Different people

Someone pointed out to me recently how I had become a different person since I became a mother.  After hearing her point of view, I tend to agree with her.  It's not such a good thing either.  I've become very selfish with my time for many reasons, none of which are right. 

 

Since I'm at home with a toddler all day, it may appear that I have more free time than others but it's not always as it appears.  On occasion that's true but not in general.  I still keep house, make sure he's fed, put him down for naps, etc, during each day.  I wouldn't change being a stay-at-home mom but it's still a job. 

 

I like to get out of the house as often as possible most of which are to run errands or go on outings as a family.  I keep reminding myself that he's only this age once.  On the rare occasion when we have a night alone, it's tough to choose between going out with friends or going on a date with my hubby.  When I do run errands with my son alone, it typically ends up being an all day thing.

 

I no longer have the same amount of energy for my free time with friends (or even my hubby) as I used to.  Raising a toddler does that to you.

 

None of these reasons validate ignoring or hurting my friend's feelings.  It's not like one is more important than the other.  It's just that I haven't figured out how to balance that time out.  After my procedures, that is what I need to figure out because I do not want to lose my friends even if we're in different life stages.  It is something I want to fight for.