And the Journey Begins
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
“I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship”. – Louise May Alcott
Today marks a significant milestone in my life. A milestone that I knew would come, and one that has left me with bittersweet feelings. Today, after nine years of being a stay-at-home mom my children have left the house and are off to full day school.
It is a day that I’ve thought about for many years. A day that I feared in a sense and a day that I desired. As my children begin their journey of independence from me, my journey of rediscovering myself also begins.
I look back at these past nine years and am truly thankful to have experienced these special times with my children. Deciding to leave the workforce and raise a family is no small endeavor. The first three or four years home alone with two young children were often the hardest days of my life. I had no time at all for myself and gave every single ounce of my mind, body and soul to my children.
There were many days that I was so exhausted or stressed out that I wondered why on earth I decided to stay at home. But when I look back, I understand that there were way more days that were truly, utterly memorable. Moments that I will never ever forget and will remain in my heart for the rest of my life. Moments that no money could possibly buy.
That first smile. The first steps. The first time my children said ‘I love you’. The first wiggly tooth. All the crazy silliness and creativity of being around children. And most of all, all the incredible love. The morning snuggles. Books in bed. Hugs and kisses. Love that has fulfilled me with a deep feeling of heartfelt happiness and gratitude. Love that has made me feel more alive and human than ever. Love that I never could imagine was possible before having children.
So today, after nine years my journey begins. A journey of rediscovering who I truly am and what I want to accomplish going forward. Of course my job of parenting will never be over. It is a commitment that expands a lifetime. However, now it is time for me to dream big and accomplish all those goals and aspirations that have been placed on the hold for so many years.
Am I anxious? Of course I am. I know that as the seasons move on and the days get shorter, darker and colder that a new form of loneliness will settle in. Yet I’m excited to face the future and move ahead. To see what I can do with forty and beyond. It is a new era in my life. One that seems to have come all too soon. But I’m ready for it. So here’s to “Diary of a Happy Mom: 40 and Beyond”. Let’s see where this journey takes me.
8 comments on “And the Journey Begins”
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Just come here from your other blog and started following you 🙂
Oh thank you so much! You are so kind! 🙂
My oldest is starting full day 1st grade. She’s going to be gone for so long! But, you are right. We’ve had so many great times together, and I’m glad that I was here for all of them. We’ll have many more. It’s time for her to spread her wings! I’m nervous that my younger one will be so bored with out her. We’ll see how this goes… I’m going to enjoy your journey here, Nicole! Congrats on all the new blog moves!
Jen 🙂
Thanks Jen. So far the first two days have passed by faster than I imagined. Yet I miss my little Soph. She has been my constant sidekick for years. It feels strange. But I know it is good for her and me too! 🙂 Can’t wait to see you!
Cheering you on Nicole! I am expecting big and wonderful things to come!
Oh Elizabeth! So glad I’ve gotten to know you! 🙂
Enjoying your blog and reliving my memories of raising children.Thanks Patricia.
Thanks so much Patricia! 🙂 Time goes fast, doesn’t it.