The past 8 days have been a mix of emotions. On the one hand, I’ve got a brand new job, doing something I love…working as a TV Host, on a daily lifestyle show! However on the other hand, I’m leaving behind the “Stay at Home Mom,” life that I’ve led for more than 2 years now. And as if that wasn’t enough, my new job is in another state, so with the love, support and encouragement from my other half, we are uprooting our family and making the “BIG” move. So, 8 days ago, I left them in Florida and flew to Virginia to start my new job and find us a new home!
It has been quite a whirlwind. I’m sure you can all relate the feeling of being in transition, living out of a suitcase and being in a “foreign” place. I’m super excited to be on my next adventure and start this new chapter of life with my family, but change can be tough…especially when I don’t have my to little guys and one big guy here with me physically, yet! In Florida, while I was a SAHM, I managed to maintain freelance work, but it never really required me to be away from my boys for extended periods of time, so maybe I’d do a half day here and there, but for the most part, my days consisted of feedings, playgrounds, play dates, walks, naps, bottles and baths!
Now by no means am I complaining, just reflecting on how this role reversal is affecting me. I now have a clearer picture from either side of the fence and each has its own pros and cons! However, I will share a piece of “advice” I received that always helps put my life in perspective, and that is, “You’ve gotta take care of yourself before you take care of everyone else.” The point being that when you neglect yourself, you’re ultimately not going to be ay good to those around you. When you take on the Mom role, it’s so easy to put your needs behind everyone else…whether it be eating last (or not at all), foregoing sleep, putting career goals on hold or simply losing sight of yourself. So, I say all this to say, I seized an opportunity to pursue a “dream job,” and now I’m living it and taking care of me. My other half has been managing all of the child care duties in my absence, and will continue to do so as we initially settle into our new home…and now I’m the one working 9-5…total role reversal.
The other night he paid me the biggest compliment too, he said, “Def have a new respect for Moms and the day to say routine.” I’m not sure if he was directly it at me or saying it in general, but he truly makes me feel loved by expressing his appreciation and at the same time, taking over the day to day duties to allow me to take on this new role. Change is a constant and as a Mom, the duties are ever-expanding…but no matter what role(s) you take on, keep doing YOU!