Is this Bench Taken? A Follow Up…

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BenchAbout a year ago, I shared my experience with you about a recent encounter at a local park (read that post here). At the time, I was a new stay-at-home mom, had just recovered from major surgery and was eager to make new friends for both my two toddlers and myself. Long story short, I was having trouble. I was lonely and feeling left out and maybe even a little sorry for myself. Well, I’m back to share with you what has changed over this past year, and more importantly, how I have changed.

After writing those words last year, I read the many comments you left and immediately felt better. So many others felt the same way and many of you encouraged me to reach out to different groups and to not feel discouraged. I immediately started to change my attitude and live by the quote, “Be the person you want to meet.” Because I’m pretty sure I was closing myself off and was the one standing in my own way.

It started with tapping into the resources I already had…my friends! I scheduled play dates, planned outings and made it a point to be more social. I quickly realized that not only did I miss being social, but I missed my friends. These people have known me for years and years and getting together with them is always a cherished time.

Bench 2 - Pic 1I then decided to branch out at the place where I was spending most of my time – the gym. I started taking a group training class twice a week and was thrilled to meet other moms who were in very similar shoes. We’ve gone from acquaintances to friends and they’ve turned out to be some of my biggest cheerleaders.

Bench 2 - Pic 2And the last change may be pretty obvious, but it has to do with what you are reading right now. Joining the other moms of Cincinnati Moms Blog has been such a blessing. Becoming part of a group of women who are passionate, supportive, smart and love our wonderful city has been so fulfilling. Even if most of our interaction is virtual (but I love our in-person gatherings too!), these women have lifted me up by sharing their words and their hearts. And you know what? As a reader, you have too.

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Photo Credit: Kristin Weinberg Photography Hair & Makeup: AV Beauty Bar

Making friends as an adult is tough. We are preoccupied with our own families, jobs, hobbies and to-do lists and many times our friends (or making new ones) falls to the bottom of our priorities. But I would argue that we need friends now more than ever, especially those who can relate to this season of life. I’m lucky enough to have put myself out there and came back with relationships, new and old, that have filled a void I was feeling. And if you’re feeling lonely and need a friend, there’s a spot on my bench for you.

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Andrea Limke
I am a native Cincinnatian and thanks to a lot of moving, I know this city pretty well. I grew up on the Westside, attended Walnut Hills High School, and then headed to Oxford for an education degree at Miami University. After a few years in Hyde Park, my husband and I are settled in Northern Kentucky for the time being. One of the great things about the Cincinnati area is the abundance of wonderful neighborhoods, schools and family friendly activities! My husband, Andrew, and I have a son, Aiden (2) and our baby girl, Audrey. We didn’t exactly plan all of the “A” names, but it allows us to keep our family nickname – the A-Team. I am an elementary school teacher, but am on a leave of absence right now to be home with my kids. My days are filled with entertaining my babies, taking way too many pictures on my phone and changing a lot of diapers. Thanks to recent open-heart surgery, I have an aortic valve that ticks (like a clock!), I have ornithophobia (Google it) and I broke my hip when I was 18 (I will never ice skate again). But, I do love photography on my “real” camera, pretending I’m a good enough chef to have my own cooking show and playing outside. I turned to writing/blogging in order to document my family’s journey to better health and as motivation to keep myself on track. You can read more about my personal journey at www.limkelife.blogspot.com. I look forward to sharing the adventure of motherhood with you!

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