Being a mom is a very challenging position. It is the most rewarding job you will ever experience, but not without a price. Often times you hear moms say that they never have a moment to themselves. I’ve been there. I’ve been that person. I understand what other women mean when they say that. Luckily for me, somewhere between having my first and my second daughter, I came to the realization that in order for me to be the best mom possible, I had to make sure that I was happy as an individual first. If I was a happy with myself, than it would allow me to be a better mother and wife.

For me, the key to being happy with myself was being able to find balance. Being able to balance my individuality along with my role as a mother and wife was challenging at first. I have made my fair share of mistakes along the way but I think that those are the things that helped me reach my current state of balance and happiness.

Balance means being able to do the things I love as an individual person (training for competition, spending time with girlfriends, etc.) without letting those things get in the way of my job as a mother and wife. Currently, my two roles are colliding in an amazing way and the balance in my life feels just right. Sure, there are ups and downs and road blocks along the journey, but those are the things that help you figure out the right path versus the wrong path to take.

So, take inventory. What makes you tic? What is the one thing that makes you happy? The one thing you is “yours?” My advice to you is to figure out what that is, nurture it, appreciate it and remember that YOU are important. Don’t forget to make yourself a priority. As important as it is to get food on the table and the kids ready for school in the morning, it’s equally important to make sure that YOU are happy and taken care of too. Because if you aren’t happy, it will be very hard for you to help those around you.

~ Danitza