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Guilty | 3 Things I’ve Learned About Motherhood

Rants

14 Jul

Let’s begin with this:

I love my daughter very, very much.

She’s my world. I have quite literally put the last two years of my life on hold, simply to do what I feel like is best for her. She is my No. 1 priority, day in and day out. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for that kid.

With that being said:

I am very guilty of not feeling guilty.

—

When we were about to leave for our 9-day vacation last month, I got the sense I was expected to feel guilty. I heard countless times from a number of people how, “You’re going to have a hard time getting on that plane!” Or, “I could never leave my baby for that long!” Or even, “Now, make sure you enjoy yourself and don’t just sit around worrying about the baby.”

That last one bothered me the most. Do people actually waste away their vacations like that? Do parents really sit in a hotel room and FaceTime, instead of enjoying the moment?

Unlike everyone’s warning, I didn’t have a problem getting on the plane. Did I miss her? Of course. Did I cry when I left her at grammy and poppy’s? A little. Did I feel guilty? Not in the least.

I’ve said it before, but motherhood is hard for me. I struggle with mommy comparisons, and have no idea exactly what it takes to become “super mom.” I’m extremely challenged every single day, and I’m constantly learning on the fly. But, if there is anything I have learned in certainty over the last two years, it’s these three things:

 

me time

I read an article recently about how today’s concept of “me time” for mothers is a load of crap. I have to agree. Getting a hair cut is now considered “me time.” Previous to kids, it would have been “grooming.” Taking a shower is now “me time.” Previously it was “personal hygiene.” Going to the grocery store without a toddler in tow is now “me time.” Previously, it was still my least favorite errand.

Taking a vacation without your kids? THAT is “me time.” Laying in a beach chair for eight hours, doing nothing other than sipping on cocktails and people watching? THAT is my “me time.” Going out to dinner, having adult conversation, or sleeping in until 8 a.m.? THAT is my “me time.”

I stress easily. Taking real time for myself (whether or not it includes a beach vacation) is vital to my happiness as a person. It’s important to relax and remember who you are every once in awhile

Happy mommies are better mommies, plain and simple.

 

date night
I mentioned that I have been unintentionally neglecting my marriage. That’s entirely true. I have put 98 percent of myself in the mommy category, and not nearly enough in the wife category.

When I’m busy being a mommy, I’m not paying attention to my husband. I’m not being affectionate, or flirting, or even listening to him half of the time. Not only is this detrimental to our relationship, but what kind of message does this send our daughter? She may only be one, but she knows that her mommy and daddy love each other. She loves to see us kiss, and holds her ears when she knows we’re arguing.

Taking time to focus on our marriage, without our child, is so important. I want Dorothy to grow up seeing parents who obviously love each other (and even border on embarrassing when she’s older). I want our relationship to help her define love, and help her find her own healthy and happy relationship some day. If my husband and I don’t take time to be man and wife, we are doing a disservice to our family.

Date night is important to good parenting. Vacation is important to good parenting. Real conversation is important to good parenting. Don’t ever feel guilty for making someone other than your kid a priority on a regular basis. The love will spill over, I promise.

 

refresh
Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t do this enough. Like I said earlier, I’m constantly learning on the fly when it comes to motherhood. Not everything I do is efficient, and not everything is effective. Taking time to reflect and refresh means looking down from a 10,000 foot view:

Why am I fighting her every day on this?

Is there a better way to get her to do this?

What steps do I need to make now so that she’s ready for this?

Where am I mentally as a mother, and what changes do I need to make for the betterment of our family?

When a toddler is whining and pulling on my arm constantly, I don’t have the time to think about these things. I don’t have the focus to see the big picture. Maybe whatever I’m making a big deal, is not really important. Making this time with my own thoughts a priority, and separating myself from the situation, is helping to improve my everyday routine with my daughter – slowly but surely. I did a lot of this while on vacation, but I also do this in the evenings before I fall asleep.

Take this time with your thoughts. Refresh your view. Your kids will thank you.

—

I’m not an expert, but those things I know for sure. Are you also guilty of not feeling guilty? What priorities do you make to improve your parenting? Is anyone else planning their next vacation, already? 😉

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Comments

  1. Val says

    July 14, 2015 at 4:02 pm

    You are so right about it all. And dont feel guilty for still being and maintaining YOU! I recently have been hiring a neighbor girl once a week or so to come over for a couple of hours so I can do something by myself. I dont feel guilty one bit. One day I met my husband for lunch and another just wandered Hamilton Towne Center. It felt SO good. My mind needed to just shut off.
    My last thing I wanted to make you giggle with was imagine this convo- me: I need to get my brows done. Can you handle kids for 15 min?
    Tom: yeah go ahead
    20 min later Im back…
    Tom: Did you have some good “you” time?
    Me: ARE YOU F***ING KIDDING ME? It hurts like hell and I was gone like 35 seconds. NO! …

    Its called grooming like you mentioned above. Lol He pretty much felt like a jackass when he realized he had been considering that a relaxing outting for me.

