What does this mom do for fun?

Mental health professionals always harp on how important it is for parents to make time for themselves. They should use this time to not only recover from parenting but to follow a passion of their own. I know I spend a lot of my time making sure my kids are able to do what they are passionate about. We spend lots of money, time and tears on these dreams of theirs. I constantly get in trouble with my therapist for not doing things that are just for me. Whether I do them alone or with my family, I should make time to do something that is truly for me.

Before being a parent, I could easily rattle off some hobbies that I enjoy doing and want to do. Now, I struggle to even consider doing something else on top of everything else. It is a really difficult prospect to come up with another item to add to the unending to do list.

Before children, I enjoyed sewing. I was mostly into designing quilt squares. Traveling was also a big interest of mine. I want to go to all corners of the world someday. Baking was a passion! I made cookies and cupcakes all the time and was starting to branch out to bigger, more complicated treats. Now all of these things cause so much dread since they require even more planning, time and money that we just do not have.

Since having children, I have become much more interested in photography. I am still easily overwhelmed by DSLR set ups, but my photography skills have greatly improved. Composition and timing are big areas of growth for me. I take thousands of pictures of my kids. I scrutinize, edit and enjoy making photo projects. This is probably the most creative hobby that I actually participate in because I want to. Not because anyone is making me do it or guilting me into doing it. I genuinely like seeing the results of my work. I also sometimes go on day trips during school to take pictures at gardens or parks. Flowers are my favorite subject to photograph, especially if bees are visiting.

It is important to recognize that even if you can no longer enjoy past passions, you will find new ones. I am starting to think about life after kids and what it is going to look like for me. There are a few ideas floating around. Some that require some planning and money. During the real hard days of parenting, it helps me to think of the positive things that are waiting for me after their childhood ends. Someday things will be easier.