Written by: Jacqueline Hopper, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
“I’m a new mom and I’m so lonely”. “I’m a new mother and I have no friends”. How often have we felt that way? Becoming a new mother is a profound transformation, marked by overwhelming love and equally daunting challenges. And sometimes it can feel like you just lost all of your friends.
Some say it’s one of the biggest transformations of your life, fundamentally changing who you are as a person. We’ve all seen it, from beloved TV characters that dramatically shift from one personality to another after having a child, or even our own childhood friends after they have babies of their own.
It can be an isolating experience. For everyone involved, but especially for a new mom.
In this whirlwind of change, many of us find our social landscapes shifting dramatically. The connections we once took for granted may begin to slip away as the demands of motherhood consume our time and energy.
The realization strikes – "I'm a new mother and I have no friends."
This isn't just about dwindling social interactions; it's a deeper struggle with identity as we grapple with who we are beyond our roles as caregivers.
I’ve found myself questioning who I was on more than one occasion.
We often talk about the joys of motherhood, but less frequently do we acknowledge the loneliness that can accompany this new chapter. The conversations, the shared experiences, and the laughter that once filled our days may seem like distant memories. As we prioritize our child's needs, it can be difficult to maintain friendships that were once effortless.
The feeling of losing oneself isn't just metaphorical; for many new mothers, it's a vivid reality.
So, if we truly want to understand self mastery, we need to learn how to reconnect with the woman we were before motherhood. But we also need to embrace the woman we are now.
How do we reconnect with the individual we were before motherhood?
It's crucial to recognize that while our lives have irrevocably changed, the essence of who we are remains. Taking steps to nurture our own well-being and rebuild our social circles is not just possible, it's essential for our mental and emotional health. Finding balance doesn't mean neglecting our responsibilities as mothers; rather, it's about embracing a new normal—where being a parent and being ourselves coexist harmoniously.
Start by embracing new motherhood
The identity shift
We are not alone in feeling an identity shift after becoming a new mother. Once, our priorities and daily activities looked quite different.
It can be even more difficult now with social media so prevalent in our lives. Seeing our single friends take vacations abroad and party on Saturday nights is a distant memory. You have different priorities now.
But it's natural to mourn the loss of our former selves and relationships that seem to fade away. This change doesn't mean the end of who we are; it is the evolution into a new phase of life. We as humans, beyond mothers, beyond women, are ever evolving. Accepting this is the first step to your self-mastery and self-love.
Acceptance: Acknowledge the change in identity. It's part of becoming a mother.
Self-compassion: Remind ourselves it's okay to feel a sense of loss.
The loneliness of motherhood
Transitioning into motherhood can sometimes be accompanied by unexpected solitude. As we strive to balance our new identity with our long-held one, the challenge can be finding the time and energy to maintain a social connection.
Recognizing isolation
When the joy of motherhood is overshadowed by feelings of isolation, it is crucial to recognize this shift. We may observe:
Less frequent contact with friends.
Feelings of detachment from social circles.
A sense that no one understands our current experiences.
Acknowledging these changes is the first step towards addressing them. But don’t hold resentment towards them. It is common for new mothers to recluse themselves because they feel misunderstood.
But by doing this, you’re furthering a separation between you and the people you love.
Maintaining old friendships
Preserving existing friendships requires intentional efforts. Here are some things you can do to help maintain these friendships:
Schedule regular check-ins: Even a brief message can keep the connection alive.
Plan playdates: These can include friends with or without kids.
Share the load: Take turns babysitting with another parent to free up personal time.
Be open about your schedule: Honesty about your availability can foster understanding.
Build new friendships
Join Mom Groups: Look for local mom groups on social media or apps like Meetup. Attend meetups and don't hesitate to introduce ourselves.
Special Interest Clubs: If we have a hobby, joining a club related to it can connect us with like-minded individuals.
Joining groups with other people who can understand what you’re going through can allow you to reconnect with the parts of your identity that aren’t tied to your motherhood. It can allow you to reconnect with the parts of your inner soul, the light that you always have in you.
Self-care and self-love of a mother
As we embrace motherhood, it’s crucial not to lose sight of the women we once were. Integrating self-care and self-mastery into our lives is essential to flourishing as new mothers without friends by our side.
Prioritizing self-care
Assess Your Needs: We assess our physical, emotional, and mental needs. Listing these helps us prioritize our well-being. I love journaling for this. It allows me to speak to myself, understand myself, and engage with how I’m feeling in the present moment.
When you’re journaling, or meditating, or whatever you like to do to tune in to yourself, keep in mind these three things. How are you taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health?
Physical: Regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and nutritious meals.
Emotional: Time for ourselves, even if it's just a few moments of deep breathing.
Mental: Engaging in stimulating activities like reading or puzzles.
Schedule Self-Care: Make the intentional effort to integrate self-care into your daily routine, recognizing that it's as important as any doctor's appointment.
Morning routines: Hit reset with a quick meditation or a cup of tea before the day begins.
Evening rituals: Unwind with a skincare routine or light stretching to signal the end of the day.
Self-mastery as a new mom
Set Realistic Intentions: When we set intentions for personal growth and celebrate our progress, it can be extremely rewarding. Like a gift, you’re offering yourself. Journaling our
Short-term goals: Aim to complete a small project or read a book within the month.
Long-term aspirations: Envision where we want to be in a year and identify steps to get there.
Embrace Learning: We stay curious and open-minded to learn new skills or hobbies that stimulate our intellect and passion.
Reflect Regularly: We take time to reflect on our journey, celebrating victories and learning from challenges.
By committing to self-care and working towards self-mastery, we reconnect with the woman inside and strengthen our identity beyond just being a mother.
Reigniting your passions
As new mothers, it's natural for our personal interests to take a backseat to the pressing needs of our children. However, rekindling the flames of our forgotten passions is crucial for our
well-being.
Rediscovering your interests
Identify Past Loves: Begin by listing activities you were once passionate about. Were you a skilled painter, a voracious reader, or an outdoor enthusiast? Recognizing these pastimes is the first step to bringing them back into your life.
Remember, even short activities count. Even 15 minutes a day can reignite the joy you once felt.
By actively rediscovering your interests and integrating them with motherhood, you preserve your unique identity while embracing your new life as a mother.
And finally, remember that it’s all a journey. You’re figuring this out but there are so many resources out there to help you navigate this exciting and scary time in your life. Embrace it! And if you’re looking for more supported guidance through self-mastery, get in touch with me.
I help individuals find their inner light and master their soul’s purpose, and I want to help you too.
Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, and visit my website for more info!
Jacqueline Hopper, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Jacqueline Hopper is a Self Mastery Guide, Energy Reader and Best Selling Author. She is also the host of the podcast The Sovereign Soul. Using her psychic and intuitive abilities she supports others with opening their intuitive, psychic and healing abilities so they can live their most authentic life!
