BlogHer Conference 2014: Chicago mom takes time to just be herself

It’s been a few days since I returned from almost a week away from my family to attend a blog conference in San Jose, CA. I’m still getting used to being home again; the routine of conference life quickly became my “new normal” and the re-entry of my everyday life has been a slow process.

As a mom, I rarely leave my children voluntarily. Sure, they are with their dad on the weekends (and during agreed upon vacations) but I don’t take “vacation time” away from my kids. Blog conferences are the exception to that – and I don’t attend more than two a year. This one in particular had me away from home for five days – and away from the girls for six and a half because of their schedule.

Upon reflection of my time away, I realize the following things:

Despite my daughters being a massive part of my life, I barely talked about them. Sure, the people that I interacted with knew that I was a mom, but that fact was not the central discussion point. We weren’t comparing pediatricians or the best places to buy school clothes. We talked about US; our likes, dislikes, interests, dreams, passions and heartbreaks. It was exhilarating.

I love teaching! I had the opportunity to spend the day leading an education seminar about learning ways to turn your blog into a business. It was fantastic to spend the day with 50 incredible diverse women, helping to guide them on a path to defining their dreams and making money doing it. I need to find more opportunities to do this because it was incredibly fulfilling.

It IS possible for adult women to make new friends. I met amazing, incredible, smart, strong, funny as hell women (who are also moms) that I feel like I’ve known all my life. We laughed, we cried, we shared stories, we worked as a team, and we inspired and motivated each other. And we HAD FUN! I love them. They will always be in my life and I hope that I get to see them more than once a year.

But most of all, I need more time away like this. Time to just be ME. To sleep in a place alone without fear of interruption. To laugh until there are tears streaming from my eyes. To be moved by the words of strong, inspirational people that challenge what I think and believe. To dance. To be silly. To be inspired. To be bold. To put pink streaks in my hair without having to worry about the precedent I am setting for my daughters.

And to remember that there is a Jennifer buried deep inside the layers of Mom that are on the surface.

- Advertisement -

LATEST STORIES

Fatherhood Shrinks the Brain? Shocking New Study Reveals the Cost of Being a Devoted Dad

New parenthood changes the brain—literally. Studies show brain volume loss may reflect both care and stress in new dads.

Best Special Education Schools in Chicago Area

Every child is different and schooling can be, too. Special education schools in the Chicago area offer parents more diverse options for their child...

Top 10 Chicagoland Public Schools for Athletes

Explore the top Chicagoland schools for athletes, ranked by Niche based on education data and parent feedback.
- Advertisement -


- Advertisement -