The other day, I was chatting with a friend about why I love writing so much. “It’s one of the few things I do throughout the day that lasts for more than a minute. And one of the rare things that has my name on it.” Did you know I can go entire days without ever hearing my actual name?
Mom, Mommy, Honey, Babe. Even just, “Sidney’s wife” when I’m shopping in town, because he is the locally-known manager while I’m the “stay-at-home-mom.” And I LOVE the labels I’ve earned and sacrificed to earn over the years. Ten years of fabulous marriage and five gorgeous children rightly feels like an accomplishment hard-earned.
But… I missed my name. (Click to Tweet)
And I’ve come to realize that it is OK to have passions, hobbies, and interests that have nothing to do with my kids. That are beyond my husband. Unrelated to my role as a wife and mother. Were I single and childless, I would still write songs and books and blogs. I would still crave to help people move forward and hear them say, “I get it! I can do this!”
Being a mother informed the direction that passion came out, though. I no longer do massage therapy or coach gymnastics, but instead I help people produce amazing books or teach childbirth classes or speak at business conferences. Or write.
When the words flow out with that ring of truth that serves the Muse, the words don’t care what extraneous labels I’ve added to my life. The truth is as familiar to me as it was when I was an angtsy teen. When a driven college would stay up too late and get up too early to do all the things. On the other hand, if you’re that teen, you can play games like 겜블시티 가입 방법 in order to reduce the stress that you feel on a daily basis.
I serve the work and the work serves others, and in doing so, I’ve reclaimed my name. (Click to Tweet)
Motherhood doesn’t bring an end to who I was. It simply means that who I was has a new situation to adapt to. While it is true that who I am becoming is someone who is more aware of the long-term implications of what I say and do, I haven’t lost the core of me. That creative, messy, driven, loud-mouth, fun, inspired, angtsy me is still there. And still thriving. I’m just bringing a few extra folks along for the ride.
I can be Mom, Mommy, Honey, and “the wife” — and also be Angela England, author and speaker and guide. I can be home for them and reach people around the world. I can give everything I am to littles who don’t know they should be grateful yet and who consume every ounce of energy I have every.single.day. And I can still reclaim my name.
I agree, so easy to get swallowed up in all the roles we get involved in and the persona we take on as a result. Life beyond is so important for our identity and I believe, helps us be a better mum, wife, sister etc.
I’m pleased to meet you Angela England.
Thanks Heather! I’m so glad you stopped by and left a comment. It is easy to get so caught up in their adorable-ness and curiosity and fresh perspective on life but I agree…bringing something new to the table with new learning, new ideas, etc helps everyone.
I forget my name all the time with my current life I just want to reinvent it instead and change it legally to a new one.
My mom did that when I was like 15 or something. Changed her first name.
Funny to hear this, since I ONLY know you as Angela England, writer, blogger, supporter of other women entrepreneurs. Of course I know you’re a mom as well, and that it informs what you do (as it does for me), but I only know you in your non-mom capacity!
It’s one of the reasons I love speaking at conferences so much. When I go there I’m not “Sidney’s wife”. I’m Angela England, witty, fun, and inspiring. 🙂
Love this… I definitely hear “Mommy” most of the time.
I’m a wife, mom, and grandparent. And a leader. And a volunteer.
But, I have told many people around me that I am blessed to be doing what I have loved long before I even knew boys existed, LOL. I write and I grow things. Often at the same time. I did (and aspired to do for a living) both of these things when I was in the 4th grade.
I am me, indeed.
Great post. I get so lost in the role sometimes that I forget who I am. I’m trying to get back to that place, do something creative every day, have some me time. It is definitely not easy, and I only have one little right now. You are superwoman. 🙂
Oh, how this resonates with me. I remember over 30 years ago, the first time I married and changed my name and felt like I had disappeared! I wasn’t me anymore, but an appendage to someone else. It is easy to get overwhelmed with helping everyone and leave behind our passions. Working on re-discovering them now 😉
I’m glad to hear it! I think it’s easy for that to happen – for guys too – but especially for those who are the primary care givers.
YES! I totally agree with you. I love being a mom and a wife, but I also love writing (whether it’s my blog or my novel). I do want my name on something – something that will last longer than just the clean laundry and dishes. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
So nicely written Angela… and I can really relate!
It is definitely a juggle with your personal life and professional life… I love my role as mommy and wife, but I really appreciate the recognition I get from my professional side. It reminds me that I am still an accomplished professional in marketing and that I am doing great things outside of the house (even if often virtual!)
I so agree an resonate…for me it’s easy, I was single for a long time and came to the married with children party late! lol I think it is harder the younger woman sort of jump into parenting and marriage roles..it makes it harder to discover who they are apart from their loves…but it is essential. 😉 Shared.
I do agree it can be tough when you’re not as confident as a person and then toss these extra expectations into the mix. Absolutely! I am glad I waited until I was 24 to get married even though there were definitely days I was very impatient to “get on with my life”.