I am a mom.
I shower them with kisses and engulf their little bodies in hugs. I am their tissue to dry the tears and a solution to every problem and obstacle. I am their comfort, their safety, their home.
I am a wife.
I am his rock, his support system. His ear to listen and his shoulder to cry on. I am his cheerleader, routing for him with every turn he makes. My arms are his safe place, embracing his heart and keeping it protected.
I am a friend.
I encourage, believe in and support those close to my heart. I am a sounding board. I will listen for hours, nod in agreement, bring a smile to your face, and cry along with you.
I am strong, supportive, and empathetic. I am kind, considerate, gentle and caring.
But I am also Me.
Sometimes I need to cry. Sometimes I need the support and strength and encouragement.
Sometimes I need to vent.
But it’s pushed aside.
Being a mom comes first.
Being a wife and being a friend comes first.
I am a strong person and I can hold it together. I keep the smile on my face, the laughter in my voice, and the strength in my arms.
But I’m only human.
I feel hurt. I carry stress. I have worries, dreams, and thoughts.
I need the support. I need the enthusiasm and the encouragement.
I need to vent and cry and lean on others.
But everything else comes first.
I want to be able to fall into someone’s arms, letting the warm tears roll down my cheeks.
I need to turn to someone else to find comfort in their smile.
I need to lean on others too, searching for stability in their embrace.
I need an ear to listen to my concerns and fears and dreams. I need to be heard.
I love my role in my family and friendships.
But sometimes, I need to lean on them too.
Sometimes I need it to be my turn.
Kimberly
Latest posts by Kimberly (see all)
- Essence of Now: May 24 - May 23, 2013
- New Year, New Us - May 21, 2013
- You Are My Calm - May 19, 2013
Hi, my name is Kimberly! I am a wife of 1 and mom to 4. I'm a social media addict and book lover. This blog is a raw and honest look at life through my eyes. I capture the moments as I fumble through motherhood, marriage, and my new graphic design career. I am sometimes funny, a bit sarcastic, and always sleep deprived.
You can lean on me anytime. I mean it. xo
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
Thank you for that, so much. xo
I so get this. It is incredibly difficult to meet everyone’s needs. I often feel raw at the end of the day wondering where I fit into this whole thing. I know it is a season. They won’t always be little. In fact, with my older kids, I see how it is changing. But, while we are in it, it is hard.
I have no advice, just empathy. I’m with you on this one. Hugs!
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
I’m seeing that a lot of moms feel this way. We do need to take time for ourselves, but at the same time, it’s just so hard.
Thank you for your support!
We all need a turn to break down sometimes and it’s okay. Hopefully those who are around you will be there when you need them. I am here for you.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
We do need a break sometimes, it’s just hard to get it.
I know you’re here for me and I appreciate it so much.
Yes, sometimes YOU need to come first
Feeling this one with you.
And we are all here for you
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
I do, even though it’s hard to get it out sometimes, I need to.
Thank you, so much!
I know how you feel, but I know that the people that love you will be there to let you lean on them!
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
They will be, I know. Thank you!
Oh, Kimberly you can have your turn with me. I will listen!! But you might want flesh and blood and not the other side of the computer screen!! But, I hear you. Mommy’s need there moment, too.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
Knowing that you’re here to listen means so much, really! Through a computer screen or not, I’ve made amazing friends here. I’m so thankful for that!
I’m thankful for that, too! I’m starting to really connect with people. And, it is awesome!!
I understand… sometimes it all just feels so overwhelming, doesn’t it? We are all here for you, whenever you need a shout out, a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, to rant, to cheer you on… we are here. We’re your friends, who is here for you day in and day out even if we can’t be there physically for you. Hugs and more hugs to you, KIm.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
I can’t thank you enough for this, seriously. It IS overwhelming, but knowing I have my friends here to support me means the world to me. Thank you! xo
It can always be your turn with me, Kimsley! You can cry on my shoulder or I’ll be your punching bag if you need to get out some anger. Really though, I’d only like to be your virtual punching bag. I just wanted to clarify so that you don’t tackle me at Blissdom. Seriously though, take your turn and we’ll all listen to you.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
Picture the scene: We get off of the planes in Nashville and go running through the terminals to meet up. I see you from across the airport and come running at you, full force. Within a few feet I leap into the air and tackle your Grandma ass. Jessica is of course there to record it. It would make a great vlog, don’t you think?
