Relax, don’t do it

9th February 2008

posted in Mom Rants |

I’m nearing the one-month mark of my SAHM-status and I’m feeling the tug between my next move and nothing at all. Everyone keeps asking me: how do you like staying at home?

I love it.

But I just can’t enjoy it.

I feel like I need to be doing something. That being at home raising a toddler isn’t enough. That ensuring things get done around the house isn’t enough. That being “just a mom” isn’t enough.

Thing is, I don’t want to rush into my next thing. Do I want to be a writer? Not sure. Volunteer? Maybe.

Another issue is I’m not feeling all that interested or motivated to do anything lately. How can I commit to an activity when I can’t even find the time to read all my favorite blogs on a regular basis? How can I say yes to someone else’s request when I’m content to spend the time during my son’s nap watching old The O.C. episodes? (It might get easier after continuously coming to the realization that no matter how many episodes I watch, I will never have Rachel Bilson’s body.)

I still don’t miss the rat race, but at times I miss having something else to do. Or talk about with my husband. The only hot topic I can muster up these days is the size of my son’s bowel movement or what he ate for dinner.

But I don’t know what I want to do. My husband says to just relax. My Type-A personality is thrashing in revolt. I guess I’ll just keep watching television and see if I can glean any answers. Sandy Cohen seems to always give good advice.

Think Sandy’s got room in his house for one more?

————————————————————————————————————-
p.s. After I wrote this post, I found this one at Babble. Ah, what safety in numbers. At least we can all be confused together.

Follow the RSS Feed, leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

1 On February 9th, 2008, Nancy said:

I’m betting this is an adjustment period for you. I have a feeling that if I suddenly had a chance to stay home, even though I think in theory I’d be running around trying to get everything done, I’d actually have to spend a few days vegging out just to recover and get used to the new reality.

Let yourself have this adjustment down-time, if it’s not too hard to feel guilty about it.

2 On February 9th, 2008, Emily said:

I can completely relate. I do often feel like there is something bigger than me that I should be involved with–Habitat for Humanity, Cares for Kids International volunteer program in our area, feeding the homeless, teaching music lessons, etc. I am not exactly sure what it is, but it is always there. Unfortunately, until my husband’s time is freed up, I am kind of “stuck” at home. I don’t mind (most of the time), but a few hours off here and there would be nice. In reality, an acknowledgement of “thank you” for always being at home raising our daughter would be enough for me, but I’m not holding me breath. My husband is the king of appreciating something without EVER telling someone he appreciates it. Sigh.

3 On February 10th, 2008, Amy@UWM said:

You’re totally in an adjustment phase. You also need to acknowledge that you are doing important and meaningful work by being with your son (even if it involves OC watching. Heck, we all need a break sometimes). Give yourself a little more time and then try some things (writing, volunteering, etc.). It’ll take you some time to figure out what you like to do and what you can manage alongside your other important job. You’re still young…you’ve got plenty of time to change the world.

4 On February 11th, 2008, Robyn said:

I vote for giving yourself a little more time to figure it out.

One month off is really nothing, so let yourself unwind before thrusting yourself out there again.

And if you are really itching to do something, I can outsource some of my job over to you. Just say the words, and a whole slew of work emails can come your way.

5 On February 11th, 2008, Sasha said:

After nearly 18 months of being a SAHM, I still feel like there is something more that I should be doing. I think it is just something that the modern world has convinced us that we should be worried about. I hear you on wishing to have something to talk about though. Number of dirty nappies and the latest tongue-poking antics just don’t seem like worthy dinner-table conversation.