My eldest turns 21 today. He is having a birthday in isolation. That means no -one over to celebrate, not going out with mates. He's stuck with me and his brother! It was today 21 years ago that I became a mother (yes that's me and infamous baby who didn't sleep all night until he was 5).... I'm so proud of him today and I've shared that on Facebook, but your children's birthday's are also a time for personal reflections. I look at this photo and I see how young and beautiful I looked. I was 32. Nowdays I am not so young or beautiful, but I am younger and probably more beautiful than what I'll ever be again. When I was much younger, I loved going out and dancing. Connecting, and just being with the music and the friends and strangers around me. Whether it be ‘sock hops’ at school, listening to pub cover bands, or going to bushdances. It was fun!! Then for a while, the music stopped. With the unrelenting fatigue that accompanied the jump into motherhood. There was no more dancing and the isolation of motherhood became real. The only dancing was the swaying that happened trying to soothe the babies, or the bouncing and rolling around on the Swiss ball as they were jiggled off to sleep. And then the babies grew and even the swaying disappeared…. The music changes when you become a mother, well it did for me. Suddenly you have children who depend on you, who trust you implicitly (until they become teenagers anyway) and look to you for guidance in everything they do. And often, we don’t have all the answers, we can’t fulfill all their needs, we can’t even fulfill our own needs of sleep, and that sense of failure to be perfect can lead to isolation and times of despair. So, although I had my mother and my family, and friends, I lost the music. So how do you get the music back? You start by giving yourself permission to hear it. When you embrace your imperfections, your authenticity, and follow your life rhythm you find others who resonate with you, who will support you, challenge you and join in your dance. You may find as I did, when you make a commitment to embrace your vulnerability, you create space to make new soul connections with your family, your friends, each other. It's OK, it's normal to lose the music, to get overwhelmed, to reach out for guidance and support. I've been there, swaying in the corner, waiting for it to change. I get it. Remember we are all connected, and although you may feel it at times, you are not alone. The music, the dance, the connections are there. Sometimes we just need a little help to rediscover them. And then you become older and the music and dance, and often connections, change yet again. It's time now, for me again to rediscover what the sound and the movement are for me, in this next stage of my life. Until next time, take care of yourself. Kim xx ps…. And I totally love my children, and always wanted to be a mother, and I will always be their rock and their comfort. They make my heart sing, even when I can't always hear the music.
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Disclaimer* These articles are provided by Kim Ross, Psychologist for general information and education . They are not designed to be used for therapy.. If you are experiencing stress please contact your GP or mental health professional.
AuthorKim Ross is an Online Psychologist and Founder of Positive Young Minds and Private Practice Sustainability. |