How do I become 'me' again?

[chody47]

I was talking to a friend the other day and realised I don't feel like 'me' anymore. I feel like a person of the past. I'm Mum. Pretty much everything I do is based around my family. I'm starting to struggle with this a bit emotionally. I want me back.

Don't get me wrong; I love being Mum, but now that I've managed to put my finger on how I'm feeling, I also want to feel like me again. Any tips for doing this? Does anyone else feel like this? I'm wondering if a hobby that's just for me will help?

[Rosey]

Yes I also feel like this occasionally. Although I do enjoy being just Mum, a little effervescence is missing. I've recently started sewing and am trying to get back into my photography. It does help. I find it hard to fit the hobby in, if I want a clean house and sleep, nights are only so long. The thing that has mostly made me feel like me is going on a date day with my DH. Taking a leisurely lunch and movie, going go karting.

What did you do for down time before children?

[No.5]

I felt like that until I started going to the mummy and me movie sessions every week. It's only a little thing, but I go with a girl I met randomly at the child health clinic one day and its just one day a week where yes, DD is there too but it's more like I'm catching up with a friend doing something fun

[LuluHB]

I started back at work part time last week for the first time in over six years. Oh my goodness its heavenly. Two whole days of adult conversation, mental stimulation, nobody asking me to make them a sandwich and nobody telling me they need to do a poo! I think you need something for yourself, just for you. It doesn't matter what it is - work, hobby, sport, whatever. It just matters that its solely for your enjoyment/stimulation

[chody47]

Hmmm so it seems I was on the right track....but what should I do??? Hmmmmm....,

Before kids I played sport, but that takes up my Saturdays so that's out. I liked doing crafts but I find them frustrating now (on the very few occasions I get to sit down with them) as I do it so rarely I can never finish anything. I liked the gym....

I think I need something new. Out of the house. Perhaps at a set time so I have to go. What is the question.....

[~Gee_Whizzy~]

what about some volunteer work? you're able to be out of the house whilst also doing something for the community?

I've been out of the workforce since i had DD1 (4yrs) and DD2 turned 2 in Feb this year. I know the huge gap in my CV would be off putting to potential employers so I've decided to do some volunteer work with our local community centre to bulk it up a bit so when i apply for roles, at least it's shows I've done something to keep my skills set up-to-date