I have a confession.
I bought a minivan yesterday.
Why the big deal? Well, I didn’t expect to feel this way about a vehicle. To give you some background, the car I traded was a sporty, fast Saab. A Saab that I really wanted to keep. It was the perfect car for me because when I drove it, I didn’t feel like such a “mom”. I have had this idea stuck in my head that moms can’t be cool, that they are only focused on getting their kids to soccer practice and preparing nutritious meals. Talk about a stereotype! Here I was, trying to be something I’m not by thinking that my car somehow defines me. Maybe it does, maybe it doesn’t. Either way, I’m finally comfortable enough in my own skin not to care.
So, I bought a minivan.
Why? Because I do have kids that need space. Space for them, for football equipment, and cheerleading gear. I want them to be able to watch movies in the car. I want to be able to drive the carpool to school or take extra kids to games. I want to embrace being a mom and feel proud. The thing is, driving the Saab didn’t make me less of a mom to my kids. It just made me feel like I was someone other than my true self for brief periods of time. Well, I’m ready to be “real me” 24/7.
So, I bought a minivan.
What have you done to embrace the “real” you?
13 Comments
congratulations for your purchase! I believe your family unit will be happy which will make you happy!. I recently went to a 4 door and my son will ride with me without hesitation- so you are right- it really does not matter…to answer your question- thanks to you -I am writing stories that I have been wanting to communicate and share with others for years…;)
The real me is always a process of becoming.
I drove a full size customized van – Chevrolet G20 – for about nine years. Now drive a Chevy Silverado 2500HD, 4×4, club cab, 4×4 with the 8.1L gasser (don’t ask about the MPG!). Both vehicles were essential to pulling my current pop-up tent trailer, travel trailer or now fifth wheel.
The real me is becoming a better photographer. Moving beyond the quantity of point and shoot to the quality of intentional creative composition.
I don’t own a car so I can’t comment on your choice 🙂 It does seem sensible, so congratulations!
However, in terms of embracing the real me, I can say I’ve done one thing of significance-I’ve come out as a blogger. After a year of semi-anonymous work I’ve included my social media experience front-and-center on my Linkedin profile. Now my co-workers have full knowledge of that part of my professional life. So far they’ve been very supportive!
Congrats on the minivan! The real “me” has just started her own consulting firm. After the last two co’s I worked for closed their local offices – I finally decided to follow this little “voice” inside of me (along with the voices of friends who nagged at me for months) and I’m finally taking the plunge…er….challenge 🙂
Congrats on getting the “station wagon” of our generation !! I’ve driven a minivan for years and was never a “soccer dad.”. I’m a very tall guy so I fit in a minivan. (Skip the irony in the vehicle name. However, the idea of “fit” is something I’ve always sought in life, work and relationships understaning that this is a broad playing field !! I hope others embrace who they are as well. Great post as always, Trish !!
Congrats Trish!
Agree with Debbie, you’re going to be happier being the great caregiver you are and your kids are going to love to room.
I understand what you’re going through. I traded in my beautiful, fully loaded, black on black Caddy CTS a few years back to prepare for being out on my own. For me the CTS said “I made it” & I didn’t want anything else, it had to be unique and at the time, it was. After trading it, I hated the change, even though I knew it was the right thing to do. Then within a few weeks I realized, “Who cares!? Why do I care so much what other people think?” It was ridiculous and I was so glad when the day came that I was back to being comfortable with who I was and where we were in our lives.
Not long after, my husband traded his SUV in for a sensible Civic. Now we both blend in and we’re completely content with that.
By the way, we had a minivan when our daughter was small then an SUV as she grew a older. It was so wonderful being the Mom that drove her and her friends around. You get to know friends better AND hear all the good stuff. 😉 It definitely brought everyone closer together.
So congratulations on choosing to be the real YOU. We love you just the way you are. XOXO
@Debbie- Thanks for commenting and reinforcing my decision from a family standpoint. I am glad you’re embracing the writer in you and looking forward to seeing your contributions.
@RM- Wow, those are some big vehicles but having the travel trailer is certainly a great reason to have them. Photography is such a personal activity. I love that you’re capturing your view of the world.
@Victorio- I have to tell you that part of me liked knowing who was behind CCC when many people didn’t. However, I am thrilled you’ve made yourself known. Having colleague support is such a great thing. Congrats!
GASP! You gave up your Saab?????
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
P.S. – I hope you love the minivan. What brand is it?
Congrats on joining the minivan loving group! It’s about time 🙂
Awesome post and great call on the vehicle
My comments mirror Charee – lugging the soccer
team, movie nights, or impromptu gatherings
has been one of my biggest joys in life
we have a Toyota mini can and a 4Runner,
both filled with sunblock, chairs, and water
bottles
love it!
Well, I didn’t buy the minivan, but I did trade up to an SUV for added space and storage. I. cant. go. minivan. yet.
@Deborah- Congrats on starting your own firm. I always know when my little inner voice gets loud, it’s best to listen. Or stuff my mouth with cake. 🙂
@Steve- Thanks for commenting. It’s starting to appear I’m joining a very good group of minivan driving HR pros!
@Charee- Thanks for your encouragement. First, I definitely see you in that CTS, no doubt it was perfect for you. Second, I love how you say that you blend in now and you’re fine with that. It’s exactly how I feel. The more I get to know you, the more I think we are so similar.
@Mike- YYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS. I knew that I’d be letting you and HRFishbowl down. Here’s the master plan….keep this a year then buy a new Saab. Then, world domination. BTW, it’s a Chrysler Town & Country. It’s pretty nice.
@Sarah- I definitely can’t see you driving this, a SUV is much more the “cool Sarah” vibe. Thanks for commenting.
@Karen- Whatevah sistah!!!!
@Mike G- Thanks. You and Charee both made great points about being able to experience more with my kids and their friends. I am actually looking forward to the carpool duties.