Starting today I am intent on spending as long as it takes re-evaluating the many ways I define myself. It’s not as easy as it sounds. I am mother, partner, teacher, friend, and neighbor. Then of course I am my strengths and weaknesses, my hopes, fears, triumphs and disappointments. I’m sure there are more. I want to weed out all of the labels that don’t work anymore.
As a single parent of four children I have spent most of my adult life defining myself as a provider. I did whatever I needed to do to support my family in any and all ways. The last of my four is finishing high school and the rest are making their own way. I know from experience that they don’t stop needing when they turn 18 but it certainly changes.
Who am I without all of those definitions? Who might I be if I could be empty of all preconceived ideas and recreate myself? What will I keep and what will I find doesn’t serve me anymore?
I’d love to know if anyone has travelled a similar path. I’ll let you know what I find.
“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” – Lao Tzu
Magnolia Beginnings 
Losing yourself in others needs is a part of parenthood whether you intend it to be or not. I think the definitions of your past still help to define you in the future they just carry less weight, allowing you to take on more. We are our past even in our future.
Wishing you the best on your endevour . I have another blog – journeyofthegypsy at wordpress that may interest you.
Lesley
Thanks Lesley. I’ll take a look.
Blessings to you on your journey! Keep us posted. 🙂
Thank you!
What a beautiful sentiment and an incredible accomplishment – a single mother of four! You are my hero. Can’t wait to read about what the next chapter brings.
Thank you so much. I feel very fortunate to have your support. Thanks for reading.
I love your blog!!! So honest and thoughtful and focused on what is important. Keep up the great work!
Go for it!! I think your decision is exciting, courageous and will result in a wonderful renewed sense of self…Please keep writing as you travel this journey – it’s wonderful!
Thank you for following. I can’t tell you how much inspiration and clarity I get from reading your blog.
As I get inspiration and a sense of tremendous admiration for you when reading yours. I think you are enormously talented – with an equally enormous heart..
Okay I’m turning the computer off and flying on that comment until Monday. Thank you!
Have a glorious weekend!!
I am a mother of four as well and one thing I have found is that there are, as expected, old activities and definitions that can be dropped and new ones that can be taken up. Then there are others that you keep …….. activities that you have done all your life that can now be done with a passion as never before experienced …. and ways of defining yourself that you have always known but that now you really believe ………. and this is an unexpected by-product of the empty nest where you may discover and be proud of the real you who has always been there.
So true! Thanks for reading and commenting.