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You are here: Home / Blog / Disabled Parenting / Self-Care as a Disabled Mom

Self-Care as a Disabled Mom

December 4, 2018 by Jennifer Senda 1 Comment

Woman smiling at cameraThe subject of self-care seems to be very popular lately. It is something that I often forget to practice as a busy mom. Let’s be honest. Living the parenting journey has its ups and downs, and I love it. There are times, though, when I forget that I’m a person, too.

Don’t get me wrong. Being a parent to my amazing boy is just that: Amazing. The journey has never been easy, but it has been an experience.

I keep seeing articles and memes about the importance of self-care, and I think life is trying to send a personal message. I am a mom with DISABILITY. Yes, I emphasized it. Why? My daily life involves adapting to a world that has trouble accepting me. It is not my intention to go into a “woe is me” routine. This is who I am, a woman with a disability. That is my life.

As a mom, I have tried to push myself to almost impossible limits in order to keep up with unrealistic expectations which are all in my head. I admit it. I am an overachiever. That is my downfall.

The realizations that perfection is not the goal to strive for, and that I have nothing to prove are key points which have been difficult for my heart to accept. Growing up with a disability altered my perspective quite a bit. I was born fighting it seems. I wanted to prove that my disability was not a hindrance, but an asset. I kind of got obsessed.

I have to remind myself that love does not see imperfections. Love sees the best in us. When I push myself too hard to live up to fantastical expectations, I am not being the best me. I am a diluted version of myself. If I take the time to stop, breathe, and remember that there’s beauty in my humanness, then I am stronger.

My son loves me. It does not matter whether I can keep an immaculate house, or whether or not we have cereal for dinner. To him, I am the best mommy. (He toots my horn for me,) He loves it when I am content. My mental well-being directly affects my family. If I’m not happy, he is unhappy. For the sake of our families, we must practice self-care. We must remember our humanness. We must love ourselves.

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Filed Under: Disabled Parenting Tagged With: disabled mom, self-care

Jennifer Senda

About Jennifer Senda

My name is Jennifer Senda. I am a disabled mom who has cerebral palsy. My son, Edward, is a rambunctious six­year­old who keeps my wheels turning. I am also a college student, so I am constantly on the go. My son is the most wonderful experience I’ve ever had. I hope to reach out to other parents ­and prospective parents­ with disabilities that the experience of parenthood is possible for everyone, no matter how they come by it. Love knows no boundaries!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarMelissa Milinovich says

    December 4, 2018 at 3:46 pm

    Great article! I, too, am a Mom with a DISABILITY and feel the pressure of having to push myself further than other Mom’s do. I am so busy working and being a Mom, I often lack self-care even though I know it’s important.

    Reply

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