It’s week 3 of our Smarty Mom Survival Series and this week Shellie shares with us an essential survival tip for all moms, not only in summer, but year-round … making time for yourself and our oh-so-precious girlfriends.
Smarty Stats:
SAHM, working part-time at her church
Husband- Jason (almost 4 years)
Children- Lillie (16 months)
Grew up in Raleigh, has lived in Charlotte for 10 years
Original Smarty Mom Posting, August 2, 2008
My favorite summer activity (that is just for me) is spending time with my girlfriends. This morning I woke up and my cheeks and stomach hurt from laughing so hard last night…
When I was still working full time at “the bank”, I saw my girlfriends all the time. We would have a trip to the coffee shop almost every morning, lunches together, afternoon snack breaks, etc. If we were at our desks on conference calls, our instant messaging screen was up- we were in constant communication!
Last July I quit my full time job and became a SAHM working part time for my church. There was no transition. On a Friday I walked out of my big office building, away from my friends, and walked into my “new life”. I was excited to start this new chapter in my life, but by week two I was extremely lonely. I missed my friends terribly. I remember crying to my husband because I felt like all of a sudden I didn’t have any friends or a social life. My friends called and emailed to check in, but talking once a week is not the same as 5 or 6 times a day!
Eventually my baby girl, Lillie, and I started doing things such as going to the library for story time and getting involved with the mom’s group at church. And before I knew it, I began to make new friends! And they live near me. And they could relate! Seeing my new girlfriends became the highlight of my week. They have introduced me to activities such as play dates at the park, lunch with our kids at Chic Fil A (did you know you could trade in the kids meal prize for ice cream??), and other simple and fun things to do right where we live. We meet once a week for a Bible Study and I love learning and sharing with these ladies. We also get together once a month for MNO (Mom’s Night Out) where the rule is you can’t go home until AFTER daddy has put the little ones to bed!
When I come home after having some time with my girlfriends, I feel rejuvenated, excited and refreshed. I really love talking to my husband… but I need girl time too. I think ALL moms do! I think it makes us better moms. We have to remember to take time for ourselves every once in a while.
So, now I have the best of both worlds. I still meet my friends who work downtown for lunch every once in a while, and I also have regularly scheduled visits with the girls that live in my area. And Lillie also gets to reap the benefits- she gets play time at the park and social time with other kids.
I would love to hear things that all of you moms- working and SAHM- do with your girlfriends in the summer! Please share some ideas, we might use them for our next MNO!
3 comments
Bible study groups are great. The scripture tells us not to forsake fellowship with other Believers that make up the Body or church…which has so many individuals who are so unique and gifted that we can all benefit from each other, learn from each other, hold each other accountable, and share commanalities. Thanks for sharing! J.
A story or stories about different faith based womens groups would be useful. In fact more topics on how we moms can foster the importance of religion in our homes would be great. My husband is not supportive of my efforts and it is one of my greatest mommy struggles.Help!
I am sorry you are struggling with this. I hope you can at least find a group and/ or church where you and your children can learn and grow. Often I think people can be influenced when you lead by being a good example, without being pushy and "preachy".