Stuck in the Mommy Rut?

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A Mother's Work Is Never Done....
A Mother’s Work Is Never Done….

We find ourselves there without even realizing it.  Before we know it, habit and routine become everything.  Don’t get me wrong, habits and routines are good.  It’s how we get everything done.  How else could we manage multiple loads of laundry every day, homework, dinner, diapers, carpool, chore charts, dishes, and the occasional vomiting child?  It’s how we stay on top of things and fit more into a day than most think is possible.

But if we aren’t careful, we look up and realize our lives are boring and unexciting.  There’s nothing that gives us a spark, that something extra that nourishes us as women.  Life becomes all about the kids, being mommy, the house, the job, the husband, and everyone else’s needs.  There becomes less and less that gives us something to look forward to in anticipation, something that makes the 5,000th diaper that day and warring children worth dealing with.

Find that spark! 

I was a mommy of two, ages 2 and 6, when I realized my life was really boring.  I needed to find a new challenge.

We move around a lot, and it can get old to always have to figure out a new community and what it has to offer.  When I looked up and realized my life was all about my husband and my kids, that was the last straw for me, and I found myself pushing my boundaries.

I discovered martial arts, which led to refereeing and learning how to run tournaments. This path led me back to work teaching adult classes, then swim teacher and finally a high school teacher. With each one, I saw it as a challenge accepted!   Another move found me embracing mountain biking (the ride down from Pike’s Peak is awesome!!), whitewater rafting, a new baby, making my own soaps and lotions, and now writing for a blog!

On the summit of Pike's Peak!
On the summit of Pike’s Peak!

I like to be challenged, but finding your spark doesn’t have to be large, or even adventurous.  The challenge doesn’t have to be solitary.  Been forever since you’ve gotten out in nature?  Take the kids with you for ‘hikes’ (it’s okay if they’re on a cement path around a city park!).  Want to learn more about photography?  I can bet what your favorite subject might be!  Learn to make jewelry with your daughter, it’s okay if hers are big, chunky, safe-to-handle beads….

Do it!!

It’s fall, the kids are going back to school.  As you are re-creating the household routine, make space for something for you.  Whatever it is that sounds appealing to you–knitting class, baking class, making jewelry, tae-kwon-do, kayaking, rock climbing, Zumba, or a simple walk in the park.  Find out where you can do it and get out there and do it!  It’s going to be a hassle, it’s going to be hard to break the routine, hard to make something for yourself a priority, but it is SO worth it!

Moms need something just for us, that we enjoy and gets us out of our routines for just a little bit.  Go ahead, give it a try.  I promise, after about the 3rd time your guilt over not getting that load of laundry done on time will disappear.  You’ll find yourself looking  forward to your chance to get out there and do something fun for yourself.

What would your new challenge be?  What new thing would you like to try if it was right in front of you with no obstacles? 

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Kristin, Senior Writer
Once Upon A Time, in another life, Kristin graduated from the University of Michigan with a plan to teach high school math. But then, life happened when she wasn’t looking…. She married an Army guy and 23 years, 3 kids, a few dogs, 7 homes, and 2 continents later she’s now a single mom living here in Colorado Springs. Along the way she volunteered for the Army, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and several schools; managed volunteer organizations, coached judo, trained to be a whitewater rafting guide, biked down Pike’s Peak and even managed to teach some high schoolers a little math before forging new trails writing, teaching and financial planning. She never knows what’s coming around the bend, but she’s learned to handle whatever life (and the Army!), throws at her with a smile and a laugh. She’s pretty sure you can get through anything with those, even if you have to fake it occasionally!!