Mom jeans. Mini vans. Swapping recipes. That haircut we are all too familiar with, and if you’re not, Google Kate Gosselin haircut. Oh, and what about Susan down the street and that dress she wore the other day to the PTA meeting.
Just because you are a mom doesn’t mean you have lost your swagger. It’s still there, somewhere. Hey, if you want to wear leggings, do it, just make sure you are strutting your fierce self in them! Make sure you are standing tall and show the world what you are made of. For crying out loud, you made a tiny human or humans. You are one righteous female! Don’t lose your fire.
I want to dig a little deeper here and explain. Becoming a mother is an absolute blessing, but that isn’t who you are. Don’t get lost in the shuffle of trying to make sure the kids are constantly entertained, the house is always clean, dinner is prepped, laundry is done. Good gracious, that is a vicious, mundane cycle.
You are allowed to shop at Forever 21. You are permitted to purchase from Victoria;s Secret. Just because your body isn’t what it used to be does not mean you can’t embrace your true self, whatever and however that may be.
You do not always have to listen to Kidz Bop with the kids. Throw on some music you can belt out to and sing at the top of your lungs. Head bang in the car as you are driving to school drop-off. Get jiggy with it while you‘re stuck in traffic. There is a reason why Carpool Karaoke with James Corden is so popular.
Invite your friends over and watch a movie. Yes. Just like you did in high school. Just because you are an adult doesn’t mean you can’t watch movies and do facials! Warning though, prank calls are now much easier to track, I would advise against them.
There seems to be this trend of moms and wine, which is perfectly fine by the way, but speaking from personal experience, a nice cold glass of chocolate milk rocks. And making bubbles with the straw is even better. Have a little fun lady!
This list may not be the most comprehensive or scientific, but the point here is to let go of what you think you always have to be. Make sure you live a little, or a lot. Just because your living room is littered with toys and stickers on the walls, doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to a life of going through the motions. Your kids are watching you. You are teaching them in more ways than one about life. Enjoy it!
Wow, that is a bold generalization!
I am proud to be a woman but I sure am tired of stereotypes. I don’t mean to burst your bubble, but not all women cook. I know, I am as shocked as you are. I was actually in denial for a solid 15 years. I finally realized and then ultimately admitted to myself that cooking is not one of my talents. Fine. I am a ok with that. But I was quite surprised at how many people are not. Apparently I missed the sign up sheet and course materials.
I fought the reality for such a long time. I mean shoot, my father was a chef for most of his life and my sister can cook as easily as I can order Starbucks through the drive-through. I mean, isn’t this skill hereditary? Research has proven otherwise. (By research, I mean my personal experience.) Still, to this day, women are assumed to be good in the kitchen. All women. I mean look at the toys marketed for girls compared to those for boys. Girls get a “cute” little pink kitchen set and boys get monster trucks. I wonder if I had a kitchen set…I will have to follow up with my parents on that later.
My point is, I think it’s crucial that we stop spending so much time and energy on the areas society has told us we should like and really jump into our true passions. Hey, kudos to those who can whip up dishes complete with all the yummy noises from their guests. Please, invite me over, I’ll have seconds. I will leave the cooking to you. My focus is going to be on other areas. And I should not made to feel less because I don’t spend time in the kitchen. Why would I want to? Prepping, measuring, stirring, timing, and then serving the darn dish that is then consumed in less time than it took to make it! And afterward are the caked dishes that you have to soak and rinse and then put in the dishwasher and then dry off after so there are no water spots. You have got to be kidding me.
So no. I do not cook. Yes. I am ok with that. No, it is not every woman’s right to learn how to cook. Yes it is completely acceptable to have a microwaved meal. If you need me, I will be spending my time elsewhere. First place to look, outside.