For the last 17 years, I’ve been a stay at home mom. It’s what I was called to do and I’ve loved it. Yes, I was in way over my head with five kids in twenty-one months. Yes, there were days that felt like years. Yes, there were days that I wanted to run away. But I loved being there when they woke up and when they went to bed. I loved taking them to school and picking them up, being the first to hear of their adventures. I was blessed to be able to take care of laundry, cleaning, shopping, appointments, and other things during the day so I could focus on being mom in the afternoons.
But now that time is coming to an end.
By this time next year, my younger kids will be graduating high school and getting ready to move to their various universities. My husband and I will be moving to a new city, into a new house, in a new neighborhood, starting a new phase of life.
On one hand, I am very excited for what the future holds. I’ve started to focus more on my writing and started a new business adventure with Rodan + Fields. I’m excited about the possibilities that both opportunities present.
In an effort to transition well into my new phase, I’ve taken an online blogging course, engaged in training sessions for my business, and read some helpful books.
In one book, the author had me write out skills that I’d developed in previous jobs in an effort to determine which skills I possess and which ones I need to acquire. I have to admit, the task was very difficult for me.
I’m just a mom.
Now, please, don’t go crazy telling me that being a mom is important and adds value to our society. I know that. But I have to be honest…sometimes the value gets lost in all of the mundane, ordinary, boring tasks of the day. Driving kids to and from school, activities, and appointments is monotonous. Overseeing homework lacks excitement. Breaking up fights is exhausting. Continually pushing kids to do their best is draining. It makes a mom, or at least this mom, wonder if she’s really creating any tangible value. It makes me say things like, I’m just a mom.
The great thing is, I have a wonderful husband who is encouraging and supportive. He thinks of me as bringing tremendous value. In fact, he was bothered when I said, “I’m just a mom”.
The word just means merely or only. So when I use it, I convey the idea that being a mom isn’t very important. I don’t use the word intentionally, but the more I say it, the more I begin to believe the lie.
So I’m intentionally going to stop using the word just when referring to my role as a mom.
And I’m learning to describe my skills in new ways.
I can organize the schedules of several people, ensuring that they get to places on time and complete their work in a timely manner. I can mediate disagreements to a favorable outcome for both parties. I can motivate and encourage individuals to work at their maximum potential.
Wow, who knew I had such skills?
