I am at a loss on what to do with my life. I find no purpose or pleasure in anything and I get really down about it. I have three children who are all becoming more and more independent and am finding that I do not know what to do when I am not fussing over them. I cannot work away from the home at the moment so find myself bored a lot of the day. I’d love to know what some hobbies are of fellow mothers and even what work you do from home that keeps you busy? I’d love to work for myself but unsure what to do.
3 Replies
Sounds like the perfect time to consider studying? It will keep you mentally stimulated and plenty of courses can be done online only. My hobby is gardening, it's a great stress relief and there's always something that needs doing once you start so it keeps you busy. I have learnt heaps too, ashamed to say I couldn't tell the names of any plants before except roses and bougainvillea now I can name most things. You can make money from it by propagating but by that stage you're well addicted and any money you make goes to buying new plants anyway.
I could have almost written this myself! It’s hard when you realise you have dedicated so much time in trying to be the best Mum you can for your children who have all of a sudden become independent and don’t quite need you in the same way & during that time some of us forget about ourselves & forget what actually gives us our own joy. I have started trying to work on being more physically active and that has definetly improved my mind set & hopeful at some stage I’ll remember things I like to do for me. The only regret I have with my kids growing up is that I didn’t realise how much I sacrificed of myself when I didn’t really have to as I could have managed to do both but didn’t know that one day I would feel exactly like you do. In saying all that I have chosen to not let it beat me but to find me. Don’t be hard on yourself, it’s a tough transition x
Go to uni! Find something that interest you and start finding yourself. Going back to uni later in life (30, finished degree at 35) was the best thing I ever did for my mental health. It gave me something for me and I’m now kicking goals in my career!
Can I also add that you’re never too old to study. I was at uni with men and women in their 40s and 50s. If you’re worried you’re too old to go to uni I promise you that you are not. Your life experience will be invaluable.