"Embracing the Mess: Navigating the Real and Raw of Motherhood"

The Ups and Downs of Motherhood Motherhood is a journey filled with ups and downs, challenges and joys, tears and laughter. It is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, every day all day long, but one that is worth every second. As a mother, you feel the responsibility of nurturing and shaping a little human being, and it can be overwhelming at times. Through these blog posts, I want you to feel supported, heard, and overall validated that we are all doing everything in our power to create good humans. We are here to support and empower you every step of the way. One of the most important things to remember as a mother is to embrace the ups and downs. There will be days when everything goes smoothly, and you feel like you have it all figured out. Cherish and celebrate those moments. Other days may seem impossible like nothing seems to go right, and you question your abilities as a mother. It's okay to feel overwhelmed and frustrated. Give yourself permission to feel those emotions, and remember that tomorrow is a new day, if you didn't keep your cool in those heated moments with your toddler or teenager, remember you did not damage them. Come back and relate to them as they need to learn that you are human too and you can make mistakes. Apologize, have a conversation about the emotions everyone was feeling, and over time we will do better. We are not perfect nor should we be expected to be. Another key aspect of navigating the journey of motherhood is finding a support system. Surround yourself with other mothers who understand what you're going through. Join parenting groups, attend playdates, or connect with other moms online, like here! Having a support system can provide you with a sense of belonging and reassurance that you are not alone in your struggles. When I began staying at home over a year ago, I found that the Early Childhood Group at my local elementary school was a great outlet for me to still feel like an adult. Here I get to share my experiences, seek advice, and offer support to others. I know this is not available to everyone and that is why I wanted to start this blog. I want everyone to have someone they can connect with and find a place they belong so no one feels like they are on their own in this journey. Together, we can lift each other and make this journey a little bit easier. Self-care is often overlooked by mothers, but it is crucial for your well-being. Where is the time, maybe the money, the motivation to take a look at yourself instead of worrying about what everyone else needs? Taking care of yourself is not selfish; it is necessary. Make time for activities that bring you joy and help you recharge. Whether it's reading a book, going for a walk, or indulging in a hobby, prioritize self-care. This does not mean you need to embark on a 7-day-a-week gym routine that makes you feel even more drained, or start taking classes on knitting that require a ton of resources and time. Take a hot shower while your kids nap or someone is home to watch them. I tend to shower a lot with my kids constantly coming in and out of the bathroom, but those where it is just me and the hot water. THOSE ARE LIFE CHANGING for my mental health. Try to find time where you are not a mother, but can be yourself for just 5 minutes. Remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself allows you to show up as the best version of yourself for your child/ren.

Lastly, embrace the imperfections of motherhood. There is no such thing as a perfect mother. We all make mistakes, and that's okay. Learn from them, grow, and move forward. Your love and presence are what matter most to your child. As long as the times you are present and they outway the heated moments in a tantrum or the door slams, your children will have good memories with you, so don't be down on yourself for those moments of weakness. Learn from them, take deep breaths, and try to do/be better. We are human, and it is vitally important for our kids to see that, they learn from us so let us show them how we can be in control of our emotions, or urges, and walk them through those steps. Embrace the messy moments, the tantrums, and the chaos. These are the moments that shape your child and create lasting memories. Motherhood is a beautiful journey filled with love, growth, and endless learning. Give grace to yourself, the ups and downs are a part of life. Find your support system, whether it is this blog, a mommy and me group, or your best friend that has no idea what motherhood is about. Talking out your emotions and feelings will take the burden off of you! Prioritize self-care- start with a hot shower without kids interrupting (LIFE CHANGING)- and embrace the imperfections. Remember, you are doing an amazing job, and your love and dedication are what make you an incredible mother. Cherish every moment, for they are fleeting, and before you know it, your little one will be all grown up.