Finding Yourself After Motherhood

October 9, 2024 FIT4MOM x Jessica Maurer

Parenthood has a way of flipping your world upside down, right? The overwhelming love and responsibility of having children can make it difficult to remember who you were before they arrived. It’s easy to feel consumed by motherhood, where your identity seems to vanish, leaving you wondering where the “you” that existed before has gone. For many moms, those pre-motherhood passions fade into the background, becoming barely recognizable in the rearview mirror.

But here’s the good news: while finding yourself after motherhood can be challenging, it’s not impossible. Let’s explore why so many moms feel like they’re struggling with an identity crisis and how you can begin the journey back to rediscovering yourself if you feel the same way.

Why do moms lose their identity?

Let’s be real – bringing a child into the world is a life-altering experience. Everything changes, from your home life to your schedule and relationships. Suddenly, time seems to fly or drag on, leaving you wondering if you’ve accomplished anything. The relationship with your partner likely feels different, too – exhaustion isn’t exactly a recipe for romance. Between endless loads of laundry and sleep-deprived nights, personal time gets pushed to the back burner.

Unsurprisingly, many moms report feeling like they’ve lost their identity. A recent survey found that 96% of women feel expected to put themselves last (The State of Invisibility Research, peanut.com). This pressure to self-sacrifice can lead to “depleted mother syndrome” or, more simply, mom burnout.

It’s time to reclaim your identity.

Let’s take a moment to talk about burnout. This invisible load is something many moms carry, and it can weigh you down without you even realizing it. But reclaiming your identity means breaking free from this load so that you can step into your full, vibrant self – the mom and the person you are beyond that role. The goal? Bring all parts of yourself together and embrace your strength in motherhood and your passions outside of it.

If you’re feeling the weight of burnout, it’s time to hit the reset button. You may not have heard the term “Depleted Mother Syndrome” before, but it describes the physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that many moms experience. Common signs include increased irritability, going through the motions without being present, and resenting your partner. You may even grieve parts of yourself that feel lost.

But here’s the good news – you can find your way back. Many moms have navigated these same challenges and come out stronger. Prioritizing self-care, finding your passion , seeking support, building a community, and incorporating exercise into your routine can all help you reconnect with yourself.

Take Our Find Your Why Quiz

Ready to rediscover yourself?

Finding yourself after motherhood begins with self-reflection. So, let’s start by asking a few important questions. Take your time with these and be honest with yourself. After each question, we’ll provide an action item to help you on your journey.

Do you have a community that supports and uplifts you?

Even in our hyper-connected world, it’s common for moms to feel isolated. A survey by The Ohio State University found that 66% of parents experience feelings of loneliness due to the demands of parenting. Finding a community can be key to combating this. While we’re partial to FIT4MOM classes, which combine fitness with camaraderie, any group that brings you joy and connection will do wonders for your well-being.

What skills do others say you have?

Take a moment to reflect on what others have told you are your strengths. Are you a natural leader? A great listener? Identifying your unique talents can sometimes remind you of your value and contributions beyond motherhood.

What did you love doing before becoming a parent?

Think back to the activities that brought you joy before your life revolved around diaper changes and school pickups. Did you thrive in a fast-paced work environment? Did you find peace in morning yoga? Reconnecting with the things you once loved can reignite your passions and help you bring that spark back into your life.

Do you dream of a career that aligns with your passions?

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a career that supports your family and fuels your soul? If you dream of more fulfilling work, start by visualizing what that looks like for you. You might even discover that FIT4MOM has opportunities aligning with your community and wellness passion.

Rediscovering your purpose after motherhood.

When you become a mom, it’s easy to feel like you’ve left parts of yourself behind. But rediscovering your identity isn’t just possible – it’s essential for your well-being. It’s not about returning to who you were before but embracing who you’ve become, with all the added strength and resourcefulness that motherhood brings. Finding yourself after motherhood is a journey but worth every step.

This is one of the reasons why Lisa Druxman created FIT4MOM. Despite facing skepticism from consultants who doubted the viability of a mom-run franchise, Lisa remained determined. "I believe we are succeeding because we are moms, not despite it," she says.

Looking back on her journey, Lisa has learned valuable lessons about balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship. "It's about finding a way to make it work for you," she says. "Don't be afraid to ask for help and surround yourself with a supportive community."

It's time to find your PURPOSE

If you want to become an entrepreneur and own a local business, we invite you to learn more about our franchise opportunities. Created by moms for moms, FIT4MOM is more than just a workout. We are a village of moms who build connections, empowerment, and strength in motherhood nationwide. Join our village of Franchise owners and create a community for moms in your neighborhood while building a successful business with your kids by your side.

Moms need a village, and it starts with you.

Take Our Find Your Why Quiz