Monday, August 17, 2015

A New Normal

Today is the day that all of my friends officially went back to work. Normally I'd be right there with them, but for the first time since 2002 I'm not. I thought I was fine with it, and I probably am, but right now I'm having a hard time being so disconnected. I am a teacher. No, I'm not. But if I'm not a teacher then what am I? I'm a wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend. Shouldn't those titles be enough? When people ask what I do I still say, "well, I used to be a teacher, but this year...." Why can't I just say I'm a stay-at-home mom? This is probably one of the hardest jobs around, but I've somehow gotten it in my head that being a stay-at-home mom makes me less important or interesting than I was when I was working. I have always had the utmost respect for parents who stay at home. I'd even go so far as to say that I was jealous that they were able to stay home and I wasn't, so why should it be any different for me? I think I'm just having a bit of an identity crisis. This is my new normal and I need some time to adjust (this is truly the first day my life has been any different from my teacher friends, so I guess it makes sense that today is the day that I'm struggling the most).

I am thrilled to have the chance to explore other interests while spending more time with Sophia and Carter. The thought of volunteering, not only in their classrooms but in the library with my sister, and in my friends' classrooms sounds wonderful! Having time to plan and cook real meals again, spending time with Michael when he's not traveling, exercising, decorating, trying out my new Cricut....all of that sounds great! I am ready for a new chapter in my life. I am a stay-at-home mom and I'm awesome! :)

XOXO,
Heidi