As a mother who stays at home with her child AND homeschools, I have learned it is very important to have diversions and interests outside of your child and homemaking. I found that I was getting into a rut, a funk. I had finished my degree while being a stay at home mother (SAHM), which had truly been a passion of mine. But after that, I was lacking for something more.
Don't get me wrong, I love being at home with my daughter. Being a SAHM has been the best "job" I have had in my life, as well as the most rewarding. Yet, I was so involved in my child, I was losing myself. My identity was becoming obscured.
After the loss of a family member a year ago, I found a new interest. As the family gathered together, almost all of the ladies pulled out crafts to work on as they waited. I had not grown up in a "crafty" household. While my mother knew how to sew and do other craft activities, it simply was not imparted to me. I felt awkward around these women of skill. I realized that I wanted to give it a try.
Some of the ladies crocheted and some knit. My mother-in-law did both, but focused upon knitting. I decided to ask for help. She helped me learn to cast on, do the knit stitch, and to pearl. She showed me the basics and then I worked on it at home, with the help of a free website. That opened the door to a new joy and interest in my life!
I have made scarves, dishcloths, hats, and even a dress for my daughter in less than 9 months! I am working on learning new skills and making new things. My knitting is providing an inexpensive, yet beautiful way to provide gifts for others!
Knitting is just one hobby I have. Crafts are just one hobby that women may enjoy as a diversion. But knitting has taught me so many new things about myself. An old dog can learn new tricks! I have more patience and determination than I knew. I am a pretty creative person and I had forgotten that.
I also involve myself in blogging (as you see), reading, writing, Bible study, and more. But the moral of the story is that I had to remind myself that I am an interesting person outside of being a SAHM. Woman are amazing, multi-talented, and incredibly strong. We must remember to take breaks and find the joy that exists even beyond our beautiful children or we may just forget who we really are!
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