Post-Mother's Day Syndrome

Many of us are experiencing Post-Mother’s Day Syndrome. We’re either wishing we were still experiencing the great weekend or just thankful that it’s over. After talking to many moms, Mother’s Day weekend was not only a time for pampering, well-deserved gifts and trips, but it was also a time to reflect. Reflect on who we are as women, moms, wives, sisters, daughters, friends, and professionals. 

I did a lot of reflecting myself. Just as every weekend, my mother’s day weekend started out with the obligation to make sure my children’s demanding schedules were met, coaching calls and fulfilling duties at home. My eldest son had five basketball games that weekend; my daughter and my younger sons had dance classes.   

By early Friday evening, I decided to say “NO.” I’m becoming pretty good at that. I said No to the basketball games, no to the dance class, no to entertaining my younger sons. I made up my mind that I needed and deserved a break. At first, I felt a little guilty because I’m their mom. Of course I’m supposed to support them in their endeavors, encourage them as they press forward and be available to open up opportunities of interest, fun and exploration. But in that moment, I allowed myself to move beyond the guilt and pay attention to how tired I was.

I asked myself, “At what expense do I continue to pour into my family?” I also asked myself, “When do I honor myself, my health and my sanity; allow myself the chance to do absolutely NOTHING? How often do I allow myself the opportunity to just be me and do what I love to do without feeling obligated to please, support, comfort and motivate everyone else?” 

I made my choices for the weekend based on the answers to those questions. 

Many women believe that they gave all of that up when they decided to become a mom — I don’t believe so. I believe that the more we care for ourselves and balance our lives, the happier and more authentic we will be, the happier and more fulfilled our family will be. It can be a challenge, but challenge doesn’t mean impossible!

Enough about me! What was your Mother's Day like? What were some of your reflections?  I'd love to hear from you :)

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