Gymnastics & Motherhood

Throughout most of my junior high and high school days I participated in competitive gymnastics. I can remember the first time I ever went to a meet and the excitement I felt over competing. I loved going to the gym for practice. All I wanted to talk about was gymnastics, and if there was a meet on television you can be sure I was watching it.

But then the newness wore off, and my excitement faded. There were lots of times I didn't feel like going to practice. One of the things I did to keep myself motivated was by reading articles about gymnastics, and by watching big competitions. On some level I think I realized that if I really wanted to stick with it, I had to find ways to keep motivated.

Sometimes it feels like this is the way I approach motherhood. When I first became a mom no one had to tell me what an awesome blessing this was in my life. I loved everything about being a mommy. But now that much of the "newness" has worn off, I have to look for ways to keep me motivated. 

One of the main things I do to keep my mind focused, and my heart encouraged is by reading books. I love to read. And most of the books I read have to do with Christian living or motherhood. This is a great source of encouragement for me. 

It's so important to remember that what we're doing a moms matters. When we start to lose focus, and feel like we're not doing anything important, it's only a matter of time before we feel completely burned out and overwhelmed. 

So tell me, what do you do to stay motivated as a mom?

P.S. If your curious about which books on motherhood I've particularly enjoyed, here are some of my favorites; Loving the Little Years, Feminine Appeal, Womanly Dominion, and Passionate Housewives Desperate for God.