More than Mama

More than Mama is a hashtag that I use frequently. It’s a lot harder to embody.

I made a commitment to myself last month that I would start swimming twice a week in September.

Last week my excuse was I’ll just read while Ellyn goes to play lab. Just in case she needs me. So far this week it’s been we’ve had too busy a week.

This morning Ellyn woke up late and I thought for a minute “we’ll be too rushed, maybe we should just stay home.” But then another voice said called my BS and said “get your butt in the pool.”

So we rushed around and got out the door in time to get her to Play Lab @vivoyourlife far enough before her nap that I’d have time to swim.

This is the first time I’ve really swam since before I was pregnant (sometime in late 2017). The first few laps felt great and then I felt tired. My arms were heavy, I was out of breath. This was way harder than it used to be. I pushed through and managed 20 minutes of continuous swimming.

It still felt great. I’d taken the first step. I still got that same feeling of freedom that floating in the water always gives me. I’d done something that was just for me.

I’m sure I’ll have more ups and downs on this path to carve out time for myself. Today was a win though and it feels good.