Being a mother is incredibly difficult. It would be pretty easy to make a list of all the ways motherhood is challenging. But, today let’s talk about just one. Self-care. And, I’m not talking about remembering to take a shower, brush your hair, and when the last time you changed the shirt you are wearing was. I am talking about losing yourself.

There is nothing wrong with your kids being your entire world. You, however, have to find time for yourself. You have to hold on to your interests. You have to have some sort of hobby that you just don’t let go of. One of the best ways to survive motherhood is to have a guilty pleasure or two. Something that just fills you with serotonin. Something you get so lost in that nothing else matters. For me, my guilty pleasure is anime. The question is: Can moms like anime? Is that even allowed?

Anime Used To Be A ‘Guy’ Thing

Today, anime really isn’t something that caters to one gender. In fact, there are genres of anime available for just about everyone. When I was a teenager, however, anime was very much a guy thing. It was weird and embarrassing for me to be a teenage girl who liked anime. So, it isn’t too surprising that I would find myself wondering if other moms like anime as much as I do. Surely there is no way I am the only one, right?

Anime Is For Everyone

Here’s the thing: Do you have a genre of movie or TV show you enjoy watching? Romance? Thriller? Maybe a comedy? Anime exists in these categories. The difference is the colors are brighter; the characters are cuter; and animation isn’t limited to what a real person can and can’t do. Honestly? I think if people could look past it being an animated series or movie, there are a lot of anime series and movies with absolutely beautiful storylines. Furthermore, the shows aren’t all PG and kid-friendly either. There are plenty of more mature options as well.

 

 

Overall, I think it is sad that me (or any other mom) finds something they really like and has to ask themselves whether they are allowed to like it. For example, I’ve fully embraced my love for anime. I don’t have any friends to really talk to about it, but that doesn’t stop me from enjoying it. After a hard time with the kids, curling up and watching an anime series is sometimes just what this momma needs.

So, am I telling you to run out and start watching anime? Yes and no. I absolutely think people would be happier if they started watching anime and I would love to give my friends some suggestions. But, that isn’t really the point. The point is that your mental health matters. As a mother, you need to find a guilty pleasure that makes you happy. Once you find it, you need to have no shame in enjoying it.