Wanting Something More

writing 1I am a lot of things…mom, daughter, sister, wife, friend, writer, neighbor, runner, reader, coffee drinker, meal planner, potty trainer, school volunteer, etc. All of these labels make me who I am in this world. My current stage in life dictates that motherhood pretty much overwhelms everything else. And I am okay with that, because the experience of raising little humans to become grown-ups is pretty rewarding. However, the stay-at-home mom label is hard for me. My kids are the best part of my identity, and I do not take all of the joy they bring me for granted. But, as much as I adore being a mom, I also want to be more.

It is difficult to be a parent who watches her kids full-time, but wants the recognition of also working on outside interests a few hours a day. Prior to making the commitment to be a freelance writer, I was blessed for many years to work for an insurance company that allowed me to maintain sporadic hours and work from an office inside my basement. It was a great gig, that kept my children in my care and me on a strict daily schedule. I worked with wonderful people and I was definitely in “like” with my job during our 11-year run together. However, through a long string of events I came to the conclusion that I needed more for myself and it was time to break up with my employer. It really wasn’t them, it was me.

writingThere was no clear moment that happened to make me quit my part-time job and focus on writing. I had been tossing the idea around in my head for awhile, but it took the better part of a year for me to acknowledge a change was necessary. When my sister-in-law was killed by a drunk driver, I received a kick in the gut, which propelled me to re-examine my life choices. I want to be there constantly for my kids, but I also want to use my journalism degree and carve out something for myself. (You know like a career?) It does not have to be a flashy career, but I hope it can be something that I am proud to show my kids a few decades down the road. Then I will have made it.

I was always telling myself that once all of the kids were in school, I would have more time. But honestly, the time is now for everything. It would have been much easier to start writing once my children were all in school eight hours a day, because scheduling interviews and finding inspiration requires blocks and blocks of time. Unfortunately, I know too well that tomorrow is not a guarantee, and waiting can just lead to regret and inaction.

Regret is so much scarier than failing! This video link was sent to me shortly after Tessa and I launched “Family Footnote”. If anywriting 3 person has a goal, but has yet to seize it, they should take the time to view this video and shed a few tears in the process. It does not matter if the goal is big or small. It could be a career change, leaving an unhappy situation, making a cross-country move, training for marathons, or volunteering. This clip reinforced for me that I am not alone in wanting more for myself. Focusing on a goal does not make me a bad mom or a bad wife, or anything bad at all. It makes me human and it could lead to something great, which is what everyone should want on this planet.

Change is hard and I had a good steady thing going before labeling myself a writer for all the world to see. By following a dream, I now make less money, face more criticism, and hear rejection a lot; while also still being spread a bit thin with my stay-at-home mom duties. However, I have never been happier. I was content before in a job I liked, but I am now overjoyed in a role I love. The learning curve of change can be discouraging, but I know I have found my calling because there is zero dread. There are definitely nerves, but it feels good to be in my mid-thirties and getting butterflies again.

writing 2I realize that I am fortunate to be in a position to follow my dream. Outside support from friends and family can be a strong motivator. Any guilt I have about giving up a steady paycheck comes from myself only, because I think everyone else around me can tell that I am doing the right thing. Encouragement from others is the absolute best, and reinforces that being surrounded by people you love makes the world so much sweeter.

Days go by too quickly as it is in life. It is inspiring to know that I am doing something I love, and also showing my family that it is okay to try, fail, succeed, and try again. While my kids are all too young to really ever read my stuff, my oldest daughter does frequently ask if any of my writings have ever gone viral. I told her that will be another goal to add to the list.

It may be hard at times to balance (and battle) demands that go along with wanting more in life, but hopefully embracing this ambition makes me come full circle and be a better mom, daughter, sister, wife, friend, writer, neighbor, runner, reader, coffee drinker, meal planner, potty trainer, school volunteer, etc.

  • Encouragement and motivation can be really beneficial, so share this post, send an email to kelly@familyfootnote.com, or leave a comment on our site to let us know what you think about wanting something more.

4 thoughts on “Wanting Something More

  • July 28, 2016 at 1:29 am
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    Another great article. Keep on keeping on.

    Reply
  • July 28, 2016 at 3:33 am
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    Perfectly said. Keep enjoying your journey friend! You are an inspiration.

    Reply
  • July 28, 2016 at 12:31 pm
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    Nicely done, like I use to wait for the Rick Reilly’s weekly article in Sports Illustrated I look forward to your weekly insights. Keep the good stuff coming.

    Reply

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