This picture was taken when my first born, Isaac was weeks old.
My hair was permanently tied up into a messy bun. I lived in milk stained pyjamas which would be permanently half opened and man I still have so much love for my stretchy bottoms (which I eventually outgrew).
It was a truly vulnerable time in my life where I struggled with my new identity as a new mum. I was terrified because this little life completely depended on me for survival? That thought scared the life out of me and I doubted my ability to be a good mother. My relationship with Tim was starting to fray around the edges and I was delirious from feeding around the clock and getting an average of 2-3 hours sleep on a good day. I look at this picture and I feel a lot of compassion for the mother feeding her child. She is lost and lonely. Then I look at the mirror and smile because she’s me and I made it out ok after all. We all did.
It’s true what they say. The nights are long but the years are short. Somehow, we made it. Isaac is now almost 5 and a healthy and happy little boy. My marriage with my husband almost fell apart but somehow along the way, we held on to each other and came out stronger. We’re also blessed with another little baby girl!!
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Hang in there, mums. You got this. Things don’t get easier but they get better. I realised that your mindset is everything. Attitude is altitude.
I remember thinking I lost my old identity when I became a mum. You don’t. Truth is, you just unlock a new part of yourself. Overtime, more versions of yourself become unlocked. It took me years before I wanted to start this fitness and healthy lifestyle journey and I don’t regret it one bit. We each have our own seasons in our timeline. Children don’t stay little for long so don’t be sorry for choosing to prioritise them. Give yourself credit for being selfless. Just focus on doing what you can. Be kind to yourself. I’m proud of you. A little reminder though, you must take care of yourself before you can do so for others. Whenever you’re ready, your groove will be waiting for you. You deserve to get your nails done. You deserve a facial (even if it’s a diy one). You deserve it for being a hero!
