Rethink...Finding Yourself

This week's discussion topic at Rethink What Matters is

RETHINK THE NEED TO FIND YOURSELF.

When I first saw the topic, I wasn't sure where to go with this.

I felt like I had answered the first question in this week's quiz

"Are you what you wanted to be when you "grew up?" 

in Rethink and Grow.

Then I started to think {woooo-whooo!}.

The second question this week was

"Do you have a true passion?"

My answer was..."Yes it is...my kiddos."

So this question, and this answer messed with my head a little. First of all, when I decided to have children, I did not relinquish myself...my interests...my dreams, but I did commit to these little people to be all I can be, and to help them be all that they can be. They are the reason I live the way I live, and do what I do. So, my kids are my passion, but that doesn't mean that I cannot have my own passion...something that is all mine and does not involve a husband, kiddos, or of course anything illegal or immoral {let's be clear here}. 

Like many moms, I have gotten lost a little along the way. I think it happens all too often. We give and give to our kids, to our husbands, to our families. We are work at home moms, and we are stay at home moms, but we are individuals too. I know there is only so much time in the day...I stay up until all hours of the night catching up, reading, blogging, crafting...but clearly that is not the answer, I am exhausted and I live for mochas.

Even when I was single, I lost myself...it is so easy to do, no matter our age or marital status. Back then, I was caught up in my career. Caught up in advancing myself within my chosen industry. Caught up in being something - the right thing - to the {much older man} I was dating.

In trying to find myself, I am learning to enjoy the small moments of time when I get to do what I enjoy, what I want to do. I treasure hunt {code words for thrift stores and garage/estate sales}. I write {not always on my blog...that is another story}. I create - I cannot tell you how much fun I had with this last Valentine's tablescape. I am trying to do  "stream of consciousness journaling" to just express myself without inhibition or editing. I turn off the computer and lose myself in a movie. And, when there is not time for "more," I sit with a steaming hot mocha on my deck and listen to the waves crash and the seals bark. And, yes, many times that involves watching the kids play and giggle too, but that's OK, they are TWO of my passions, without everything they have taught me, I would not be the person I am.

So, ladies how do we do it? {OK, I will include the guys too...I have seen men get lost as well} How do we keep ourselves - our vibrant spirits - alive. How do we find time for ourselves? How do we not lose ourselves in our lives, in our children's lives, in our husbands lives? And, if we do lose ourselves, how do we find "us" again? And, finally, what is your passion? TELL ME...I want to know. Really, I do!

 

So, do it, go visit Rethink What Matters,
answer the five questions...

did I mention there are prizes?

{I have not won...maybe you will!}

Then come back next week for some more!

Happy Rethinking!

Holly

Rethink What Matters is a campaign by Bare Escentuals that challenges me...challenges all of us to Rethink What Matters. Each Friday through March 26, 2010, Bare Escentuals will pose a new topic for us to consider, to ponder, and to discuss. It is not just about makeup...it is about living your life and what is truly important. So gather your girlfriends...you never know what you'll discover! 

Want to join in on the discussion...

There are prizes and free products to be had..and more importantly thought provoking topics coming your way. Just visit Rethink What Matters to answer 5 simple questions. Then you can see how your answers compare with others. Seriously it takes no time at all to do this...and you may learn a little something about yourself or your friends! And if you are lucky enough to live in San Fransisco, New York, or Chicago the Quickie Van could be coming your way.

DISCLAIMER: So, here's the back story and legal who-ha I must include. I was contacted via email about this campaign and checked it out myself. I thought it was interesting and thought provoking. I was not paid for this review/post or compensated in any way (products or otherwise).