Unlocking the Potential Within

Being a mum is one of the world’s most rewarding and challenging jobs. It’s a 24/7 job with no breaks, vacations, or sick days. However, being a special mum is even more difficult. But this doesn’t mean that we can’t pursue our passion. On the contrary, following our passion can make us better mothers. It can give us a sense of purpose and fulfilment and set an excellent example for our children. In this blog post, we will explore the challenges we face when pursuing our passions, the benefits of doing so, and some practical tips for how to make it happen.

Despite the challenges of being a special needs mum, I have found a passion that has helped me push through the difficult times. Writing about my experiences has been therapeutic for me. Through the pain and the tears, I am trying to remain focused on my passion, using it as a beacon of hope and inspiration to guide me through the most challenging times.

Challenges facing mums

As mentioned, mums are often pulled in many directions. Between caring for our children, managing the household, and working outside of the home, it can be hard to find time for anything else. This can lead to guilt or anxiety when pursuing personal passions, as mums may feel that they are neglecting their other responsibilities.

In addition, as mums, we may also face external pressures from society or even from our own families. For example, we may be told to focus solely on our children and not worry about our interests. This was the case in my situation, and I felt that I would be judged or criticized for taking time away from my caregiving role to pursue my passions.

What are some of the biggest obstacles preventing you from pursuing your goals?

Benefits of pursuing passions

Despite these challenges, there are many benefits to pursuing personal passions as a mum. First and foremost, it can lead to increased happiness and fulfilment. When we engage in activities that we enjoy and that align with our values and interests, we feel alive and more connected to ourselves.

In addition, pursuing personal passions can make us better mothers. When we take time for ourselves, we recharge our batteries and return to our families with renewed energy and enthusiasm. We may also model healthy behaviours for our children, showing them that it’s important to prioritise self-care and personal growth.

Tips for empowering mums to pursue their passions

So, how can mums make time for their passions? Here are a few practical tips:

Identify your passion

The first step in pursuing your passion is to identify what it is. This may seem obvious, but many mums have been so focused on their families that they have forgotten what they enjoy doing. Take some time to think about what makes you happy and what you enjoy doing. Do you have a hobby that you enjoy? Do you have a skill that you want to develop further? Once you have identified your passion, you can start to figure out how to pursue it.

Make it a Priority

As a mum, you have a lot on your plate. You must take care of your kids, home, and job (if you work outside the home). To pursue your passion, you need to prioritize your time. This means setting aside time each day or week to work on your love. It may mean waking up earlier or staying up later but making time for yourself and your passions is essential.

The first step is to prioritize your passions. This may mean saying no to other commitments or delegating tasks to others to free up time.

Schedule It In

Once you’ve decided to prioritize your passions, schedule them into your calendar just as you would any other appointment or commitment. This helps ensure that you make time for them.

Involve Your Family

Depending on your passions, you can involve your family. For example, you could involve your children in meal preparation if you love cooking. If you love hiking, you could plan family hikes on the weekends.

Get Creative

Pursuing passions may require getting creative. For example, if you love writing but don’t have much time, you could try writing during your lunch break or waking up early to write before your children wake up.

Let Go of Guilt

Finally, letting go of guilt or anxiety about pursuing your passions is important. Remember that taking time for yourself is not selfish but an essential aspect of self-care and personal growth.

Get Support:

Pursuing your passion can be challenging, and you may feel guilty for taking time away from your family or you don’t have the support you need. It’s important to get support from your family and friends. Let them know what you’re doing and why it’s important to you. Ask for their help and support; feel free to lean on them when needed.

Take Small Steps

Pursuing your goals can be overwhelming, especially if it’s something new or unfamiliar. Taking small steps and breaking your goals down into smaller, more manageable tasks is crucial. Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives. This will help you stay motivated and focused, and it will also help you avoid burnout.

Stay Motivated

Trying to be strong in the face of adversity can be challenging, but staying motivated is important. Remind yourself why you’re doing it and how it will benefit you and your family. Set goals for yourself and celebrate your accomplishments. Surround yourself with positive people who support and encourage you.

Embrace Failure

Failure is a natural part of pursuing your passion. Don’t let it discourage you. Instead, embrace it as a learning opportunity. Figure out what went wrong and how you can do better next time. Remember that failure does not reflect your worth as a person or a mom.

Set Boundaries

It’s important to set boundaries when pursuing your passion. This means saying no to things that don’t align with your goals or priorities. It also means limiting your time to your passion so you can pay attention to other areas of your life.

As mums, we deserve to pursue our passions just as much as anyone else. While finding the time and navigating external pressures may be challenging, the benefits of doing so are clear. By prioritising personal passions, we can increase our happiness and fulfilment. Identifying and pursuing your passion as a mum is not only possible, but it’s also vital for your well-being and your family’s well-being.

Remember, you are not just a special mum but a person with unique interests and talents. We can accomplish anything we set our minds to, even in adversity.

Embrace them and enjoy the journey!

Until next time.

Gee xx