Oh, ugh, flowmom. Pulling things out slowly, box by box.
Yes, I see what you mean about struggling with GAL. I felt the same way--I have friends, activities, volunteer stuff--plenty of life for me!
and you have the hugest responsibility of all--bringing up children to be actual human beings. I can only deal with cats, myself.
So it is a good question--given that you have a fulfilling life, what is GAL? It it totallly other people's problem how they view your life and responsibilities.
GAL'ing for you might me expanding your social/activities beyond the household/children, in so far as your schedule/finances allow. Even joining an on-line group of some sort--Scrabble? Mah-jong? gets you connected to new/other people and is a new thing for your brain and heart to feel and do.
Can you shake up how you interact with other moms? trade off child care for some personal time? join forces to get the kids a babysitter, and do some at-home, inexpensive spa stuff?
You are who you are, not what you do. I try to remember to say I work AS an xyz, not I AM an xyz. Try to keep what I do separate from who I am.
Keep breathing.
Me: 44 Him: 42 Together: 23 years; never married Bomb: August 1, 2009 Affair since May 2009 Walk away; no conversation; no process
