For years now, my identity has revolved around being a mother. And years before that, while my wife and I struggled with infertility, much of my identity revolved around wanting to be a mother. I’m coming to a place in my life where I need to take some space from that part of me or else risk being swallowed whole. Don’t get me wrong, I love being a mom to my crew and my children have helped me feel like *me* more than ever before, but there is so much more. To honor that, I give you four things about me that have absolutely nothing to do with being a mom…

1. I’m a big old nerd. Weird people are my people. One of my greatest insecurities is my ability to interact socially like a normal person. I actually love conversation and can talk to you for hours about topics of substance, but small talk makes my skin crawl. I simply have no idea how to do it. It’s awesome that a big part of my job is networking and meeting new people. Someday I’ll tell you about the time I screwed up my own name introducing myself to a business colleague. Socially awkward table for 1!
2. Before things get too vulnerable here, let me share something I’m good at: saying yes and showing up. The relationships I have in my life are valuable to me and I’ve gotten so much out of saying “yes” to the opportunities that have presented themselves. I’m pretty much down for anything. Try a new dance class? Sure! Backpacking trip despite not having slept in a tent for a 8+ years? Yes! Attend a rally with you? I’m there! Check out a fusion martial arts fitness class? Sounds fun! Looking for a co-chair for your event? I’m your girl! Need a wine & bitch session? Name the date! Bare your soul on a website read by thousands of local moms? I’m in! Be your running buddy to train for a marathon? Absolutely not.
3. I have a passion for travel. It’s no accident that I ended up in a career where I take frequent trips around the country (though I’d really like to go back and tell 24-year-old me that business travel is NOT the way to see the world). I’ve checked a bunch of destinations off my list, but have just as many left to explore. What’s a girl gotta do to get unlimited time and money to travel around the world?
4. I love to sing and dance. I’m not exceptionally wonderful at either, but that doesn’t stop me. I’ve studied all forms of dance, including African, and if there’s a dance floor, I’ll be on it. I’m similarly open-minded when it comes to my music. I’d be hard-pressed to name my favorite genre and if you catch me at a stop light, I’m just as likely to be belting out the lyrics to Led Zeppelin as I am Meghan Trainor. I think I’ve broken the algorithm on my music app and it just suggests anything and everything to me at this point (though I’m pretty sure it knows I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for my girl Tracy Chapman ::swoon::).

Ahhh. That felt good. Now tell me – what are some things about you that have nothing to do with being a mother?