Have you ever felt like you had to choose between your dreams and your child(ren)? In my early stages of motherhood, I did believe that and I chose to be a stay at home mom as a result. As mother’s we tend to put our dreams on hold to raise our children; we unconsciously pour all we have into our children and often have nothing left for ourselves! If we do choose to pursue our dreams; we are often doing so with so much guilt. In my journey to finding myself again in motherhood; I learned that it’s not a case of choosing one over the other. We can do both! Here are 5 reasons why you should pursue your dreams as a mom.
You are called to serve and impact others
I want to start by reminding you that you are gifted Mommy and that your gifts and dreams are not invalidated by motherhood!! You are called and created by God for and with purpose. You are called to serve your family but also your community, your leaders, your clients, and the world at large. Showing up for your dreams is a form of self-care for you and a gift to others. Therefore I want to encourage you to embrace the opportunities as well as the responsibilities that come with being gifted. So go fearlessly in the direction of your dreams.
Your kids are watching you
“I have learned something about kids – they don’t do what you say, they do what you do”.
As a mom, I want the best for my daughter and I’d like to believe that you want the best for your children too (which mum doesn’t?!) but it is so easy for us to hold off on our dreams while we raise our children. I believe it to be hypocrisy for us to say we are rooting for them and we are preparing for them a future where they will be free, inspired, and encouraged to follow their dreams and their goals while we are sitting back and not doing the same. Indeed, kids don’t take what we say as much as they take in what we do.
Pursuing your dreams as a mom is setting an example for your kids. I have learned that being the best mom in the world doesn’t mean that you have to put your dreams aside.
You don’t want to live in regret
Where will my life be had I started that blog when my kids were just little? Where would I be, had I just started recording YouTube videos when my kids were taking a nap? These are not the kind of questions that you would like to ask yourself when your children are all grown up. You want to look back with pride and joy on the work that you have done for children and for and on yourself.
I want to encourage you mommy if you have dreams and goals that go beyond motherhood to start now where you are with what you have. However small the action might seem, take it.
- You can start by dedicating 15 minutes a day to researching what you will need to do to get started.
When you want something bad enough you make time for it so I hope you get inspiration to start pursuing the thing that sets your soul on fire.
Parenting Ends
I frowned the first time that this thought occurred to me!! I struggled to wrap my head around the fact that my little princess will someday not need me as much. Nonetheless, it is the truth! Parenting ends, there will come a time in life when your kids will grow and need you less and less, which will leave you with more time on your hands. If you are fine with pursuing your dreams, then; it’s okay. However I would like you to consider this, I will be 43 years when my daughter turns 19 and leaves for university and that will be 14 years from now.
- How old will you be when your children leave the house?
- Are you willing to wait that long to start pursuing your dreams?
I would rather make progress during her sleeping times, school hours, and play dates. You don’t have to wait that long to start taking action towards your dreams.
Your dreams will help you find a sense of self
Motherhood can easily become all-consuming where you find that you always give off yourself; pursuing your dreams can be like your sacred mom time. I look at pursuing your dreams and goals as a mom as a form of self-care because you get to fill your cup. It is fulfilling for me when I take time to focus on this blog and know that I’m adding value to you.
These are the 5 reasons why you should pursue your dreams as a mom which I put together to inspire you to chase your dreams. How are you making your dreams work as a mom?
Photography: Melon Creatives
Hi mommy
Thank you so much for clarifying the motherhood role. It aint easy walking this hood and i applaude you for this platform.
I will be 47 when my first born turns 21 and i CANNOT wait that long.
Love your work… 😘
Thank you so much for your love and kindness mommy and it my pleasure to share as I continue learning. I am glad that you realized that you cannot wait that long.