Honestly though, thank you, so much!
Take your turn, woman! A very important thing someone told me once… There was this long list of things a mom needs to be: patient, caring, selfless, tender, blah blah blah. At the bottom of the list was selfish. Why? Because if we can’t occaisionally say that enough is enough and take a time-out for ourselves, we can’t do all the other things on the list. I took that to heart. A bit freeing, really, because I was doing that anyway, but then I’d feel guilty about it. Now I can go to Starbucks and sit down with my laptop and chai latte, knowing full well that I could be doing this at home while doing the laundry, and enjoy myself anyway.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
That is so true though. We do need to be selfish sometimes. We do need to take a break and say ‘enough, I need ME time.’
I totally understand how you feel and I think that I can speak for most moms/wives too when I say that we all feel this way.
It’s hard to make time for you when so many others depend on you.
Please… take some time just for you. Even if it’s grocery shopping alone.
And if you ever need to vent, a shoulder to cry on, or someone to listen know that I am here. All you have to do is ask.
And I fully expect you to take some much needed me time and have fun at Blissdom!!
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
You are one of the sweetest people I know, seriously. Thank you so much. xo
Oh, and Blissdom? It’s on, baby!!
I hear you. It’s so hard being that person everyone leans on for support. Sometimes you just need a break. I hope you’ll be able to get that support you need.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
It IS hard. I’ll get the support and time I need, but asking for it is sometimes so hard.
That’s what we’re here for!!! Lean on me…when you’re not strong…and I’ll be your friend…I’ll help you carry on! (yes I’m singing this as I typed it)
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
Oh my gosh, I was totally singing along in my head with this!
Oh honey. Make it be your turn. Today. I KNOW your husband and friends want to do the same for you as you do to them.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
They do, they’re amazing. But asking for them to let me lean on them or to give me some time for myself? Sometimes it’s just so hard.
Lean on me! I know how hard it is to take time for yourself, to put yourself first. But you deserve it. If people IRL aren’t there for you, you’re bloggy and twitter friends are. And if you need to actually lean on someone, give me a call and I’ll be on my way!
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
I do need to start making more time for just myself. All of my friends here mean so much to me. You’re wonderful, really!
When you come you have to bring bacon, okay?
I think this is a struggle that so many moms and wives relate to. What is it about nurturing that doesn’t leave any time for ourselves. I have a tear-fest about it every once in a while, and it gets a litte better with my husband for a while, then the cycle begins again
You are not alone.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
I do the same thing. I’ll let it build up and then I’ll break down into a big ugly cry fest. He’ll listen, understand, and it will get better, but only for a little. Then it starts back up again. We need to make this cycle stop. We need time for ourselves.
I completely understand. It is so hard when everything else seems to come first. But, if you need to vent or cry, do it. Know that it’s ok for you to come first too. I’ve learned that. It also helps to take some time and do something for yourself.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
I’m learning to take more time for myself, though I admit, I do feel guilty about it. I’m learning though. Baby steps.
Twitter: beeswithhoney
says:
Sometimes I need it to be my turn too! Oh Kimberly, I’m going to print off this post of yours and tack it onto the fridge in my house with a magnet. Then we’ll see if anyone reads it. I feel everything that you wrote today and the most difficult part about being a Mom and a woman is that we always put everyone and everything else first and when it comes time to give to ourselves, we’ve got nothing left. I need it to be my turn sometimes too.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
Why do we do that? We put all of our efforts into nurturing everyone else and then leave nothing for ourselves. We need it to be about us. We need to just be us sometimes.
Twitter: corp2domestic
says:
We all need to lean on someone…we can’t be superwoman all the time! Sometimes we need a good listener, a glass of wine…and maybe a pedicure?
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
Oh girl, you read my mind! I’d love to go for a pedicure! Sometimes just that short hour away in that nice comfy chair will make the worries go away!
Huge hugs my friend. Lean on us.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
Thank you, so much.
Sometimes, when you have so many leaning on you, it can take a toll. Sending you hugs. xoxo
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
It sure does. I need to remember to leave room for myself, too. Thank you! xo
Twitter: KirstenPiccini
says:
without telling you anything, I will say that I know EXACTLY how you feel. I am feeling it with you in so many facets of my life and I am sorry that you are feeling this way too.
