Not as shallow as it sounds lol

Dear Diary,

Let me start by saying I have always wanted to be a mom and it is truly the best thing I have ever done. The greatest gift. Being a mom isn’t easy but my gosh I love every second of it.

Now, with that being said, in becoming a mom and gaining so much, I have misplaced a bit of what made me, me. I’m not saying I need my hair and nails done or to do my makeup everyday to be happy, but it was FUN - and literally all for me. I know it’s cliche, but it’s true; I did all of that because it made ME feel good. Not to impress or attract but because I genuinely enjoyed it.

I enjoy feeling pretty and taking pride in my appearance. But becoming a mom has made it far less important than it used to be (for good reason - moming is incredibly time consuming obviously lol). But I’m 15 months into it, and I’m starting to feel like I want to feel more like me again.

A little bit of issue is from the cost of these things. But I think I can find a happy middle for now.

Thanks for reading. If you’ve felt the same, what helped you?

#newmomjourney #findingmyself #lemon8creator #workfromhomemom #fulltimeworkingmom

5/29 Edited to

... Read moreBecoming a mother is one of the most transformative experiences in life, and it often brings a mix of immense joy and profound change. Many new moms find themselves caught between their love for their children and a subtle loss of personal identity that once included seemingly small but meaningful rituals like doing their hair, putting on makeup, or getting their nails done. These acts were not just about appearance but served as moments of self-expression and self-care. I remember when I first became a mom, I completely set aside these personal joys because the demands of motherhood were overwhelming. However, as months passed, I started feeling a gentle tug to reconnect with those parts of myself. It wasn’t about vanity but about reclaiming a sense of who I was beyond being a mom. The challenge? Finding balance—both in managing my time and being mindful of costs associated with beauty routines. What helped me most was embracing small, manageable changes. Instead of a full makeover daily, I indulged in a quick, fresh hairstyle or a simple makeup routine that took just a few minutes. I realized I didn’t need to spend a lot to feel good; sometimes, just a little effort made a big difference in lifting my mood and reminding me of my individuality. I also found value in community support—connecting with other moms who shared similar feelings helped me feel less alone. Sharing tips on affordable self-care and encouraging each other to carve out 'me-time' was empowering. If you’re feeling like you’ve misplaced parts of yourself in motherhood, know that it’s okay to miss those things. Taking time for yourself is not selfish; it’s essential. Whether it’s reintroducing a favorite hobby, dressing up just for you, or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these acts nourish your spirit and recharge your energy. Remember, motherhood and self-care don’t have to be at odds. With a bit of creativity and support, you can find your own middle ground where you thrive as a loving mom and a fulfilled individual.

3 comments

MAI's images
MAI

I’d say do some of those things yourself..if you have the time and patience. Give your at home spa days and be intentional with how you curate this time💗💗 Start small once piece at a time but begin to curate a wardrobe and jewelry that makes you happy!

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elainehaynie1530's images
elainehaynie1530

❤️