As my daughter has gotten older, I also realize that there are times when I like to define myself outside of just motherhood. I enjoy reading. I enjoy running. I enjoy cooking. I enjoy being outside. I enjoy working. I enjoy being a friend. I doubt that I have ever lost myself in motherhood...I'm just not that great of a mother. But I do get carried away with being a mother and I need to remember me sometimes.
I read a few novels this summer and I was very impressed with a couple of them. I don't belong to a book club, so I will just talk about the books I read and why I liked them.
One of the last ones I read,
Me & Emma, was amazing. I was so impressed with the book that once I was finished, I actually had to go back through and started reading it again. I adore a book that can make me want to go back for more. As are many novels, it was not a happy, light story, but it was definitely worth reading. I felt like I wanted to just take the girls and wrap them up. I just felt such a need to help them. I should probably write more about it, but if you haven't read it, I don't want to ruin any of it.
Water for Elephants was a wonderful story. I definitely don't ever want to run away to the circus, and even after reading it, I'm not so sure about attending...but the story was captivating and I really wanted him to save everyone.I also read The Memory Keeper's Daughter, and was impressed with the story. I think what I took from this novel was more about how decisions we make in life, sometimes can change us forever.
Imagine being in a situation where you want to do the right thing, but because of the choice you made, your family can never be who they really should be. How horrible to try to protect your family, only to hurt them.
2 comments:
Rachel,
I hope you don't mind but I was snooping around:)
I found this link to your "other favorite things" and clicked on it. I have to say the first part of this post moved me deeply. I agree 100% with everything you said. I remember the day when I realized I had lost myself in motherhood and my "to do" lists, and I sat down and wrote in my journal my "list of favorites". I had to, in a way, redefine to myself who I was and what I loved to do, and who I wanted to be as a person....not just a mother. One of those things for me was running also. From the time I was in 6th grade into my early 20's I was an avid runner...I loved it! Then came the babies, and it seemed there was no time for it, although I tried to get back into it off and on. Well, I started this last February and I haven't stopped!!! It's the one thing I do for me and me only. I am by no means a pro, but I am just so happy that I've stayed consistent. A friend and I are going to run a half marathon in Seattle in November! I can't wait!
I apologize for rambling on, but I just enjoyed what you wrote so much. Oh, and I am definitely going to give those recipes a try! Thanks for sharing.
Please don't apologize. You're wonderful! Thank you for letting me know you can relate. It helps to know that other people who are obviously very loving and giving mothers, also feel the need to take time for themselves...without feeling guilty!!!
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