I don’t know if you read the book.  I didn’t have a chance to.  However, as dis-similar a movie might be to the book I did have a chance to see the movie and the interviews following the book Eat, Pray, Love.

Sometimes, while I was watching and listening to the conversations about being in search for “something more” I would sit there and fantasize what women who chose not to have children are able to do with their lives in order to find happiness.

In all honesty, I found the advice that those women had to offer good and almost relatable. However, if the only thing that matters is your OWN decision; you are probably more likely to make very different choices with your life.

But, what about when you factor in a child; or for that matter multiple children.  Is your happiness what matters?   How do you find the balance? How does the family find balance?

Yes, I agree, it is probably true that children won’t be happy unless you’re happy.  But, children grow up and are responsible for finding their own happiness.  Because, after all Life Happens.  

Personally, I don’t think you can be truly happy and selfish at the same time.

And, as much as I love being a mother I find myself struggling often with what my friend terms as “The Feminine Mystique“.  I don’t know.

But, as I slowly come to grips with the reality that my children are really only dependent on me for a short time I find myself in an awkward place trying to navigate into the unknown.  And, a little scared.

I really don’t know what to do; and I still haven’t figured it out.  But, I thought about this idea of Eating, Praying and Loving and wondered if it could still apply even if I was a mother.

I figure if I am going to use that philosophy as a guide I don’t need to copy everything.  I don’t need to indulge in fancy food but instead can just keep it healthy; I don’t need to travel to india to pray but can do it in my own home; and love, well, that came naturally when I became a mom. How hard could it be?

You’d be surprised how often you can forget these things during the daily chores of raising your family in today’s world.  I continue to try to implement these things into my day; especially while raising my children.

Live and Learn. We all Do.

Thanks for reading. Please pass this on to someone who means something to you.