A few Things I have never shared
A Journey of Resilience and Discovery
Becoming a mother is a monumental shift in any woman's life. When you add the complexities of running a business into the mix, it creates a labyrinth of challenges and emotions that can feel overwhelming. In my own journey, the interplay between motherhood and my career has been the hardest balance to strike, filled with highs and lows that have both tested and shaped me. Through my blog, I hope to share my story, not just to narrate my experiences but to connect with and inspire others who might be navigating similar paths.
The Reality of Mom Guilt-
One of the most pervasive feelings I've battled is mom guilt. It's a relentless whisper, suggesting that I'm not doing enough, not present enough, or simply not enough. This guilt has a way of consuming your mind, casting a shadow over your accomplishments and joys. Acknowledging its presence and talking about it openly is the first step toward diminishing its power.
The Isolation of Postpartum Depression Postpartum depression hit me hard. It's a storm that envelops you silently, and by the time you realize it, you're already in its eye. The loneliness it brings is profound — a feeling of isolation in a room full of people. My anxiety spiked to levels where leaving my house seemed an insurmountable task. It's a chapter of my life that taught me the importance of seeking help and the strength in vulnerability.Embracing a New PaceMotherhood brings a seismic shift in energy levels. I've had to learn that it's okay not to operate at the same intensity as before. My body and mind have undergone profound changes, and recognizing the need for grace and patience with myself has been a crucial lesson. I just remember feeling like days where my friends would come to my door and I would not even let them in. I was so anxious to mess up my child’s schedule that I would not have visitors. I realized I could keep my baby on her schedule while having my friends over. It was just a day to day mental battle for me. The doctors warned me…they told me my post partum would be worse than some due to having a thyroid disorder.
The Challenge of Teaching Spin Embarking on teaching spin classes was another terrain filled with obstacles. The journey was sprinkled with tears and frustrations, pushing me to confront my limitations and persevere beyond them.
Navigating Public Perception The fear of being misunderstood and criticized on social media is a shadow that looms large, especially after experiencing it firsthand. It's a form of PTSD that affects how I communicate and share, instilling a cautiousness born from past wounds. After every conversation I have to re group and control my mindset in order to know that there are good people out there. There are people who want to see me win as I want to see them win. It seems to get a little easier with time.
The Uphill Battle of Trust, or the lack thereof, has been a significant theme in my life. Climbing out of deep-seated trust issues has been my steepest climb, marked by setbacks and victories. Even as I've made progress, the echoes of past traumas occasionally resurface, reminding me of the journey I've undertaken.
Shifting Business Strategies My approach to business has undergone a transformation. Where anxiety once fueled my ambitions, I've learned to adopt a calmer, more sustainable mindset. This shift has not only been beneficial for my well-being but has also proven to be more effective and empowering. I feel like just in the past few months I started to get some of my new mama/business owner baby mojo back…I will never be a “pre” baby woman again…I hate the phrase pre-baby self back. I do not want to be her, I want to be the new me, the mom me…it is just a different version of me. I find that as women we push ourselves so hard to be the “PRE” baby person again that our mental health declines. Remember the new you is just as powerful as the pre you!
Rediscovering My Identity Letting go of the "boss energy" persona was a challenge that led to profound self-discovery. Embracing my softer, nurturing side has opened a new chapter of success and fulfillment, revealing the strength in vulnerability and the power of embracing my true self.Vulnerability and PartnershipLearning to lean on my partner, allowing him to support and protect me, was a lesson in shedding notions of weakness around vulnerability. It's a part of my journey that's brought immense strength and depth to our relationship.