Hey There, Mama!

Yes, you in that comfy, well-loved T-shirt and stretchy pants. You, who’s been racing against the clock and hasn’t had a chance to wash your hair yet, hoping your messy bun does the trick. You, who might have a mystery stain on your shirt—could be food, could be something else entirely.

I see you.

The Overwhelming Tidal Wave of Motherhood

Some days, motherhood feels like an overwhelming tidal wave, doesn’t it? You’re juggling everyone else’s needs while yours are crammed so far back that they might as well be in another galaxy. When was the last time you had a leisurely shower, let alone one where you could shave your legs? The thought of curling your hair or spending more than a couple of minutes on makeup feels impossible. Some days, just running a brush through your hair is a monumental victory.

I get it—you’re worried you’ve let yourself go. You might even wonder if your partner still finds you attractive. Yet, on some level, you’re okay with that because at the end of the day, you’re all touched out and ready to crash; sleep trumps everything, right?

Shifting Priorities

If someone handed you $100, I know you’d stroll through a store and instinctively fill your cart with goodies for your little ones. Sure, you’d consider grabbing something for yourself, but let’s be real—you’d probably put it back before hitting the checkout. Your budget has shifted from self-care to kid-care—those mommy-and-me classes, the toys, the books, the fun outings. You tell yourself those things are far more important. Your body has changed, and the idea of buying bigger jeans feels ridiculous when yoga pants are so comfy and forgiving.

Longing for Your Pre-Mom Self

You can’t help but think of the person you were before motherhood, the one who had time for herself. You wouldn’t trade your kids for anything, but a piece of you longs for that pre-mom self. It feels like a distant memory, like someone you used to know, and you’re starting to accept she might be gone for good.

She’s Not Gone Forever

But here’s the truth: she’s not gone forever. I promise. Right now, you’re in the thick of learning how to love and care for another human being. Balancing your needs with those of someone who relies on you for everything is a process that takes time. Sure, your needs might slip down the priority list—because you’re an amazing mom—but don’t beat yourself up over it.

It might not happen tomorrow, or even next year, but eventually, your little ones will need you less, and you’ll find your focus shifting back to yourself. You’ll finally have time for a little self-care—maybe even something indulgent, and it will feel fantastic. You’ll start to see glimmers of that woman you used to be—at first, they’ll be fleeting, but soon they’ll become more frequent until one day, you realize she’s back. Yes, she’s changed—because she’s now a mom—but she’s a stronger, fuller version of herself.

Embracing the Journey

The baby and toddler years can be tough. Expecting to navigate them without losing yourself a little bit is like trying to sprint through a rainstorm and not get wet: it’s just not going to happen. But rest assured, this phase won’t last forever. Just like the sun eventually comes out after the rain, so will your mojo.

If you’re looking for more tips on navigating this journey, check out this resource.

Summary

Motherhood can feel overwhelming and often leads to neglecting your own needs. It’s normal to feel like you’ve lost a part of yourself, but remember that this is a temporary phase. As your children grow, you’ll find time for self-care again, and the person you used to be will return—albeit with new depth and strength. Embrace this journey and know that your individuality will shine through once more.