Motherhood & Identity: Finding Yourself Again

One of the biggest challenges that women may face as they enter motherhood is feeling like they may not recognize themselves anymore. Their routines are completely different, their focus has shifted, and their sense of self-care can often be a distant thought. The mom hat becomes the prominent hat, and while there’s nothing wrong with that by any means, it’s not the only part of women that exists. We are still individuals, partners, sisters, cousins, friends, etc. Realizing identity isn’t static — it evolves - can be a helpful reminder throughout this transition. Reclaiming your “and” — you can be a mom and still be creative, sexy, ambitious, adventurous, etc. You can still work, connect with friends, take care of yourself. It might not look the same as it did before your little one arrived, but it can still be fulfilling and it is incredibly important. Embracing the new parts of you that motherhood unlocks (strength, patience, vulnerability) can also be validating and empowering as we redefine our sense of self in this new journey. How can you apply some of this to your own experience in motherhood?