Wow, It’s been a while, but I’ve made it. A lot has happened since I last posted, you ready? I’M A MAMA! Yes, about a year ago, I gave birth to my beautiful son, Oscar. What a journey it has been. I’m not quite ready to share the details of what happened the past year, but it has been a rollercoaster. Postpartum recovery, sleep deprivation and a change in identity got me a little lost but I’m happy to report, I’m finding my way back. Funnily enough being so passionate about personal growth, as well as being a preschool teacher, I honestly didn’t expect this challenge to happen to me. But I’m incredibly grateful for the journey I went on, and I feel ready to move on!
Accepting change
When suddenly your top priority changes, a little human, personal growth isn’t as obvious anymore. In the past, I had the time to read, reflect and take action whenever I felt like it. Well, that freedom is gone. Restricted to nap times, personal growth is the last thing on my mind. Did somebody say; dishes, laundry, cleaning, crying, so much to do with such little time. When I finally did take the time to read some blogs, I got devastated and dug my hole a little deeper. All the tips just sounded amazing but weren’t achievable anymore. Tips like; Want to be happy? Sleep more. I have a baby that doesn’t allow me to sleep, how am I supposed to sleep more?
Personal growth as a Mama
Things had to change, it might’ve taken me a while, but I got there in the end. When Oscar turned one, it hit me, it’s been a whole year?, it felt like the world stood stil. I literally freaked out and took a moment to find peace. Little did I know that not only my identity would change but also the way I approach personal growth needed shifting. The aspect of tailoring the advice to my own needs has become the core, personalise and adjust accordingly. This new season is one big personal growth journey and I’ll have to take it one step at a time. Reviewing my E-books in my resource library was very helpful, as I could identify the changes and realise what I truly needed. You can only imagine how my morning routine required a major review. So taking the time to fill out the worksheet has given me my ownership back, something I truly needed.
Sorry, what is Self-care?
How much the meaning of this word has changed, a simple shower is now a luxury. This change might have been the hardest on me. My interests have changed and I no longer have time for the things I love to do. Leaving me at a total loss. The turn Self-care has taken in my life is very significant. Self-care allows you to foster who you are, looking after yourself and like we all know, you can’t pour from an empty cup. But what if you don’t know how to fill your cup? Or you do know, but it just doesn’t happen. This area of my life needed drastic improvement and I’m grateful I took the steps to figure out what could work in my current situation. So, here I am, back behind the keyboard reaching out to all of you!
Moving forward
Bit by bit I’m getting into a groove. In my new way of life, setting priorities has been game-changing as it helps defuse my feelings of overwhelm. Gratitude and letting go of expectations (well, trying to let go, I should say) have made a big difference. Now, to have a plan of action, I regularly journal to find out what I really need. My plan of action as of right now? Get back into blogging, to have my creative outlet, which allows me to focus on doing things for myself. I cannot wait to reconnect with you all.
That’s it, I’m oficially back online, so watch this space! A few posts are brewing and I will be sending newsletters too, so make sure you are all signed up. Want a little behind the scenes? Follow me on Instagram. I’m so happy to be back and to be doing something for myself after a year off. It feels good! Speak soon, TEA-m.
By taking care of myself I have so much more to offer the world than I do when I am running on empty
Ali Washington
