I have to admit that I have changed a lot. I had introduced myself to others by saying, “Hi, I am J's mother” or “A's mom” rather than my own name. Another mother 1  asked me, “And do you have a(n)2?”

    My friend 3 me a few days before. I kept on talking for five minutes about my4. When I 5, she asked, “So, is there anything going on with  6 ?”

    At first, I didn't understand 7 she was asking me that. Hadn't I just told her what was going on with me? But then I realized that8 I said had actually been about myself. It was all about my kids. I love being a mom. The kids were my world.9 , it was my kids' world, and I just lived in it and  10it didn't fall apart.

    The phone call with my friend made me  11 that I needed to start thinking about who else I am  12  being a mother. I realized that to be a good 13, I also had to be my own person—not just someone who only14to take care of other people.

    I joined a club and started doing some volunteer work. I took a writing class online. I am now a regular 15 to several magazines and write a monthly blog. I don't make a lot of money by writing, but I feel more 16 as a person. I am  17 and growing, and that makes me more 18and a better mother.

    Now when I19  myself, I say, “Hi, my name is Randi,” and it feels 20  to be me.