Hey there! Yes, you, in that comfy T-shirt and stretchy pants. You, who hasn’t had a moment to shower and whose hair is clinging to that “messy bun” look like it’s a fashion statement. You, with a stain on your shirt that could either be dinner or a kid’s artistic project—who can tell anymore?
I see you.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the demands of motherhood. It often seems like your own needs have been shoved to the very back of the line—so far back that they might as well be in a showroom ten miles away. That shower where you get to actually shave your legs? A distant dream. Spending more than two minutes on your makeup feels like a Herculean task. Some days, just brushing your hair is a triumph.
I understand the nagging feeling that you’ve let yourself go. You might worry that your partner isn’t as attracted to you anymore, but, let’s be honest—by the end of the day, you’re all touched out and simply too exhausted to care about romance. Sleep sounds way more appealing.
If someone handed you $100, you’d probably spend it on your kids, right? Maybe you’d consider treating yourself, but let’s be real—you’d likely put it back before reaching the register. The money that used to go toward your own clothes or a salon visit now outfits your little ones. You’re prioritizing their needs: the mommy-and-me classes, the toys, the books, all those activities that make their childhood magical. You tell yourself those things matter more. And hey, your body has changed; why invest in new jeans when yoga pants are comfortable and forgiving?
You might find yourself reminiscing about the person you were before motherhood. Though you wouldn’t trade this experience for anything, sometimes you miss that pre-mom version of yourself. It feels like she’s vanished, like a distant memory of someone you once knew.
But I assure you, she’s not gone forever.
Right now, you’re navigating the intricate dance of caring for another human being while trying to meet your own needs—an undeniably difficult balancing act. It’s a journey that requires time, and yes, some needs will have to take a backseat, including your own. But that’s just part of being an incredible mom. So, stop being hard on yourself for not having it all together.
It may not be tomorrow, or even next year, but eventually, your little ones will require less from you. Gradually, your focus will shift back to yourself. You will find time for self-care—perhaps that long-overdue bikini wax or a moment to just breathe. You’ll start to catch glimpses of your former self—brief at first, but then more frequent—until one day, you’ll realize she’s back. She’s changed, yes, but she’s also a more complete version of who she was before, enriched by the experience of motherhood.
The early years with babies and toddlers are undeniably challenging. Expecting to navigate this period without sacrificing a bit of yourself is like trying to run through a rainstorm without getting wet—simply unrealistic. But just as the sun eventually breaks through the clouds, so too will your mojo return, shining bright once again.
For more insights on motherhood, check out this at-home insemination kit post. And if you’re looking for ideas to make baby showers more enjoyable, these games and activities are sure to please. For those on a fertility journey, this resource on IVF is an excellent place to start.
Summary
Motherhood can often feel overwhelming, pushing your own needs to the back burner. It’s normal to feel like you’ve lost a part of yourself, but rest assured, that version of you isn’t gone forever. As your children grow, you’ll gradually reclaim your time and identity, emerging as a better, more complete person. Embrace the journey and remember that your mojo will return.