The other day I saw another mummy whilst walking through the park. She was sitting on a bench in the quiet area. I was walking along the path and going to be walking past her and her little baby. I smiled as I walked past and so did she. Then it occurred to me why didn't I just say hello. Maybe comment on how nice a day it was, how cute her baby is etc. That day the only people I spoke to were my husband before he left for work and my 6 month old who can't quite talk back yet. So why didn't I say hello to that mummy who was also on her own. Since starting maternity leave I have felt a bit isolated and often a bit lonely.
Most days I try to see friends or go to baby groups but some days I either stay in the house or just go for a walk. I guess my thoughts are about trying to just say hi to people, maybe strike up a little conversation where appropriate. You never know if that person is also feeling the isolation like you or maybe even suffering with a bit of baby blues. I know I did especially in the early days. Part of the reason that I started this blog was to have a little something for me to do to help get myself and my thoughts out there and use my brain whilst I'm not at work.
From now on I am going to make an effort to speak to people as I go past and do more than the smile that I normally do. I am going to make that effort to say hello, ask how someone is and wish them a great day and mean it. Hopefully I will make someone's day just that little bit better if they are having a particularly tough day and improve mine by making an effort to be kind and get myself out there, who know's I might make a friend or two along the way.
Labels: loneliness, maternity leave, Mummy musings, rambling
