After spending way too much time alone with my baby, I decided it was time to make new friends; friends with kids. Finding new friends can be daunting for any expat. It felt even stranger having to do it after living here for more than five years already. All my friends were at work during the day, and I needed to spend some time in the company of adults.
So I decided to join several international women’s organizations and do any and all activities where you could bring your child along. I quickly realized that some of those groups did not really loan themselves to events for mothers with small children. However I found one helpful playgroup geared towards expat moms and children. Within the first month, the woman running it found a job and left. They were desperate to get someone new to run it, but no one came forward. Finally she said, if no one takes over, this is our last meeting. So I stepped up. I didn’t feel like I had a clue what I was doing. I didn’t believe I was the right person to lead the group. I didn’t feel confident enough as a mother, but having this lifeline was too important to lose.
Years later I still can’t believe that I used to run a playgroup. Every week I had prepared games, songs, activities, etc. I even put on some big holiday events. I met a number of women that were very helpful during those times. But most importantly, I was so PROUD of myself. I gained so much confidence in myself and my ability to handle things, including being a mother.
Feeling PROUD is a gift you can give yourself. The definition of feeling PROUD is a feeling of pleasure or satisfaction as the result of one’s achievements. Those achievements can be in the past, present or future. They don’t have to be huge. We simply choose to think about our lives in a way that brings up those feelings. We don’t ever have to wait for someone to be PROUD of us. It’s our job.
How can you make yourself PROUD? Being the best version of yourself is a great way to start.
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