social graces of an introduction. Why? Because it gives me clues as to what she holds important in her life and what she values. It also tells me where her identity is found. However, it can also be misleading because sometimes we change our introduction based on present company so you aren’t always getting the full picture.
For example, on Monday night I introduced myself as “Tracy, SMB regular contributor, and Mama to two boys”. Earlier in the day though, as I met with clients at work, I introduced myself as “Tracy Carson, Licensed Associate Counselor” with no mention of my husband or children. Was it because I wasn’t valuing them at that moment? Of course not. It just wasn’t the right way to introduce myself in the work environment.
My point is this: As Mama’s we wear a ton of different hats that can make our identity confusing. Men of course wear numerous hats as well, and we aren’t here to throw them under the bus, but it does seem easier for them to transition from work Dad to play Dad and back again. Why is it harder for Mom’s? Maybe because we are harder on ourselves and we think we don’t measure up? Have you ever found yourself saying you were “just a Mom”? What?!! Are you kidding me? You are NEVER, just a Mom!
Someone wiser than me once said, “Wherever you are, be all there” and this holds true for Motherhood in the utmost fashion. If you do not work outside of the home, then be there and treasure that opportunity. Don’t let anyone take away the high calling of creating a home and raising your children full time. If you do work outside of the home, then take heart in recognizing that what you do is no easy task. You are the master conductor of your family, keeping your home and work in perfect harmony. While all of us will have notes played out of tune every once in a while, remember that the end result is a beautiful symphony.
As you take on and off your hats this week and move from role to role, try and embrace wherever you are, even when it may be the last place you want to be. We can plan and plan for our days and weeks and even years but the truth of the matter is that we don’t have any guarantees . . . so live in the moment and own your role there. Chances are some of you might be discontent or frustrated with your role – if that is the case then step back, take a deep breath and try and see what you can change. A small step in the direction you desire can lead to a greater feeling of fulfillment.
This week your challenge is to maintain perspective. The next time you introduce yourself, see what you can be grateful for in whom you are called to be right now. Remember these days are notes in the bigger symphony of life.
Oh and one more thing, Why don’t you introduce yourself in the comments…it really is a pleasure to meet YOU!
Tracy Carson is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor, a wife to her Prince Charming whom she has been married to for 8 years and a Mom of two precious boys, 3 and 1. Tracy has a passion for helping women feel beautiful inside and out and works hard in her faith based counseling practice, Professional Counseling Associates, to encourage her clients to feel the freedom to be comfortable in their own skin. She specializes in the treatment of eating disorders and counts it a privilege to come alongside of women as they overcome the stress that can come with new life transitions. Find her on the web at https://www.pcaaz.com
