Much like the tween stage for kids turning into teenagers, I think there is also an in between stage for women who are in between 30-40ish. Maybe we one day look in our closet and see some clothes and shoes that are more conservative then we ever thought we would wear but then we also still have those clothes that we like to wear when we want to tear up the town with our girls, Merlot in hand and rockin the 5 inch boots. But then when you become a mom not only does your wardrobe start to see clothes that you looked at your mom and thought, “I would never wear a robe like that” you start doing things you would have never done back in your too cool for school days.
For example, I was walking towards the grocery store the other day and it started to rain. Turns out my daughter’s umbrella was in the car, not mine. As I start walking through the parking lot in the college area where there are young guys and gals running around, I realize the umbrella I’m carrying is green with kittens all over it. Yes, I said kittens. Now, the old me would have either rushed back to the car to put the umbrella back or I would have quickly closed it and hid it in my purse. I’m willing to admit I have had a healthy size vanity issue. But the new me, conditioned by motherhood looked up and just laughed to myself. Part of the laugh was thinking everyone was checking me out and saying, “Who is that chick with the kitten umbrella?” The other half of the laugh was at myself for being concerned what people would think of me for carrying a kitten umbrella. I thought to myself, “Really Tracy you’re worried if people will make fun of you for carrying a kitten umbrella?” Well me, being the optimistic cheerleader that I am immediately switched my thoughts and said to myself, “Well, let’s just pretend you’re a celebrity and you’re creating a new fashion trend as we speak.” Then I started thinking about the kitten line of perfume I could create. Kitten handbags, slippers, jammies, hats and let’s not forget stuffed animals of course. Oh, the possibilities. I love when the creative engine gets crankin. My own personal joy ride.
So if you ever have those moments when your identity as a parent gets pushed to the front of the line before your identity as what you were before you were a parent, remember the kitten umbrella and know you are not alone.
If you are interested to learn more about my organizing services or read my organizing blogs you can visit my site at www.miss-organized.com. You can also follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/missorganized.