    Reply
    • Samantha Cotten says

      July 17, 2015 at 2:22 pm

      Your babysitter idea? Amazing. I just enrolled Dorothy in a Parent’s Day Out program for twice a week this fall. Two whole mornings to myself each week! The possibilities are endless! 🙂

      Also, I loathe getting my eyebrows done. So incredibly painful, and definitely not “me” time!

      Reply

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This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 lbs. vs. 129 lbs. This is broken and lost vs. strong and healing. 

I was so proud of myself in that first photo, and I’m still proud of that Samantha. Steps to a better you will slowly become strides. Thanks to her, now I’m taking flight. ❤️ #selflove #selfcare #peloton #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #pelotonweightloss #pelotonmom #momofgirls #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #loveyourself #cottentales
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NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark Call it cli NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark

Call it cliche, but I have a word to live by this year. If I'm being honest, it actually means a lot to me. I even have some semblance of "resolutions," which are really just mantras I plan to manifest into reality... and so far I think it's working.

What's your word for 2021? What are your goals, mantras, or resolutions for this year? Let me know in the comments. 🌸 Link in bio.

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L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday R: 01/08/2021, L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday
R: 01/08/2021, or today. 

My husband took that first photo. He was being nice, and trying to celebrate my birthday. I never told him I hated it. I looked heavy, because I was. My skin was terrible - red, broken out, etc. I was anxious, and stressed (ha! The days before 2020!), and it very obviously showed.

Today I’m in the best shape since high school, which blows my mind. I am actively working every day on my skincare, my mental health, and my reactions. Do I mess up? All the time. This week even, I made major mistakes that affect more than just myself. It’s a constant work, but it’s worth doing. 

I see growth. I see a woman who is starting to feel uncomfortable, and that’s a good thing. Whatever goals you have, or path you’re attempting to journey this year, keep going. Don’t let setbacks end your fight. You can do this. 💪🏻

(Also, both daughters saw me make this image this morning. Both thought I was pregnant in the photo on the left. I definitely was not.😳)

#selflove #selfcare #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #peloton #pelotonmoms #cottentales #blogger #lifestyleblogger #travelblogger #momsofinstagram #momofgirls #bloom #keepgoing #pelotonweightloss #loveyourself
Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Las Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Last year, we danced our way to 2020 on the island. Christmas just doesn’t feel the same this year without the ocean. 🌊

#whitesandchristmas #eleuthera #eleutherabahamas #bahamas #christmas #ocean #momofgirls #mommyblog #lifestyleblog #travelblogger #cottentales
Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 #eleuthera #bahamas # Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 

#eleuthera #bahamas #travelblogger #lifestyleblogger #momblogger #cottentales #travel #nye2019
This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 lbs. vs. 129 lbs. This is broken and lost vs. strong and healing. 

I was so proud of myself in that first photo, and I’m still proud of that Samantha. Steps to a better you will slowly become strides. Thanks to her, now I’m taking flight. ❤️ #selflove #selfcare #peloton #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #pelotonweightloss #pelotonmom #momofgirls #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #loveyourself #cottentales
NEW POST: Rebranding Samantha I’m focusing a lo NEW POST: Rebranding Samantha

I’m focusing a lot of effort on self love and self discovery right now. But, just how am I perceived by the people around me? Audience determines your brand - what qualities are you projecting, and do they match how you want to be seen? Link in bio. 

#cottentales #personalbranding #rebranding #blogger #lifestyleblogger #mommyblogger #momofgirls #selflove #selfdiscovery #momblogger #travelblogger
I’ll love you forever. I’ll like you for alway I’ll love you forever.
I’ll like you for always.
As long as I’m living,
My baby you’ll be. ❤️

My baby turns 7 today, which feels unbelievable in many ways. Dorothy Laura, you make me so proud to be your mommy. 

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If I have a life half as full as my grandfather’ If I have a life half as full as my grandfather’s, it will be enough. 

We lost 94 years of memories today, and even though we knew this day was coming it doesn’t make it easier. I’m just so glad my girls could know and love their Papaw Great. 

RIP, Upe. 💛
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