| Many moms at home with their children have admitted | | | | quiet a colicky baby. So, while you wait for the season |
| to me that, occasionally, they feel trapped. They love | | | | to change, here are some things you can do to pursue |
| their children, yes. And they know how blessed they | | | | your own dreams as best you can. |
| are to be home with them. But, they can't help but | | | | 1. Take classes. When my kids were small, I registered |
| wonder... | | | | in an evening journalism class at the local university. I |
| What about ME? | | | | didn't have the time or energy to pursue my writing as |
| I do remember feeling that way too. Before I had | | | | a career, but the class helped keep my writing skills |
| children, I had spent years learning to be a teacher and | | | | sharp. |
| a writer. Then when I had my first child, I set my | | | | 2. Volunteer at your kids' school, preschool, or Sunday |
| career ambitions aside so I could be a full-time | | | | School. I was always involved as a volunteer in |
| stay-at-home mom. I planned to return to my career | | | | whatever my kids were doing. I chose to help with |
| when my children were older. | | | | things that were relevant to my goal of becoming a |
| I was incredibly grateful I could do so when many of | | | | professional writer and editor. So, I edited the |
| my other girlfriends had to leave their children in | | | | kindergarten newsletter and wrote Sunday School |
| daycares and dayhomes and go back to work. But | | | | curriculum for the preschool classes. What are your |
| when I was surrounded by runny noses and dirty | | | | kids involved in? Is there anyway you can get involved |
| diapers, I often caught myself thinking, "Is this really all | | | | too, and inch a teeny bit closer to your dream? |
| there is?" "What about my dreams?" and "Will all this | | | | 3. Chase your dream as best you can. Whatever it is |
| baby-talk turn my brain to mush?" | | | | you want to do, do it the best you can right now. Do |
| No, this isn't all there is. The time for you to pursue your | | | | you dream of building a ministry? Start small. Do what |
| own dreams is coming. And, no, baby-talk will not turn | | | | you can. Allow it to grow as your children grow. Want |
| your brain to mush. Well, not permanently, anyway. | | | | to become a business owner? Maybe you can start |
| There are seasons of motherhood. Perhaps the | | | | taking on small projects you can do when the kids are |
| season you're in right now doesn't leave you time to | | | | napping, or after they go to bed. As they grow older, |
| pursue your own ambitions. But instead of letting that | | | | you'll find more time to develop your business. |
| frustrate you and get you down, I hope you can | | | | Mom, if you're feeling trapped, please know that you're |
| recognize that seasons change. In a season or two, or | | | | not the only mommy who has ever felt that way. |
| a few, it will be your turn. So enjoy what you have | | | | Trust me, most of us have been there too! And |
| right now, and look forward to what lies ahead! | | | | please know that whatever your life looks like right |
| But I know that can be easier said than done. | | | | now, it's only for a season. Thank goodness, seasons |
| Especially at three in the morning when you're trying to | | | | change! |