Life Update
So the past few months I have taken a break from the blog, and been adjusting to new changes in the Butler household.
If you’ve been following Simply J. Leigh for awhile, then you know all about my struggles after having my second son Jayce last year and then ultimately making the decision to become a stay at home mommy. Mamas, postpartum health is so important and I encourage you to do whatever you can to find and maintain your happiness after having your little ones. But now that the postpartum fog is over, finding myself and prioritizing my needs and desires (outside of motherhood) has been so critical for me to do. With that being said, about a month ago, I found an amazing role at a nonprofit company working in HR again. Yep, back to being a working mama - and let me say this transition has been surprisingly refreshing!
When I became a stay at home mom almost a year ago, I didn’t set any real expectations. I wasn’t sure how long I would do it and thankfully my husband never pressured me to go back to work. It was all about the right timing. God’s timing. I was actually casually looking at first, and honestly the first company that reached out to me happened to THE company. And now, I am leading Learning & Development for the organization. Look at God 😊
I have to admit that the break was so necessary. To regroup and reflect on what I truly wanted for myself and for my career. To be able to understand that I needed time away in order to recharge in order to be able to fully invest myself in my career again. My boys will always be my main priority and I truly value the time I had to stay at home with them - but y’all - being a SAHM is not for the faint of heart lol. It is hard work with no breaks! And a part of me did miss having my “own thing” outside of the home. Blogging has been amazing. Connecting with all of you has been refreshing and so needed - and now I can add having a corporate job back to the mix as well.
I think as mamas we wear multiple hats. And I like it. I like knowing that I can add value to my home, my job, my kids, and of course to myself and my personal development as well. It was hard thinking the days of spending all day with the boys was coming to a close - the Target runs, the field trips, the homeschooling and day trips to the grandparents’ house. The play dates, the park trips, and the midday naps and snuggles - but then I had to remember that my kids will always be my kids - and I will always make time for these fun activities and quality time with them. Though no, it won’t be in the same way as before, but i needed to realize that we will all be okay. Change is good. The boys have adjusted SO well to daycare and making new friends. We have all adapted to the new routine and schedule really well, and I can say with confidence this was a good decision.
Though I am juggling more - I feel like I have the capacity to do so now. A year ago - all I wanted was to be a mommy to my then newborn and be able to soak in my toddler growing up. Now, I am mentally and emotionally and spiritually in a place where I can handle more. And I know even more will be expected of me going forward, but that’s the exciting part.
My husband and I are constantly working on projects and developing goals to really propel us to that next level. And most importantly, staying connected to God and being led on when to move and what He wants us to do. His diving timing is everything. And I think through our obedience and patience with God and with ourselves throughout this journey, God is just equipping us, teaching us, and making us more ready for the blessings on the other side.
I’m truly not where I was a year ago when this process started. I’m growing every single day - but I am so proud of the woman I am becoming!
🤍 Simply J.Leigh
