When we become parents, the moment our child takes their first breath, we cease to be the person we are. No longer are we independent and able to make decisions based on our wants and needs. Now, we are responsible for another person, and we must provide for them, often above and beyond our own needs.
Parenthood is a momentous milestone to reach in your life. Many parents tell you that it is the most challenging yet the most rewarding experience that life offers. We want to be the best parent that we can be for our child(ren) because we want to see them flourish and, ultimately, be happy. However, the demands of parenting can be immense, and if we are not careful, slowly, little pieces of us can drift away. Yes, we are not the same person we were before we became a parent, but indeed, it is possible to keep those creative fires burning and still be good parents.
Yes, we are parents, but we know we are more than that. When our minds wander to other things, dreams, passions, ideas, hopes, and desires beyond the realms of parenting, we should not suppress them. There is nothing wrong with having a passion or calling for you alone, and you are not selfish for wanting to pursue your calling.
When you invest in your passion you send a strong and noble message: I am worthy of following my happiness and defining myself beyond parenthood.
Too often, we fall into a routine of self-sacrifice for the sake of our families. The needs of our loved ones are ever-present, and we can berate ourselves if we are not always going above and beyond to serve them. It is easy to fall into this habit because children can place immense pressure on us, constantly wanting more of our time, love, and attention. Domestic duties can make us feel that there is no time left for anything else. The real strength is to set your limitations to create the time and space to do what your Soul desires. Some chores can wait. Ironically, when we can prioritise our calling and continue to grow on our journey, we become happier, stronger, and better role models for our children. We are teaching them that they, too, can do anything that brings them happiness.
Finding balance is tricky because there is only so much time available to us, and often, the concept of balance seems like an unattainable goal. Parenting and still finding a way to work towards your goals requires compromise and an ability to keep things in perspective. Yes, there may not be as much time to dedicate yourself to your calling, but remember that time is always moving forward. That circumstances are forever changing can help you stay focused and be present in the moment.
Five ways to be a parent while following your calling:
1. Don’t forget who you were before you had children because that person still yearns to learn, grow, and create as an individual.
2. Write down your dreams because it helps to remind you how important they are and when you are thinking about them, you are helping to manifest them.
3. Make a list of your daily or weekly goals because it’s impossible to achieve everything at once when you’re a parent. Even ticking one small goal off every day is an achievement.
4. Connect with others who share your passions because they will inspire you, help you, and make you feel like you are a part of
something bigger.
5. Celebrate your family milestones and personal ones and encourage your family to support your achievements.
Learning to not feel guilty for wanting to pursue your hopes and dreams beyond your role as a parent can be a challenge but remember that investing in your passion is an investment in your wellbeing.
When we surrender ourselves entirely, living passionless lives, we are plagued with stress, burnout, and a general feeling of emptiness and restlessness. We may think that these feelings are an unfortunate yet normal consequence of becoming a parent, but it is a warning sign that we are not on track.
A happy family life requires a solid foundation, and that foundation is you. So now is the time to listen to those inner feelings and identify what your Soul is telling you. If you have a calling that you long to pursue, you owe it to yourself to explore it. It can take time to refocus on yourself and learn to listen to your intuition and trust what you need, but it just takes practice. You can teach your family to support your dreams, and you will all be happier for it.
Fierce Truths Magazine
- Fierce Truths Magazine
- Fierce Truths Magazine
- Fierce Truths Magazine
- Fierce Truths Magazine
