It Takes A Village
Today is Friday. Well, its actually Sat as I write this. I'm on day six of twenty-two of my writing challenge. I meant to write this earlier but fell asleep for two hours thinking I could just shut my eyes for thirty minutes. Yeah right! I've had quite a long day. This morning I dropped Zephyr off with his grandma for the weekend. I was able to see two clients and have a dinner date with Ryan. We fought in the middle of the night, over Zephyr being up and it continued into the morning. When he got home, we had the space to talk and work out our differences. I'm so appreciative to spend quality alone time together so we can work it out. I want to thank my family and friends who have kept me from going completely crazy these last eight months as a new mother.
Alone time is extremely important to me. I recognize I require time that lets me reset and recharge. I short-circuit when overloaded with too much information. I'm with dear Zephyr 24/7. I love him, but I need my space! A little break is really all I need. When Ryan gets home I hand him off and I leave them to meditate, take a nice walk with Yoshi, workout or shop to let off steam.
Grandma and Grandpa live 40 minutes away. They take him on some weekends so Ryan and I can take a break. This time allows us to catch up on chores, run errands and let loose on the dancefloor.
Grandma is also my number one cheerleader and spiritual advisor. She always offers an ear when I'm losing my shit. She's also super involved with Zephyr's progress. I'm so grateful I have a person in my life who I can turn to.
I know there are a lot of families out there that do not live close to their parents or in-laws. A support system can be weaved together with friends and extended families no matter where you are. Mama, you are not alone. Seek out those who you vibe with and create your own tribe.
My friends have also been such a pillar of support during this journey. I was convinced that I had lost all my friends during those first few months. I assumed I had to make new mommy friends because they would the only ones who would understand. It clearly was not the case! My friends who truly cared stuck around and embraced me in my role. They love Zephyr too, which is super important to me. It is important for me to remember that relationships are a two-way street. I need to maintain my side of the relationship by reaching out. Not everyone will understand that motherhood sucks up all your time. If I need help I must ask for it.
Anyone reading this who is not a mommy but knows a mommy. It is not always easy for us to ask for help. Reach out to your closest mommy friend and ask her how she's doing. She will be eternally grateful.
Mommy groups are the best! Being a part of groups helps ease with the transition. I can show up looking tired, haggard and late without fear of being judged. There are groups out there that can be costly, but it doesn't have to be. I've found support via Facebook groups and Instagram. I have friends in my online community that I've only ever spoken to via the DM box. We are no longer bound by the confines of where we live to find our tribe. The magic of the internet allows us to be supported by anyone, anywhere around the globe.