Feeling Lonely in Motherhood sadly affects mothers across the world. I have dealt with this feeling in multiple seasons of motherhood and naturally tend to isolate myself. Life wasn’t meant to be lived alone, community is important and making sure your cup is filled is vital. As Mother’s we are constantly pouring into everyone but who pours into us?
If you want to go far, go together?
Many years ago I traveled to South Africa. While coming down the escalator in the Johannesburg Airport, I read a quote on the wall. It read, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” I was single and childless when I read that quote many years ago, but this week I was reminded of it’s importance. See the thing is, I have some personal goals for myself that I have been trying to achieve and complete on my own. I’ve consistently battled with myself internally about wanting my stresses to be private, and my achievements to be public. Essentially I wanted everything to look perfect like many instagram pages.
The reality is I had become so used to doing hard things alone. From staying at home with my kids, keeping the home in order and being a wife. I felt comfortable doing life alone, at least during the day, Monday through Friday. It wasn’t until recently when on a phone call with my Aunt, that she nudged me to seek community, invest in myself and that it’s okay to ask for help. She said ” You do so much of life alone, maybe this requires outside help”. Those words linger still and remind me of that quote I read many years ago on the Airport wall. So I made some decisions and decided to no longer go fast but to go far in life, in community and with others.
You are worth knowing
I can only speak for myself, but I know how easy it is to withdraw from the world when you are swimming in your thoughts. Just last year I found myself avoiding social gatherings because of my appearance, the way I felt about myself caused me to think, I wasn’t worth being around. This year I finally got the courage to attend more social events, I even joined a bible study with a group of amazing women. This group is probably the reason I’m able to write this publicly. The relationships and connections I made with women similar and different from me, made me realize, ” I am worth knowing”. I say this to let YOU know, you are worth knowing, you are worth the investment. Don’t let Feeling Lonely in Motherhood, be the norm for you anymore. Go further in life, by going together.
Take a Risk
Building Friendships, creating relationships from the ground up is a risk. There is a risk of rejection, judgement, or disappointment in building friendship. Yet, there is so much more reward on the other side of those “potential” risks. I listened to this amazing podcast episode about friendship that shed light on the beauty of making a bridge of connection to build friendship or take it to the next level. High risk in turn for a potentially high reward. Don’t let your fear of rejection, judgement or disappointment keep you from bridging the gap of an acquaintance to a friendship. Don’t rush the process but take the risk, high quality friendships aren’t built in a day. If you are ready to take the risk, consider joining a local volunteer opportunity or a bible study. Common interests are one of the best places to start for building community.
Ask for Help
No matter what it is you are struggling with or trying to overcome, find a person or community of people to uplift you. As a woman especially a mother, we should know the importance of straightening crowns. Sometimes we need our crowns straightened by others, when the world around us is falling apart and we are struggling with everything under the sun. From anxiety, depression, self-image, loneliness and much more. Ask someone who has overcome, mastered or even helps others with your need, to help you in this season. If you are currently on the other side of such things, considering pouring into someone who needs you!
I pray this post helps you to overcome Feeling Lonely in Motherhood and Inspires you to walk confidently in rooms, take risks and ask for help when you need it.
Sending Virtual Hugs,
xx Classically Faith xx
