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from juggling being a mother, a spouse, and an individual, but with optimism, kindness, and strength, it is easily achievable to live a life that is fully fulfilling for not only the family, but myself.” -Jennifer H. “I maintain my unique individuality by seek- ing out opportunities to expand my interests and try new things. I’m always looking for new cities to explore. I love to try different foods and find new places to hike.” -Renee S. “I maintain my individuality by scheduling regular hangouts with friends.” -Brittany G. “To maintain my unique individuality I make an effort to connect with other women that I enjoy hanging out with. Sometimes it’s din- ner, a concert, a movie, a kid-free event.... Just something to remind us that we aren’t JUST someone’s Mom. (Although we absolutely adore that title.)” -Kelly M. “I keep my individuality by making time for things I love like the Bengals and going to the games or making time to see friends. I also make sure to plan at least one date night a month with my fiancé away from any kids so we get to focus just on us.” -Rachel P. “I stay unique by running a book club. I love reading and hanging out with my bookish friends. The set one day a month gives me something to look forward to, a day just for me and to see my friends.” -Ashley Z. “I join three friends for an hour every Tuesday evening for pilates. It’s a great way to feel good and get a little me time in.” -Elizabeth H. “I get my energy and joy from my children and amazing grandchildren. My husband of 45 years passed away from a rare form of cancer after only 6 months. We had so many plans for our future, but now I have to plan a new future.” -Rhonda F. “We keep a subscription to Playhouse in the Park and Cincinnati Symphony so that I can still enjoy the arts as a mom.” -Candice K.
Keeping Your Sparkle!
BY AMANDA CIANI PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM
S he is the glue that holds the family She. is. MOM! And Mother’s Day is such a wonderful way to celebrate the woman who does it all, but it kind of got us thinking… Mommas, how do you maintain your unique individuality?! Do you have hobbies and interests? Do you dedicate time and energy to nourish friendships and relationships? How do you retain being more than mom? Remember: Keep your sparkle, ladies, and Happy Mother’s Day! together. A chef, nurse, cleaning crew, therapist, chauffeur and so much more. “My interests have kind of leaked into motherhood. So antiquing, sports, spooky stuff, music, nature, travel, amusement parks, trying new restaurants—I am fortunate to have cool kids who like what I like, haha! Beyond that, I enjoy watching ‘our’ shows with my husband once the kids go to bed, chatting with my parents, and I have some lovely mom-friends whose texts truly help keep me sane!” -Amanda C., associate editor of Cincinnati Family Magazine “I love reading books. My hobbies involve riding ATVs and swimming!” -Jessie B.
“I’m using my time and energy on family and friendships. I’m a new mom and it has really opened my eyes to how important it is to spend quality time with family making mem- ories and starting family traditions.” -Cheyenne S. “I make sure to spend time doing the things I love! If I know I’ll have a busy week, I’ll ded- icate time to hangout with my boyfriend or family and leave my phone far, far away. I love being outdoors so I can’t wait for the weather to warm up! I try to find concerts that I can attend with friends so I have something to look forward to, always. I’ve found that if I have something to look forward to, it gives me a little less stress than normal because I get excited about that and forget what I was worried about a few minutes prior.” -Jessica S. “Be sure that you set time aside for yourself for things that interest you specifically. These things should not be things related to your children or your spouse. It should be things that you have been deeply connected with or passionate about your entire life. For me, that is nature and wildlife preservation, so any chance that I get to be involved with that opportunity, I am all in! It is a delicate balance
8 MAY 2026 | CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM
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