Learning to Love Myself Again
Learning to love myself again after becoming a mother was extremely difficult, but I never lost hope.
My Journey to Loving Myself Again
My motherhood journey is one that has been full of highs and lows, as I’m sure many mothers can relate. After trying to get pregnant for over a year following a miscarriage, my second pregnancy came as a bit of a surprise. This pregnancy was not very easy nor was it as blissful as my first. Being that I was still very depressed when I found out I was pregnant, it’s reasonable to understand my state of mind at the time. During a time often expected to be filled with joy, I found happiness elusive and the idea of loving myself seemed impossible.
Digging Deep
It was necessary for me to really dig deep in order to find what I needed to love myself again. During my second pregnancy I carried so much guilt for not being happy. I felt that I was being ungrateful for this beautiful gift. God had given me exactly what I had so fervently prayed for, yet I was still so depressed.
As I continued to eat, sleep, and repeat I soon became nearly unrecognizable to myself and others. I gained a substantial amount of weight. While I had hoped that the weight might magically disappear once I gave birth, I knew in reality that was very unlikely to happen. Finding my way back to myself and learning to love myself again was an incredible undertaking, but it was also an incredibly rewarding experience.
Embarking on a Path to Wellness
Embracing my journey towards self-love and mental wellness has been very enlightening. I’ve discovered that the path to healing isn’t always straightforward and that true progress often comes from embracing both the struggles and victories along the way. Through dedicated effort, I have developed strategies for nourishing my body and mind, and I’m eager to share these insights to empower and inspire you along your path to wellness.
As a testament to my commitment to growth, I’ve become an advocate for comprehensive self-care, recognizing the importance of incorporating balanced nutrition and regular physical activity into my routine. These changes have significantly contributed to my mental health recovery, illustrating the profound impact of holistic wellness practices.
Recognizing that this journey is ongoing, I remain steadfast in my dedication to personal development. Regular consultations with my collaborative care team, coupled with a deepened relationship with God and the unwavering support of my family, have been instrumental in my transformation. These pillars of support have helped me to make huge strides over the past several years.
This experience has fortified my resilience while also equipping me with the wisdom to guide others through their challenges. While I continue to evolve and learn, I hope and pray that my journey serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that with dedication, faith, and the right support system, learning to love yourself again is not just possible—it’s achievable.
10 Positive Affirmations to Stay Motivated
Now that I have taken you along on my journey to wellness, I would like to share these 10 Positive affirmations I use when I’m in need of self-love:
- I am worthy of love and respect just the way I am.
- I trust my intuition and believe in my abilities to overcome any obstacle.
- I am grateful for every moment of my life, even the difficult ones, because they have made me stronger.
- I choose to focus on the positive aspects of my life and let go of negativity.
- I am deserving of self-care and taking time for myself.
- I accept and love myself, flaws and all.
- I am proud of myself and my accomplishments, no matter how small.
- I have the power through Jesus Christ to live in happiness and manifest my dreams.
- I am resilient and can bounce back from any setback.
- I am a unique and valuable individual with a purpose in life.
Reflecting on Lessons of Self-Love
As I reflect on the difficult road I traveled from the depths of depression during my second pregnancy to the vibrant, joy-filled life I lead today, it’s clear that the path to loving myself again has been both profound and transformative. This journey, marked by intense personal challenges, taught me invaluable lessons about the strength of the human spirit, the power of faith, and the importance of self-compassion.
The transition wasn’t overnight, nor was it easy. It required a deep commitment to change, an unwavering faith in God’s plan for me, and a relentless pursuit of mental and emotional well-being. Through this process, I’ve learned to embrace my imperfections, celebrate my strengths, and acknowledge my progress, no matter how small it seemed at times.
My Light in the Darkness
My relationship with God served as my anchor, reminding me of my worth and guiding me through my darkest moments. The support from my husband, Steve, my daughters, Alia and Mia, and my extended family, provided me with a network of love and encouragement that was critical in my journey towards healing.
This experience has reshaped my understanding of joy and fulfillment. I’ve realized that being a joyful person doesn’t mean the absence of pain or struggle, but rather the ability to find peace and happiness even in the midst of life’s challenges. It means choosing gratitude over grief, hope over despair, and love over fear.
The Transformative Power of Positivity
Today, as I navigate the complexities of motherhood and marriage with a heart full of joy, I am more fulfilled in my roles than I ever thought possible. The journey to loving myself again has not only made me a better mom and wife but has also allowed me to serve as a beacon of hope for others facing similar struggles. My testimony is a testament to the fact that with faith, perseverance, and self-love, transformation is possible.
In sharing my story and the positive affirmations that have guided me, my deepest hope is to inspire you to embark on your own journey of self-discovery and healing. Remember, you are worthy of love and happiness. Through the strength and guidance of Jesus Christ, and with the support of loved ones, you too can overcome any obstacle and find joy in the beautiful chaos of life.
Are you seeking guidance on your transition from merely surviving to truly thriving? Check out these Affirmations for Mindful Moms and Wives. These affirmations played a pivotal role in my own shift from battling mental illness to embracing mental wellness. I truly believe they will light your path to better health and happiness, giving you comfort and support. Let them guide you towards a more balanced and joyful life.
Always know that no matter where you are in your journey, there is hope, and a brighter, joy-filled future is within your reach. Embrace your journey with an open heart, lean on your faith, and never underestimate the power of self-love and perseverance.
Such a vulnerable yet very appreciated post. Many mothers also don’t speak about “the other side” of motherhood for the reasons you stated and others, because of the fear of judgment. Unfortunately, when we hide the not so pretty side, it sets people up to look forward to the bliss while being unprepared for the possible downsides. When people talk about these issues more openly, then more can be done to help. I gained over 100 lbs with my 2nd pregnancy and weighed over 400 lbs with my first. I understand the trauma that goes along with that so I’m happy you’re on the road to discovery and recovery.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this blog post and leave a comment. I hope to continue to tackle the hard topics surrounding being a wife and mom while still encouraging women to find joy, even in the most difficult circumstances. Your testimony is inspiring and I hope that through this blog we can grow a community of women who lift each other up and have each other’s back when needed.
This entire site and specific blog post is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!! I am grateful for your growth, resilience, and determination to turn your ship around, all while bringing others along with you! Being an apostolic woman myself, very rarely do you get to see younger mothers, women, and wives be fashionable, attractive, and relevant, all while still being holy! What God is doing through you is TRAILBLAZING! Trust me Sis, you are setting so many women FREE!!!!
Wow! Thank you so much for your positive feedback and encouragement, Sis! It is my prayer that God will continue to use me to help other women find joy and peace in marriage and motherhood by sharing my testimony. Your feedback means more to me than you know. Thank you for taking the time to visit the site and read the content. May God continue to bless you and keep you.