As moms, we’ve mastered the art of putting everyone else first. From the moment we hear our first, “Mama,” we’re on call 24/7, juggling the endless demands of family life. We pour so much of ourselves into nurturing our family (who somehow grew up way too fast!), often leaving our own dreams and aspirations simmering on the back burner.

But here’s the twist in the plot – those kids we’ve devoted our lives to? They get older, more independent, and suddenly, we’re left staring into the mirror, wondering when it became to hard to recognize the person looking back.

Let me tell you about Sarah (not her real name, of course). Sarah was a self-proclaimed “super-mom,” always putting her family’s needs above her own. Soccer mom, PTA superstar and the queen of last-minute science project rescues. But when her youngest flew the nest for college, Sarah found herself in a quiet house, her identity of “mom” no longer consuming all her hours. It was when the chaos and busy-ness of life quieted down that she realized she didn’t feel like she knew herself well.

Sarah’s story is a common one. It’s the tale of rediscovery and shining the light on ourselves once again. And guess what? It’s not only okay to do this; it’s healthy, necessary, and about time. Research supports this transition as not just beneficial, but crucial for our mental and emotional well-being. A study from the American Psychological Association highlights the importance of self-care and pursuing personal interests as key factors in reducing stress and enhancing life satisfaction among middle-aged adults.

So, how did Sarah find her spark again? She started small, reigniting her love for painting, something she’d set aside in the hustle and bustle of raising kids. Each stroke of the brush was a step towards rediscovering herself, not as just mom, but as Sarah, the artist, the dreamer, the woman who had her own passions and ambitions.

The journey of self-discovery isn’t about diminishing the love and dedication we have for our families. Instead, it’s about expanding our capacity to love and care, starting with ourselves. It’s about showing our kids that life is a beautiful, ongoing journey of learning and growth, at any age.

Let’s take a page out of Sarah’s book and ask ourselves, “What’s my painting?” What’s that thing that makes your heart sing, that you’ve been neglecting? Whether it’s writing, running, gardening, or anything in between, it’s time to make space for it in your life.