I Am an Individual

Hi!  My name is Stephanie.  I'm 41 years old and I have four kids.  I love photography, the color pink, high heels, wearing dresses, laughing obnoxiously, smiling, dancing, reading books, cooking, watching Pride & Prejudice, going to lunch with friends, running, drinking delicious coffee, talking, meeting new people, going to the beach, dyeing my hair whatever color I desire on any given day, and listening to music of all kinds. 

These are are things *I* enjoy.  Me.  Stephanie.  The person.

Yes, I have a family and I really love my kids.  Really a lot.  But I am not my kids, and I am most definitely not my kids activities.  I am an individual who has likes, dislikes, hopes, dreams, and desires all my own.  I have things that bring happiness to my soul.  I have things that help me maintain my individuality, which is incredibly important to me.

Far too often I see people drowning in monotony.  They do all the things they feel society thinks they should be doing for the age they are at instead of doing things that bring them actual joy and make them feel alive.  Like apparently, for the age I am, I should enjoy knitting, baking cupcakes and attending PTA meetings.  You know what?  I don't enjoy those things.  If you do, that is super fantastic!!!  Because hey, you are an individual too.  Do what you like.  Do what brings YOU pleasure. 

Do I do average, everyday things?  Absolutely!  I do laundry and make beds and check homework.  I listen to my kids read and remind them 20 times to brush their teeth.  I take out the garbage and load the dishwasher.  I take my kids to the park and wash the car and shop for groceries.  I tuck my kids in bed at night.

Do I blog or Facebook about these things?  Usually not.  Because let's face it, most people I know do that stuff.  If you are part of my inner circle peeps you KNOW I do all of those things.  If you are on the outside looking in, you really don't know me and you don't know all the time I spend with my babes doing perfectly normal things.  My kids make me happy, but they are not the ONLY things that bring me joy.

I think one of the most fatal mistakes we can make is forgetting we are unique individuals.  Doing things that make me happy also make me a better parent and a better person.  It's all about balance, and when I have done personally satisfying things I am better equipped to handle the tough yet rewarding job of being a parent. 

I've heard it said that adventure may hurt you, but monotony will kill you.  Today I hope you will have an adventure.  Maybe be a little (or a lot) silly.  Do something by yourself or with an adult friend that brings YOU joy.  Come on...you know you want to.