This might be a long one, but it’s worth it.
I know you’re thinking it; or at least some of you are. Blogging is such a stereotypical stay at home mom thing. But my question to you is, why is that a negative thing? I love reading other people’s blogs! People are so interesting and creative.
Let’s back track a little and just jump right into it. I have struggled with depression off and on most of my life. Thankfully, that is not such a taboo topic anymore, so I don’t feel too nervous mentioning that. But anyway, I have found ways to help myself. One of which is keeping busy with things I enjoy, so I don’t go down the rabbit hole of shutting myself out.
In addition, I had two difficult pregnancies almost back to back. They took a toll on my body and mind. After I had Milo, I also had a difficult post-partum period and a newborn with severe jaundice for three months that required a hospital stay, multiple doctor visits, and constant blood work. Yes, I realize we are lucky, and it could have been way worse. But, I am his mother, and it was extremely scary and stressful. Looking back, I’m pretty sure I also had post-partum depression that went undiagnosed. I’ll spare you details. Maybe that can be a post for the future, if I feel like that’s something I want to share.
June through December 2018 was an extremely difficult time for me. I was post-partum, breastfeeding, taking Milo to all his appointments and blood draws, watching my newborn baby get poked and prodded almost daily for weeks, and trying to navigate this new season of parenting a baby and a toddler at once. Let me just say two under two is NOT easy. Every time I finally got the baby settled, the toddler needed me for something. I was extremely sleep deprived, touched out, and a roller coaster of emotions. Not in a funny way, but in a serious, concerning way. I honestly have trouble even remembering much of that time, which is heartbreaking for me because that was Milo’s first six months of life and the beginning of Quinn’s toddlerhood. Thank goodness for pictures and videos.
It was around January 2019 that I knew something needed to change. I felt like I was drowning in motherhood. You may think that is a horrible thing to say, but it is the truth, and I want this to be an honest space. Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be a mom. I didn’t regret being a mother. I loved (and still do) being a mother. My kids are my world. However, I felt like I was losing myself. I was no longer a person. I missed working, but I didn’t want to go back to work. I longed for a purpose outside of being a wife and mother. I longed for adult connections. I longed for something.
Content Creator. YouTuber. Blogger. Are these things the answer? Is this my calling? My destiny? Maybe not. Do some people think it is stupid? Yep. Do I care? Nope. But you know what? It sure as heck helped, and I enjoy it! That should be enough. It is enough.
I’ve been on Instagram and YouTube for a little over a year. I have made friends, found positive role models, learned new skills, shared things that have helped other people, and more. Social Media can be a bad influence sometimes, but it can also be a great one! Believe it or not, having creative outlets and making new connections has helped me be a better mother. You know that saying “You can’t pour from an empty cup?” It is cliché, but it is true. You must take care of yourself in order to take the best care of others. It does NOT make you a selfish mother; it makes you a good one. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. Mental health is important. For me, that looked like finding something to do that I enjoyed, gave me a purpose, and also had the potential to bring in a little extra cash for my family. I guarantee you; my kids would much rather have the me they have today than the me they had end of 2018. It makes me sad to think of that time, but at least I am doing much better now.
Why blogging? I want to add blogging as my next creative outlet and way to connect with others! This is for a few reasons.
I have always enjoyed writing. I may not be the BEST at it, but I think I’m alright, and it makes me happy. I made a goal as a teenager to write a book. I hasn’t happened yet, but I know it will one day. It’s just something I want to do. I don’t need to be a best-selling author or anything. It’s just a goal I have for myself. I have never written anything publicly, so I feel like this is a start.
I also have content that I want to share that will be best in written form. I enjoy making videos for my YouTube Channel, and I will continue to do so, but some things will just be better read.
I hope to create content on this blog that resonates with other women, especially mothers. Sharing things has helped me so much, that I hope it can help other moms too. But you won’t have to be a mother to read my blog. Everyone is welcome!
What can you expect to see? This is a lifestyle blog. Topics will include Motherhood, Cooking and Recipes, Overall Wellness, and Home: Organization, Design, DIY, Small Renovations, etc. It might include some travel in the future too! I look forward to sharing my thoughts, ideas, stories, and more with you!
Is there a specific topic you would like to see? Send me an email. I would love to hear from you.
xo Natalie
2 Rays of Sunshine 