Moms, it's OK to get back to "you" from before kids

Do you ever have that feeling that something is missing? You’re a mom, you adore your children, you may have a job you enjoy, nice friends and family around the corner, but sometimes you find yourself questioning “is this it?” That niggle in your tummy that doesn’t seem to go away – that’s the feeling we’re talking about.

As moms, we tend to put our passions, dreams and goals aside when starting a family. What used to be “me” becomes “we”, and our priorities shift 360 degrees. Before you know it, you wake up in the morning, look at yourself in the mirror, and you don’t recognize the person staring back at you. So, the question is what happened to “me”? Where did I go? Is motherhood all about putting our pre-children selves in a pretty box with a lid on, only to never open it again?

Being a mom is the most rewarding and indescribably fulfilling experience. But surely, alongside motherhood, the “me” that was there way before the kids - with all the hopes, dreams and goals - can still live and thrive!? How can we inject some mojo into mom (a.k.a “momjo”) and rediscover our purpose and true joy?

It’s not simple, but it absolutely can be done. Here are the 6 steps towards embarking upon the journey of rediscovering your momjo:

1. Listen to your inner voice – Shut out the white noise of everyday life and take a moment to drift off with your thoughts to remember the dreams and passions you had as a child. Make a list of all the things that once made you truly happy and then narrow it down to one idea – be it a hobby, a career path, a way to give back to your community – the world is your oyster!

2. Schedule time for it – As busy moms, we always put plans aside thinking we’ll get to it one day. Well, that day won’t come, unless you allocate time to it and make it a priority. Even just once a week for 30 minutes, whatever it is, put it in your calendar and make it happen so that your sole focus during that time is dedicated to your project.

3. Get a support system – You know how they say it takes a village to raise a child? Well, it takes a village to find your momjo. Be it family, your partner, a nanny, extra hours at the daycare – make sure your support system is in place to ensure your family is well taken care of and can help you achieve your goals.

4. Find a cheerleader – Find someone to be in your corner, cheering you on and staying on track. In times of joy as well as challenging moments, make sure you have someone to motivate and inspire you to stay focused. Be it a friend or family member, hand pick one person that’s genuinely excited about your project and ask them to help keep you accountable along the way.

5. Shout it from the rooftops – Talk about your goals and your plans - to anyone that will listen! You’ll start to notice that the universe will conspire to help you achieve these dreams. Once you put intentions out there, there is also an increased a sense of responsibility to yourself to make it happen.

6. Work, work, work – People that are truly successful in life all have one thing in common – they work their asses off. Sometimes they sacrifice things like social activities, time with their kids, and sleep for sure - but if you really want it, you gotta go get it by putting in the time and hard work. Chances are that if you have found something that truly excites you and that you are passionate about – it won’t feel so much like a grind. So, put your head down, and work.

The first step is always the hardest, but it will be one step closer to finding "you".