Friday, January 21, 2011

Displacement Theory

One weird thing about being a mom is the fact that you don't "fit" anywhere else. Maybe it's just me but I've found that the things I once enjoyed and the people I chose to surround myself with don't feel right anymore. I don't belong in those places, with those people anymore because I'm not that person anymore. I'm a mom and only a mom. I don't even really fit in new places or with new people quite well either. I feel awkward, ill-at-ease, apologetic, and generally socially inept. These are new characteristics I've picked up since having babies. It's starting to bother me.

I get that when you throw yourself into a lifestyle it can be dangerous. It can be risky because that lifestyle may outgrow you some day. This is true for full time mothering. The people you spend your time mothering will outgrow you one day. Fact. That's how nature designed it. Then what. Then what. Then what.

Right now the actual skeleton in my body aches because I'm dragging my bones around without their permission. But this post isn't about how tired I am. We're all tired. You can't compare tireds. Nobody wins that contest and it doesn't matter in the end. What matters is that at the end of my day I have sold myself out. I have given my best until only my worst comes out. It's not a good plan. It's not any plan. It's reacting to my current situation, not solving it smartly.

My current lot is a rare opportunity to spend hours upon hours upon days and more days with my children. This is unique and almost unheard of in this country. If I stay on top of that thought, I have a sweet perspective on things and can give my children my everything. But lately I've been asking myself, is that really the point? Will my kids be just fine, if not better, if I give them a portion of me and protect the rest for myself? If I don't nurture myself first then I have not taught them well. I have not taught them to look out for themselves first, then others. I have not given them the right example in the end. Because in the end, if I've done my job and served them correctly, I will be waving goodbye to healthy, confident, independent young adults who are able to care for themselves so well that they do not need me as their full time mother anymore. And that is exactly what scares me the most if I don't start figuring out just who I am today.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

You have turned into me :) <3 <3

pajama mom said...

and me.

i have made a resolution
to take care of me more.
and i don't know what the
heck that even means!

sigh.

OSMA said...

anonymousetrap and pj - wonder why "invisible" always seem inevitable?

pj - i don't know what it means either but i'm going to go after it in small baby steps. how 'bout you?

DJ Pecor said...

I love you. Just thought you might need a reminder. And I love every moment of our talks - especially when I get to interact with my munchkins (even if I do have to sound like Mrs. Doubtfire as I impersonate Dr. Hendrickson - lol). Also a reminder, you're doing an amazing job, and I'm not scared of you or the munchkins. :) It might be time for you to check in with Momma June. In my humble opinion, she is one of the best mom's that ever lived. And, much like you, she gave all and sacrificed everything for her children. I think she could also relate very well to your lifestyle. You keep on keeping on! I wish I could split myself in two; but maybe soon I won't have to. Urg. My biggest regret is that you're going it alone right now. Hang in there... and know I'll be in your corner, even as you're waving goodbye to young adults. We'll cry together. Sending you a bear hug!!!

Unknown said...

Erin, again a pleasure it was to meet you and your family (minus one who will be home soon=). I have not been reading blogs lately (and I have severely neglected my own). I am currently taking a moment to scan your posts and this particular post caught my attention. I decided to read it and thought, "Yes, this is important job of 'self care', if you will, is so tough and it's nice to see I'm not the only one confronting this tricky task." My best to you and I look forward to sharing photographs on flickr. Take care over there =)