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IN 2022, BE YOU
By: Kelly Brown | December 21, 2021
I remember the first few months of motherhood, the intensity of the emotions. It was like the volume was turned up and every feeling and experience was amplified. Putting sheets on the crib mattress for the first time, shopping for the perfect stroller, getting through the first cold, getting to know my baby and wondering if I was messing everything up, it all felt big and new. Along with that, I was getting to know myself in a new way, transitioning into a new identity as a mom, and adjusting to living in a body that felt like it belonged to someone else.
I remember the New Year coming around when my first baby was about six months old and thinking, now is the time for the resolutions. Bring ‘em on. And historically for me, resolutions involved vows to change habits usually with the intention of changing my body in some way. I thought, if my body would go back to how it was before kids, then I’d be “succeeding,” then I’d feel like myself again.
But the truth is, the harder I tried to change my body in order to feel like myself, the less I felt like myself. Instead, I became preoccupied and grumpy and whatever I’d hoped to achieve superficially didn’t manifest into any changes on the inside. It turns out, in order to feel like yourself (the amazing human that you already are) you have to focus on all of the wonderful things that you already are, instead of the things you used to be or the things you’d like to be.
Wherever you are in your parenting journey and however it is that you became a parent, I want you to know, you're already amazing, and the more you focus on your amazing-ness, the more those qualities will grow. You’re already doing so many incredible things for your family, the world, and your friends. You have gifts, dreams, and talents and you don’t need to change a thing about yourself in order to share those things with the world.
Maybe you’re doubting it, I get it. You’ve seen lots of messages insisting that you’re not good enough but I’ll prove it to you. Go ahead, step away from your device and make a list of all the things to be celebrated this year, I’ll wait...
Did you do it?
See, you really are amazing. And during a pandemic, no less!
As 2022 rolls in and the messages invade your social media feed about the ways you should change - your body, your home, your parenting - consider saying, “No, thanks,” and focusing on your gifts, your dreams, and your strengths instead.
If I could go back to 2013 and tell myself anything after having my first baby, I’d say:
You don’t have to reinvent anything about yourself.
Let go of the guilt, the shoulds, the what-ifs.
Lower the bar on perfection.
Raise the bar on believing in yourself.
Align with your values and walk on.
Shine brightly.
Say yes to the people who give you energy.
Hug your baby.
You’re already amazing.
Happy 2022, dear friends. Now that you don’t have to worry about reinventing yourself, I can’t wait to see the amazing things you’ll bring to this world.
Kelly Brown is a mother of three, Health Coach, and founder of Real Food House. Kelly leads a transformational wellness program called 10x REAL where she guides people in prioritizing their own health and wellness in the midst of parenthood. You can reach Kelly by email - kelly@realfoodhouse.com follow her @realfoodhouse or learn more at www.realfoodhouse.com
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Holiday Gift Guide: Financial Gifts with a Lasting Impact Read >>
Mindfulness in the Making: Dancing Into December Read >>
Permission to Reflect Read >>
The Divide Read >>
Tips for Traveling with Young Children Read >>