Recently, we traveled back to my hometown for a wedding. It was amazing getting to spend some time with family and see friends that I hadn’t seen in years. However, I made a realization when I was there… I will never be the person I was before motherhood, again.
I always tried to cling on to the image of that young girl I was before I became a mom. The one that was really fun, had a lot of energy, loved going out with her friends on a regular basis, and could put them back with the best of them;)
The truth is, it just isn’t me anymore.
The Person I Was Before Motherhood
The Person I Was Before MotherhoodBeing back in my old town brought back all of the memories. The good, the bad, and the fuzzy (if you know what I mean). Before I had children, it was easy to get together with friends when ever I wanted. I was a free spirit that could roam around the city doing whatever at the drop of a hat, because I had no one else to take care of.
That girl is gone now, and being back in the town that I grew up in, went through my teenage years in, and turned 21 in, helped me to see that a different woman had taken her place. A mom of four beautiful children.
You know that feeling that you get where you just fit into a different place now? The girl who once had a home away from home in the downtown seen, is now the woman who would rather hangout at the park or go see the scenery.
Now, this isn’t to say that I don’t think I can have fun anymore. I do! I went out to dinner with some girlfriends while in town and it was a blast. I went to my old stomping grounds where I worked for over 6 years, and saw some of the same amazing faces that I had lived my life with all of those years.
That dinner was different this time, since I became a mom. I was no longer interested in shooting back as many shots as possible or stumbling blindly down the street. All I had to add to the conversation were stories about my kids. All I wanted to do was enjoy my drinks and be home at a decent hour.
Am I just old? Maybe… haha.
But, none of these are things I regret. I love that I am a mother now. There are things that I can look back on and say that I miss at times, because life was so much more carefree when it was just me, myself, and I to take care of. While I am thankful for all of the lessons and the journey that I had before motherhood, I am so happy that I have four little ones to live my life with and make new memories with now.
So no, I will never be the person I was before motherhood. I am a better person now because I was given the amazing gift of children.
*Here’s to all of our beautiful babies*
Oh, how I can relate! I was just talking to a friend about how life was so different on the weekends before becoming a mom (I can’t actually remember how I spent my time!), and I will never be that person who goes out late drinking, but I don’t regret (or miss) it.
Bev recently posted…Mama Maker Monday: Julia Meyers of Baboo Bee
This is so true! So much changes, our relationships, our marriage, our conversations! It’s such a good change though because you become a better, less selfish individual!
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Awe what a sweet reminder! It’s a beautiful gift to be a mom and although we have changed, I strongly believe it’s for the better! Thanks for sharing your heart!!
I absolutely believe it is as well.
Becoming a parent is a life-changing event. I don’t miss my former life. It was fun, but I love being a mother.
shelah recently posted…Lola Goes to the Doctor Lessons and Activities
I’m with you. The only thing I miss is being more carefree. Being a mama gives me a sense of purpose and I enjoy the littles even when they are challenging!
I totally agree.
This so true! I was basically nocturnal before kids, and always on the go. Now I am an early-rising homebody! But I wouldn’t trade it for anything!
You and I both!
You just spoke my ENTIRE life in this post. I’m actually still struggling with the fact that I’m not who I was before. It’s been a long process of acceptance for me.
Rashida recently posted…5 Reasons Fall Is My New Favorite Season
It has for me too! This is the first time in 5 years since becoming a mother that I have actually realized it.
These are some great realizations, and oh so true…in the best way!
XO
Lee Anne
http://www.lifebylee.com
Oh my goodness YES! Everything changes and for me, it was both comforting and depressing when I realized I had changed.
So true!
I recently read a quote from a NY Times Columnist who said, “People are not better off when they are given maximum personal freedom to do what they want. They’re better off when they are enshrouded in commitments that transcend personal choice—commitments to family, God, craft and country.” It totally resonated with me, and with what I think you’re saying about motherhood. Sure, it was fun to be single and carefree, but I wouldn’t ever choose to give up all that I’ve gained by becoming a mother. The commitment I’ve given to my family has made me a much better, and more fulfilled, person. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing that! I love that quote.
This is a wonderful post! It is so true, to think back to who we were before we were moms and how things have changed!
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Yes! Life totally changes when you are a mom! I had a fabulous time in my 20’s.. so at 28 my hubby and I were totally ready to settle down with kids. We wanted to make sure we were totally ‘ready’ for parenthood, but looking back now we ALWAYS say we wish we would have started younger!!
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Everyone is either hit or miss with starting younger. We started reallllyyy young, and sometimes I think we should have waited. But I am thankful for our four little beauties.
My experiences haven’t come through motherhood but after living on the East Coast for 7 years when I cam back to California I realized I was a completely different parson! And like you said…that’s okay!
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This is beautiful! Just a reminder that we all grow and learn over the years and it’s a beautiful thing becoming a mother. 🙂
I agree with this 100 percent! I’m totally different since I’ve become a mom, but in a good way. Being a mom was the best thing that has ever happened to me. You learn so much about yourself when you’re a mom❤️
Life is definitely different with babies, but so much better!
This is such a relatable post. Sometimes I think back to who I was 10 years ago and am shocked at me back then. I’m definitely a different woman than I was before becoming a mom, but I still hang on to her. Great post!
Yes! I just wrote something similar. There’s no need to keep looking back at who I used to be. I’m a whole different person now. I think I’m a better person too. I have my babies to thank for that.
Camesha | Mama Motivator recently posted…Ready for Fall! w/JORD + Giveaway
Ahhhh yes!!!! I love being a mother but the one thing I do miss from my pre mommy days are my friends! I feel once you become a mom friends take the back burner :-/
I think about the pre-mommy days all the time. The other day I asked my husband “Do you remember what it was like before we had a kid?” He said no. I said “me neither.” lol
Hahah that’s pretty much how it goes in our house too:)
I love this!! It is amazing how much things can change in just a short couple of years, even at the single moment when your baby is laid on your chest after birth, you gain a whole new perspective on life, and goals and thought processes change so much.
Motherhood makes us mature. It makes our priorities different. That, and we’re all getting old, lol.