97. Finding Yourself Again in the Middle of Motherhood (Part 3)

Can I ask you something kind of real?When was the last time someone asked how you were doing - not as a mom, not as a partner, not as whoever needs something from you - and you actually had an answer that wasn't "tired" or "good, just busy"?Because I've been sitting with that one lately. And honestly? It took me a minute.This is the finale of our mini-series, and I really wanted to end here - on this idea of what happens when you quietly disappear in the middle of motherhood. Not in a dramatic way. Not a breakdown or a big identity crisis. Just that slow, subtle thing where you look up one day and realize you've been ordering the practical thing for so long you forgot what you actually wanted. Or a friend asks what you do for fun and you automatically list your kids' activities. Or you're alone in Target for 20 whole minutes and you genuinely have no idea what you would even buy for yourself.That's what we're talking about today. I'm calling it functional disappearance - you're still here, lunches are packed, emotional support fully online - but somewhere underneath all of that, there's a version of you that's just been on hold.The good news? She hasn't gone nearly as far as you think.In This Episode:What "functional disappearance" really is — and why it happens so quietlyThe moment in Target that made me realize how much I'd drifted from myselfThe stages of mom "me time" (stage one: announcing you need alone time — rookie mistake)Why you don't need a whole day off to start coming back to yourselfSmall, real moments that help you remember who you are underneath the schedules and the mental loadThe "both/and" of motherhood — you can love this and still miss the person you were beforeA gentle question to carry with you this weekMENTIONS IN THE EPISODE:Interested in a deeper space beyond the podcast? I’m gathering an interest list as I listen and discern what support might come next: https://experiencemotherhood.myflodesk.com/a-place-to-go-deeperMissed the mini-series? Start with Episode 95 (glimmers) and Episode 96 (the mental load)I'd love to hear your thoughts! Send me a message :)Experience Motherhood more!Follow over on Instagram: @experiencemotherhoodSTAY CONNECTED THROUGH EMAILSign up for the Experience Motherhood Newsletter: https://experiencemotherhood.myflodesk.com/kac05b818mGet access to other free guidesWebsite: https://www.experiencemotherhood.com-->Take one minute to subscribe, rate and review the podcast! Your support is incredibly meaningful!Support the ShowA small donation of $5, $10 or more is an amazing way to keep this podcast going and support me! Thank you so much for listening!Until next time. . . Go Experience Motherhood!Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only. In no way is this therapy or clinical advice.