Motherhood comes with an invisible weight—the pressure to do it all, be it all, and somehow make it look effortless. It’s like we’ve been conditioned to always look over our shoulder—who’s watching, what will they think? The spotless home, the no-fuss kids who go from morning to night like a breeze, the healthy meals eaten without complaint. The expectation to “bounce back” after having a baby—physically, emotionally, mentally. But here’s the thing: motherhood isn’t about bouncing back—it’s about leaping forward. (Read more about why “bouncing back” is a lie)
And when we fall short (because we all do), guilt creeps in.
Instagram and social platforms aren’t solely to blame, but they don’t help. We scroll through the beige, perfectly styled rooms, the dressed-up kids with their macro-balanced meals, and somewhere in us, we start to compare. But let’s be real—there are skeletons hiding somewhere. We’ve all got them. This isn’t reality—or at least, it’s not yours or mine.
We are individuals living out unique lives. We shape our own happiness. And too often, we create the pressure that drives our days. The noise that drowns out what really matters: presence.
Because when we’re chasing perfection, we’re missing presence.
So the next time you feel like you’re failing at being perfect, ask yourself—what am I missing right now? Our children are changing every day. So are we. These moments are fleeting. What are we missing in the name of “keeping up”?
Even in our lowest lows, I promise you—there’s something to be grateful for. Something that warms our hearts and holds us steady. Life is hard sometimes, and that’s part of it. But what we choose to hold onto—and how we hold onto it—is what shapes us. And it’s what shapes our children.
Because we can’t control what life throws at us, but we can choose how we respond. Our words, even the ones we only say inside our minds, matter. They shape the lives we live and the tone of the homes we raise our little ones in.
The Myth of the Perfect Mom
Somewhere along the way, we believed good motherhood meant having it all together. But impossible standards leave us feeling disconnected and constantly behind.
What if instead of doing everything “right,” we focused on connection? (How to Show Up for Yourself as a Mom—Without the Guilt)
Our children won’t remember the spotless floors. They’ll remember:
- The nights we stroked their hair as they drifted to sleep.
- The giggles at messy, imperfect dinners.
- The moments we saw them—truly saw them.
- The warmth of our hugs, the sound of our voices.
The Power of Presence
Presence means choosing connection over control, love over lists, and moments over multitasking. (Finding Joy in the Everyday Chaos)
How to Practice Presence in Motherhood:
✅ Pause the To-Do List – The laundry will wait. Your child’s childhood won’t.
✅ Embrace the Mess – A little chaos means life is happening. Let it be.
✅ Silence the Distractions – Put the phone down. Be where your feet are.
✅ Let Go of Mom Guilt – You’re not meant to do it all. You’re meant to love deeply.
✅ Savor the Now – From bedtime stories to breakfast giggles, soak in the magic of now.
The Gift of Presence—for Ourselves
Being present isn’t just for our kids. It’s for us too.
🌿 Take a slow walk. Notice the breeze.
🌿 Drink your coffee slowly—yes, even if it’s reheated.
🌿 Sit in stillness. Breathe deeply.
Life won’t slow down. But you can.
Need a gentle daily reset? Download the free self-care checklist here
(Read: You Deserve to Be Cared For Too)
You Are Already Enough
At the end of the day, it’s not about what we accomplish—it’s about how we love. Not flawless execution, but full-hearted living. Your kids don’t need perfect. They need YOU.
So let the pressure go. Ditch the guilt. Show up. Be here. Because these are the moments that matter most.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
How do you practice being present in motherhood? What moments remind you that presence matters more than perfection?
I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Let’s support and encourage one another. ❤️
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