#MoreThanAMutha is all about celebrating the things that women are, as well as being amazing mothers. In a world where many women feel like they lose their identity when they become a mum, it is important to celebrate and shout that we might be mums, but we are not only that and we are still a force to be reckoned with.
What makes you more than a mother?
What we makes #morethanamutha is my ability to see the good in everyone. I try and see everyone’s situation as relevant and unique to them and refrain from judgement as this doesn’t change anything…that sounds so cheesy and arrogant but it’s not I swear. There is so much judgement and misunderstanding in the world that we need to eliminate it. Also I launched a blog with a new born, I am in the process of launching my own business and trying to spread the good word on mental health amongst parents.
Are people surprised when they realise you are more than a mum? Does that bother you?
I think people don’t necessarily get me straight away as I can be quite shy and quiet, which I am not when you get to know me. I have severe social anxiety which really can stump me and new people I meet. When they do get to know me I think they wouldn’t have guessed I had social anxiety or that perhaps I’ve had certain struggles in life. My mental health is a big part of who I am and the work I am doing for it. So in answer to your question, YES people are surprised at my past and with everything that I am doing currently.
How long did it take you to remember you were more than a mother after you had your child(ren)?
I think in my mind when I was pregnant I wanted to make sure I didn’t get too caught up with being a new mum and loose my identity. It had taken me a really long time to get to a happy place just for me, so I didn’t want to compromise that. In the late stages of pregnancy and post labour I launched my blog about putting parents needs first and the importance of self care. It has kept me on a good road, some days are really hard to stick to it but having something that keeps you centred is key.
Who, or what, helps you to make time for yourself? What do you do to escape the stresses of motherhood?
What advice would you offer a mum who might not be feeling like they are more than someones mum right now?
It’s OK to feel low sometimes, nothing lasts forever and acknowledging that can be a really powerful tool in itself. There’s a mantra I used in the very early days “this too shall pass”. It’s an anxiety mantra for panic attacks but it’s relevance and power to situations of stress and low mood is immeasurable.
Also journaling how you feel in the darkest moments is extremely therapeutic and can really organise your thoughts and help you to see things in a different light. But just know that your situation is relevant to you, no ones is greater or lesser so don’t EVER feel guilty for feeling less than a mother. And know that it will at some point shift
Any advice for someone who is going through the same things as you are right now in their quest to be #MoreThanAMutha?
Who would you like to see featured next in the #MoreThanAMutha series?
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Are you #MoreThanAMutha? Get in touch to share your story.