Fractured Self
/What happens when parenthood threatens to erase your identity?
Monica Gokey’s son Vern goes fishing at dawn. (Photo by Monica Gokey)
Monica Gokey was an avid whitewater kayaker. Paddling had stolen her heart, shaped her identity, and given her a tribe to belong to.
Then she had kids.
These days, Monica’s kayaking life has been replaced by the routine of caring for three small children. The adventurous side of her has been eclipsed by her new identity as a parent. And some days, that new identity is tough to swallow.
On this episode, Monica shares her story. It’s a story about the parts of ourselves we give up when we choose to become parents. And it’s about attempting to reconcile yourself with a new identity.
“I let my pre-parent self slide away too easily. ... And it’s left me feeling a bit adrift on who I am anymore.”
