Having a Life... outside of our responsibilities.

Although my sons are grown pretty much on their own now, I remember how I tried to balance everything when they were growing up.  Dividing the time and attention between the three was my top priority.  Balancing family, my home daycare, housekeeping, friendships, school groups, a marriage, church.... the list went on and on. 

I remember long, busy days and collapsing at night from exhaustion.  However I also remember how fulfilled and happy I was taking care of my family!   I love being a mom, then and now!  

The hardest part for me was when they grew up and one by one needed me less.  I felt so lost and empty at times.  Then one day I filled out an on-line questionnaire and realized I didn't have a life.  At least... not one of my own! 

The Questions and Answers went like this: 

Interest:  my children
Hobbies:  my children
Activities:  my childrens'
Goals:  raising my children
Dreams:  helping my children fulfill their dreams.

The questions went on and the answers were basically the same.  This experience was a Hugh eye opener for me.  I didn't even know what I liked or who I was... outside of being a MOM.

Please remember I loved raising my sons and being involved in their activities along with the groups associated with them.  I still enjoy and cherish the time I spend with my boys now.  However, I decided that it was about time for 'me'.  My dreams, goals and interest.  Whatever the heck they were.... I still didn't know for a while. 

Since that revelation, I have spent a great deal of time experiencing new and exciting things.  I had my very own adventures and done things I'd never done before.  All good of course, but fun too!   I'd never rafted before, road a motorcycle, drove a jet sky or even gone tubing until last summer.  I had a blast!

I've always been pretty social, but I used to avoid anything remotely risky and would even slip into the shadows to avoid being in the spot light too much.  This year I've stepped it up; putting myself in new and very exciting places.  Meeting some amazing people and coming out of my shell!

These new experiences have helped me grow and develop into a strong, independant and confident person.  I am very pleased with how far I have come and look forward to the rest of my life!

It's never too late to have a Life of your own.  What interest, hobbies or adventures do you have outside of your responsibilities?