- My 35th birthday is next month. That has a lot to do with the thoughts churning around in my brain. I want to do something life-changing and life-affirming. The year I turned 30 I was sick, overweight, and depressed. I prayed so hard for a resolution. When modern medicine failed me, I turned to homeopathy and found my way back to health. On the cusp of my 35th birthday I am struggling again, but this time it's internal conflict. I've been suffering from a serious case of identity crisis since I became a mom. It's time for me to get out of this funk and rediscover who Teresha is.
- Part of that rediscovery is giving serious thought to going back to the workforce after Marlie's 2nd birthday. Can you believe I received my last paycheck in May 2008? Just thinking about dusting off my resume and interviewing skills fills me with anxiety. I would like to find a way to write for a living. I can't think of anything else that would be worth being away from Marlie for most of the day.
- Another plan is to reorganize and redesign my blog. Marlie is growing up, there is less baby stuff to talk about and more toddler topics to tackle (learning, the best developmental toys, discipline, the potty) . Plus, I'd like to spend more time writing about the balance between motherhood and womanhood. Time for a big girl makeover at Marlie and Me. I'm talking navigation bar and social media buttons! I am looking for a blog designer who can bring it!
- Speaking of blogs, I have been toying with this idea to create a political blog where I can wax political and engage in civil debate about social justice, poverty, the War on Terrorism, the Tea Party, immigration, gun control, the Wall Street bailout, unrest in the Middle East, and birthers. Where would I find the time?
- Maybe giving up the idiot box would free up time to write another blog. I am starting to question the usefulness of TV. I can read the news and get updates of my favorite shows online. It bothers me to see Marlie in front of the television. We don't learn from watching, we learn from doing. So no more TV during the day. More time engaging her in practical life like watering the herb garden, putting Kermit to sleep, folding clothes, doing dishes, reading books, dancing, speaking Spanish, and showering her with love.
- I want to host a series of guest posts leading up to Mother's Day around the theme of 21st century motherhood. I am going to figure out how to do a Google Docs form so you can submit your ideas!
Getting Ready…
7 years ago
11 comments:
These are all fantastic ideas. I like the idea of giving up tv. Lately I have no patience for it - mostly because we are paying huge cable bills and there is never anything on and all the shows are ALWAYS on reruns!!!
I believe working does help a woman's sense of self. We're so blessed over here to have a full year of maternity. I go back to work in June and based on my previous maternity leave-back to work experience, it is exactly what I need. I think that the modern day mother needs to have a balance of parenting and working outside of the home even if it's just part-time.
Also, thank you dear friend for taking the time to go over to Blogher and leaving the beautiful comment. It means so much to me!
I'm making some rounds today after a week of catching vomit from both my boys and husband. Sigh.
see this right here: "It's time for me to get out of this funk and rediscover who Teresha is." is why i love you!! i have been facing the same obstacles and i believe we have been there for each other and i thank God so much for your blog. the identity crisis issue has been a real struggle for me but im happy to say that it does get better, slowly but surely. it has a snail's pace for me and im finally seeing that tiny spec of light at the end of the tunnel.
i can't wait to see what you are coming up with re: this blog, and even though my little munchkin is 4 years old, im sure she can benefit as well. thank u for being my blogging buddy and cheerleader. hugs.
This is a great post! I need to sit down and do something like this. I will be turning 34 this August and so I am right there with you. After 3 kids and not going anywhere with my career it is time for me to "grow up" and become someone my kids can be proud of. I have always dreamed of going back to school for nursing so this post has gotten me really thinking about how to take those first steps. Thank you. I wish you nothing but good luck with your journey and will be here cheering you on the whole way! :)
The TV thing bothers me too but sometimes I feel like it is the only way I can get stuff done. Lewis gets so freaking excited when "The Fresh Beat Band" comes on. Just way too excited. But I feel like I need that distraction - it gives me 10 minutes to get his dinner together (without holding an extra 30lbs in one arm). Sigh.
The identity thing is definitely tricky. It seems like I barely adjusted to being a wife and now I'm a wife and mother! Sometimes I miss my selfish single days when I could just "do me" without regards for anyone else's feelings or needs. The rewards of family though are so great that my reminisces on the old days are brief. :)
Oh - check out Christina at www.visualluxe.com for blog designs!
I know what you mean about rediscovering yourself. I feel like I'm in the process of doing that too.
I like your ideas quite a bit and look forward to seeing/reading about the implementation.
I'd also love it if you were to participate in my Motherhood guest blog series. We can reciprocate.
These are some really lovely goals you have set and you know what? Totally achievable!
First of all, you (me and every other newer mom I know) NEED to find yourself and the balance between Teresha, the woman, the wife and the mother. It is incredibly hard. I don't know what it will take. But this isn't something to put on the back burner! From there all else will come...
I used a really lovely designer, who offered a very reasonable price. Let me know if you want her info.
And yay for no TV!! We do watch PBS in the mornings for two hours, but beyond that turn the TV off all afternoon. Not even my beloved AMC or OLTL get any play anymore.
Finally...would love to guest post for you. 21st century motherhood is unlike anything our mothers every imagined, know what I mean? Let me know when i can send you something!
Lots of good ideas! I hope you can find your inner peace. It is hard trying to be more than "just a mom". I don't do well when I have babies and toddlers, but when my kids get to be around age 3 find myself able to stretch my wings a bit.
I never knew you enjoyed politics. Do you read other political blogs as well? Its something how our blogs transition as we go through the different phases of our lives.
TV is a huge waste of time. But, some nights it seems like that is unfortunately the only activity I have energy for. Perhaps I should just go to bed!
I was gonna suggest Christina to redesign your blog as well.
Jasmine learns from watching and doing so I really don't mind her watching. Nick jr or disney jr. She doesn't watch or listen to anything with adult themes and listening to her sing the songs from yo gabba gabba warms my heart( and her beat boxing like biz is the best! Lol)
Goals are good tho. I'm on a vacation with jas now but my next thing is to get away for a few days maybe without her.
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