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| Image credit: Pexels |
{This is a collaborative post}
Life has a way of
reshaping who we are, often quietly and gradually. We do not wake up one day as
a different person, but over time our priorities shift, our perspectives soften,
and our sense of identity expands. This change can feel subtle, yet it runs
deep, influenced by relationships, responsibilities and the everyday moments
that shape family life.
Becoming a Parent
Before becoming
parents, many of us define ourselves through independence. Our choices feel
immediate and personal. Style, routines and ambitions are often centered on the
self. As life grows around us, that focus naturally widens. Identity becomes
layered, shaped not only by who we are, but by who we care for.
This transition is
rarely linear. Some days we feel firmly grounded in ourselves, while on others
we feel stretched thin. Both experiences are part of the same story. Identity
in this phase of life is not lost, but evolving.
Parenthood introduces
a constant balancing act. We hold space for our own needs while responding to
the needs of others. This balance is reflected in how we move through the world,
how we speak to ourselves and how we choose what surrounds us. Small, seemingly
ordinary decisions take on new meaning. What once felt like surface-level choices
can become reflections of deeper values. Comfort, connection and authenticity
often take precedence over appearance or approval.
This shift can show up
in personal style as well. Many parents describe feeling less interested in
trends and more drawn to things that feel meaningful or familiar. Items chosen now
tend to be those that support daily life rather than distract from it.
In conversations about
balance and connection, references to toi et moi rings
sometimes appear as gentle metaphors for how two identities can exist together
without one overshadowing the other. The idea resonates not because of design
or symbolism, but because it reflects lived experience. We learn to hold who we
were and who we are becoming at the same time.
Being Present
Parenthood often
brings a deeper awareness of time. Days feel long, yet years pass quickly. This
awareness encourages reflection. We become more conscious of what matters and what
does not.
Identity during this
stage is shaped by presence. Being present with children, partners and ourselves
requires intention. It asks us to slow down, to notice, to listen. In doing so,
we often rediscover parts of ourselves that had been set aside.
There is also a growing appreciation for imperfection. Parenthood rarely allows for complete control. Plans change, routines shift, and expectations are challenged. Through this, we learn adaptability and patience.




















