A very powerful post about the inner turmoil of being a parent, a spouse and a grown up. Our needs and wants get pushed down and put in the “later” category. It’s what we do, we nurture and provide for others and their happiness helps fill us up. A new baby makes these feelings even more acute, but as you know it will get easier and easier and the more sleep you get the better you’ll feel.

Having said all that, don’t be so quick to give up on your dreams, it is fine to put them on hold but don’t dismiss them. When Gabriel was born, I thought my dream of going to law school was over–I’d never have the time, money or freedom to do it. But here it is 7 years later and I’m almost done with law school. I’d never have guessed 4 years ago that I’d be back in my hometown, married, and living in a house we bought and about to be an associate at a corporate law firm.

Your dreams might change or be fulfilled in a way different than you thought–but don’t give up on them or yourself.