So I spent a few hours indoors with Husband's workmate's wife and we were chatting away. It just struck me how much of a difference one's attitude can make.
In my previous career as a career/workplace trainer, I worked with dozens and dozens of older women. Most of them lacked confidence, walked with a slouch and just did not think much of themselves or their lives/future. The sad truth is, I pretty much heard this every 2nd day: "I'm 40 now and I have been a stayhome mom for the last 20 years. I have not worked, I have no skills at all, I don't know anything."
And what you think, you are.
And it shows.
In your attitude, in your behaviour, in your mannerisms, in your speech - in your very being.
I ran an 'empowerment course' that involved helping and speaking to these people and I thoroughly enjoyed my job. At that point, I haven't really experienced being a stayhome mom. In the last 2 years, I have and I have to say... it is so difficult. It can make you feel so disconnected from everything and everyone. (And often make you want to strangle ignorant individuals, sometimes silly husbands, who carelessly say "Oh so all you do is just stay home and look after kids?)
Well, my dear friend inspired me so much when I spent time with her over the weekend.
She has 4 kids, is pregnant with her 5th and has been a stayhome mom for the last few years. And no joke, she said this (well, the gist of it): "I want to be the best mom that I can to my kids and when they're older and this stage of being a stayhome mom is over, that's when I can focus on my career and ambitions. I will come out with such a wealth of experience and wisdom from motherhood that will aid me in my future career and path."
I almost stood up and applauded. Of course she put it with much more gusto than I have rephrased here from a diluted memory.
I did tell her that it is so rare to actually hear such passion, confidence, foresight and motivation in a woman who has been a stayhome mom for a good few years.
And it isn't all empty dreamy airy fairy talk. My friend here actually tries to be active in the community while being a fulltime mom to 4 (plus 1 upcoming) kids.
It is a choice. It is an attitude.
I have seen so many women who have had their life/motivation sucked right out of them. And I don't blame them. Things can get really tough. Especially in a sometimes rather thankless job like motherhood. And not to mention, how society in general seem to think being a stayhome mom means sleeping in and watching tv all day long.
There are always barriers and obstacles in life. Some can be scaled over, some can be embraced, some end up helping us find other (sometimes, better) routes. But we don't necessarily have to allow them to hinder. There are more ways than one. Your attitude and belief in yourself is so fundamental to the way you live.
Source
Disclaimer: I am typing this at 6am in the morning fueled by a sudden surge of inspiration. If I check this though, I might not click publish as I have the tendency to edit over and over so here we go (pardon the not-so-structured structure but you get the gist hey!)
Bravely clicking publishing with Essentially Jess for IBOT on a freezing Tuesday.... -2 degrees, bring it on!!
