As a mom, we often focus on others and completely neglect ourselves. I was consumed by my daughters’ lives while they were growing up. I absolutely loved raising my girls, to the degree that I didn’t really have an identity separate from them. No hobbies, no activities, but I was ok with that.
However, I didn’t realize the extent of the empty feeling I would have when they left home.
Even before they left for college, I began to feel lost. I had more time on my hands, but struggled to fill it with meaning. I would literally walk around the house and ask my husband, ‘What’s my purpose? What am I supposed to be doing?’
This went on for almost ten years, long after the girls had graduated from college. I now call this my ‘dark decade’.
Being a mom was one of the things I loved most. Should my husband and I adopt, become foster parents, or something else that involved kids? So many questions, I searched for my purpose.
I began to wonder if this feeling was going to remain for the rest of my life. Was this my new normal?
Through a program at my church that helped me discover my purpose, a light bulb went on. I could see my purpose.
I’m so glad I had the faith to just start down the path. As I did so, doors continued to open. I am now over a year later and have published my first children’s book, with several more in the works. My days aren’t perfect, but I have certainly recaptured my joy.
It’s my mission to support other women so they never experience what I did.
My programs will always be in support of what I have dubbed the ‘Courageous Chicks’ community.