TRULY.
xoxoxo
if you need me, COME VISIT!!!!!! I’ll wait on you hand and foot. PROMISE
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
It so hard and completely draining to be a mom/wife/friend. I’m sorry you know how this feels too. Maybe some time away, together, is needed!
Well, you’ve got all of us to lean on
Just let me know if you ever need to lean!
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
I will, thank you!
You do need to put yourself first sometimes. Sounds like you’ve got a great support system, just by reading the comments alone. Take some time for yourself. I am a firm believer that it is too difficult to take care of our kids adequately if we aren’t taking care of ourselves. At least, that’s how I feel about myself.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
You are so right. We can’t be good moms unless we take care of ourselves. I do need to find that balance. Sometimes, it’s hard, but it has to be done.
Reading all of the comments above mine, it looks like I’m not alone in saying: when you need support about something…here we are.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
You’re all so great here. Thank you, so much.
Big hug to you, Kim. We all need to vent, cry and lean on someone every so often. Trust me, I know how hard it can be and how stressed out you can get because of it. Just know that you can count on your friends to be there for you when you need to have your turn.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
I appreciate that, more than I can express. Thank you!
Twitter: CourtneyKirklnd
says:
Hugs girl. You can turn my direction any time. I understand completely how hard it is to feel like the entire world leans on you and there is no where left for you to lean. Have you mentioned this to your husband? I reached this same point a few weeks and just told him when he came home how I was feeling and that I didn’t want to deal with everything else at that moment. He was so understanding and he spent several hours that night just letting me talk. I know you have a great husband and I’m sure he would understand, too.
Love ya girlie!
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
I have mentioned it to him and he has been a huge help since then. I think my biggest struggle is finding ‘me’ time. I need to let go of some of the guilt and do things for myself.
Thank you for being here. I appreciate it so much. And please know that I’m always here for you if you ever need anything! Love ya, right back!
This is perhaps the toughest parts of becoming a mom, isn’t it? I find myself doing so much for others that I sometimes forget that I need for others to do things for me. I sometimes feel like my needs aren’t as important. But they are. I must remind myself of this truth daily. And, I must do things daily for me just to acknowledge and show gratitude to myself as a human being.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
Exactly. We put everyone’s needs in front of our own and then when it comes time to take care of us, we’re drained. Learning to do things for myself is the hardest part, but I know that I need it.
I broke down and cried about this very thing a few weeks ago. B/c it all got to be too much.
I’m learning I need to force that time for me. To take it and to accept help, too.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
I’ve cried several times over this already. Like you said, I need to learn to take time for myself too.
Oh, I SO get this. I hear you. I know. I wrote something similar for today, but not exact. More like me whining a bit.
Thanks for sharing. These words are important to write and read. Huge hugs.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
It is somewhat comforting knowing that I’m not alone in feeling this way, ya know?
Oh, I could have written this myself. But not as well as you did.
I see you. Not just the mom, not just the wife, but the woman. The person. The writer (yes, writer). We are here for you.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
I cannot thank you enough for that. Your sweet words mean so much!
We all need that “me” time. Like you, I have a hard time voicing that. And then when I do, I’m consumed by guilt. My therapist recently asked me why that is and I honestly didn’t have an answer. “I just do,” I told him. He said I’m perfectly entitled to time for myself and after giving it some thought, I realized he was right.
So, I’ve been making a conscious effort to let go of my guilt and begin to recognize that I can be a mom, a wife, a friend, and employee, all without losing myself.
I’m not there yet… but I’m working on it. Maybe we can work on it together.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
I feel guilty about it too, but have no idea why, I just do!
I’m trying to let go of that at times, but I’m still working on it. And yes, working on it together sounds perfect!
Yes! I totally get this. I try my hardest to be unselfish and caring but some days I just want to scream, “Hey, can I please vent a little, too?!”
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
I feel the same way! Just recently I broke down about this. I need to be me, too!
This was so well written. As mothers, aith so many leaning on us, it’s hard to lean back, but know that I’m always here if you need anything. As are, it would seem 32 others.
Hugs to you, my friend.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
It is hard taking the time for ourselves. Thank you Tonya, so much!
