Ladies First

While reading this post on Theta Mom, I couldn't help but think of me. I have been a mom for the majority of my adult life.  It has been my first priority and my joy.  But along the way, I lost me.  I'm in no way blaming that on being a wife and mother and mostly working outside of the home. I blame me for not taking time for me.  Blame it on the mother guilt.  We all have it.

Big mistake.

I gained weight, didn't work out and entered the crazy time.  Not all at once but over the course of several years. I nearly lost myself.  I almost lost my best friend.  As women and mothers, we have to remember who we are and how important our well being is.  We are raising the next generation but we are our generation as well.

Now I have lost weight, I run and I enjoy not having a job outside the home.  I finally, at 40, feel comfortable and I'll say it...really friggin' good in my own skin.  My husband is proud and happy.  My kids are doing well.  I still struggle with the crazy at times.  How could I not?  I let myself get that deep into it.  I am digging out.  It's a slower process than losing weight.

And I remember when I was heavier, hating on the skinny girls.  Showing some skin and wearing everything that I wished I could squeeze into.  That was my bad.  They were doing what they were supposed to do.  Take care of yourself and jeez, Kerry, you can wear and look like that too.  Now I get that I needed to make the time for me.  The dishes, house and kids will be okay while Mom has some time. I have worked hard to get here and I will stay here.  It's the best thing you can do as a mother to feel amazing as a woman.

So remember, we are women first and then mothers.  Yes, the most important job we can have is being a mother.  However, we were women first and we have to be happy and healthy first.  That will ensure our families are well taken care of and running like a top company.