At the beginning of this year, I made a resolution; I wanted to take time to do things for myself. Things that I used to enjoy pre-D and pre-kids. The last few months have been absolutely hellish around here. I could feel myself disappearing. With everything that was going on, sleep was at an all-time low and stress was at an all-time high. I needed a release.
I don't hate being active, but I hate most of the things you have to do to BE active, if that makes sense. Working out is a bore. Running is monotonous. I don't mind yoga, but it wasn't what I was looking for. I needed a way to get out my frustrations and forget my burdens; even if for a short time.
So I signed up for soccer, a sport I had played since I was 4, but not in the last 7 years. Since December 23, 2006; the night before I found out I was pregnant with Elise.
Last night was my first game. And while my fitness level frustrated me, for almost an hour I was able to let go of my troubles and just enjoy life again. My body settled into the familiar rhythm of the sport and I remembered how much I love donning my cleats.
Even better, I didn't throw up after the game and I'm not too sore today. I'm already looking forward to next week.
I want to encourage all you D-Mamas (and non-D Mamas) to not forget that you are a person too. You are more than a chauffeur. A chef. A CFO. A pancreas. A nurse. A maid. A teacher. You once enjoyed things outside of being a mother.
Don't be like me... don't wait 7 years to reconnect with who you were, and who you still are.
This is such a great reminder of how easy it is to lose ourselves. So glad you found something you enjoy for you! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI wonder if 7 yrs is when you just hit the wall as a mother and say no more time for me...that is when i started carving out time for me, too. Glad you decided to do this for you - I love being active and giving oneself a break at the same time! I've taken up kick boxing, sometimes I imagine giving the big D that kept me up all night a one-two and my days goes much smoother :) Take care and enjoy those breaks between it all!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! Always good to remember that diabetes does not define the parent either.
ReplyDeleteSo true! I have made a very serious effort this past month to give myself some much needed alone time. It takes a lot of scheduling due to my husbands work schedule, but I have managed to go on a 2 mile walk at least 6 times this past month. It's been nice to be able to not think of needles, insulin, or hear MOM for 30 glorious minutes! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you've been having such a hard time, but it's so awesome to hear you've found your soccer love again! I'm so proud of you!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! You are so right ... we, moms, can't lose sight of ourselves
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard to forget to do things for ourselves! I'm glad you found something for you!
ReplyDeleteSO AWESOME! once a soccer girl, always a soccer girl! so happy for you! :D
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