Yes is about as much as I can come up with to a chorus that I have played in my head on more than one occasion. At some point along the way I started trying to carve out more and more ME, but it is a hard habit to break. Sending you hugs!
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
I do need to find more time to use on just myself, though it is super hard! I’m trying though. I know it will be better for me in the long run.
I think that’s why I started my blog. That’s my turn. Sorry for you guys that you get to be the people that put up with me!
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
That is exactly why I started mine! I needed an outlet and I needed to connect with other people like me. Thankfully, you’re all here to listen to me ramble!
You know you’ve got your Tweeps, girl. Any time you need us! Oh yeah… and BLISSDOM!!!
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
Dude. Blissdom can’t get here fast enough.4.5 months!!
Judging by all the comments above me, we’ve ALL got your back
It’s not the same as a hug in real life, though…I get that. I’d hug you if I could.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
Knowing that you’re all here for me means the world to me. Thank you, so much!
You’ve got a great support group online here with all of us and we’ll gladly help shoulder your burdens anytime you need us. You know where to find me!
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
Thank you! I do know where to stalk, I mean ‘find’, you!
Twitter: Mommymonologues
says:
I’ve been getting nervous because now that Lboy is 2 1/2 I get a lot of time to myself & Todd and I get to do a lot date wise. But, I know that’s all going to change come March once we add #2 to the mix.
Every one needs a break sometimes, especially Supermoms!
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
Moms certainly need a break! It will get harder, but you and Todd will find your balance, don’t worry!
Twitter: GalitBreen
says:
This is like a lifeline into my heart right now!
Wow, do I ever get this!
Beautifully written, Kim.
And for the record- lean on me anytime, baby!
XO
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
It’s amazing how moms can be there for everyone else but when it comes to us? We forget.
Thank you, my friend!
Actually read this earlier today in a hurry, but since you asked Yes! I can totally relate! I think one of the hard parts about it is that because we’re typically the strong ones nobody ever expects us to have a weak moment. And when I say nobody, I don’t mean friends….other moms get it!
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
Thankfully you can all relate. It makes me feel less alone, so thank you!
The problem is that our smile hides how we’re really feeling, so people don’t offer that shoulder to cry on (especially husbands). Maybe they would if we let them see that we need them. I’ve had to learn that it’s OK to say to my husband “Today I need you to look after me. I just can’t do it today.” That’s part of the partnership that is marriage.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
You’re completely right. I’ve learned to ask for help more often and that has made it a bit easier.
Do not ever feel guilty for taking that time you need – it’s essential in being able to be what everyone else needs you to be..you are doing a fine job
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
I need to learn to let go of some of that guilt. I need to let go and take some time for myself.
I think you just have one of those personalities that people gravitate towards and want to open up to. But you have so many people that care about you and want you to open up. I hope you do.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
I will, I’m going to start taking time for me and about me.
–Kimberly,
Isn’t it nice to have a blog to write, bitch, vent, and get a bit of support? Xx
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
It really is therapeutic!
I feel this way a lot. Sometimes I even say to my husband, “I want to have a cold and have my mom come stay with us.”
It’s great to have friends that will listen to us vent and be there for us!
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
The friends that live in my computer are amazing!
Twitter: MissMarinaStar
says:
I have been absent in blogland this week and am so glad I looked back to see what I’d missed.
This is beautiful. I feel like it could have been written it about my life. While in my “mind” I know I’m not the only mother, wife, friend who feels this way, it’s still so nice to hear that someone else has these unmet needs as well. I guess it makes me feel less selfish.
As always, I enjoyed visiting your space and appreciated you pouring your heart out.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
Knowing that others are going through the same thing does bring a comfort to it. I’m sorry you feel the same and I do hope you’re able to take some time to yourself soon.
Oh how I can relate.
After struggling with PPD I learned to go and ask for help when I need it and not to try to do it all myself.
I am here whenever you need to vent my friend! Xo
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
Asking for help is one of my biggest struggles. I know I need to, I just have a hard time admitting I’m not Super Woman!
I am always here for you, my friend…just a DM away.
Always.
Twitter: FarewellStrangr
says:
I missed commenting on this one… You can always, always lean on me if you need it to be your turn. I’ve had lots of turns, and I’m always happy to let someone else take one. xo