How to Love Motherhood — Not Just Survive
To truly love motherhood and not just survive, you must understand that it’s about more than just making it through each day. It’s about finding fulfillment and joy in the journey of raising your children. By implementing specific strategies and mindsets, you can transform the way you experience motherhood and create a more positive and rewarding experience for yourself and your family.
Shifting Your Mindset
To truly embrace the joys of motherhood, shift your mindset towards appreciating the present parenting season. It’s easy to get caught up in thinking about the future or reminiscing about the past, but the magic truly happens when you focus on the now. Each stage of your child’s development brings with it unique joys and challenges. By being present and fully engaged in this season of motherhood, you can discover hidden treasures that may otherwise go unnoticed.
When you let go of the urge to rush through different stages or constantly worry about what’s to come, you create space to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the present moment. Take a moment to cherish the laughter, the tiny victories, and even the messy mishaps that make up your day. These seemingly ordinary moments hold the power to fill your heart with immense joy and gratitude.
Embracing Self-Care Practices
Shift your focus towards nurturing yourself by embracing self-care practices as a normal part of your motherhood. As a mom, it’s easy to prioritize everyone else’s needs above your own, but remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself isn’t vital; it’s essential for your well-being and your ability to care for your little ones effectively.
Find small moments in your day to sneak in some self-care. Whether it’s enjoying a quiet cup of tea before everyone wakes up, taking a short walk during nap time, or indulging in a relaxing bath after the kids are asleep, these moments of self-care can help you recharge and feel more grounded.
Don’t forget to prioritize your physical health as well. Eating nutritious meals, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest are important for your energy levels and overall health. And don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Whether it’s getting a babysitter for a few hours, reaching out to family and friends for support, or seeking professional help, remember that it’s okay to not do it all alone.
Building Supportive Relationships
Building strong, supportive relationships is fundamental for thriving! You can’t just talk to the toddlers all day and expect to stay sane. As a mom, you need a solid network of people who understand and uplift you. These relationships can come from various sources: your partner, family members, friends, or even other moms in a similar life phase. It’s about surrounding yourself with individuals who offer encouragement, lend a listening ear, and share in your joys and struggles.
Your partner plays a vital role in this support system. Building a strong bond with them not only enhances your relationship but also creates a stable environment for your children. Communicate openly, share responsibilities, and make time for each other amidst the chaos of parenthood.
Additionally, connecting with other moms can provide a sense of community and validation. Sharing experiences, tips, and even venting frustrations can strengthen your resolve and remind you that you’re not alone in this journey.
Finding Joy in the Little Moments
Amidst the chaos of motherhood, finding joy in the little moments can bring immense fulfillment and happiness. It’s those simple, everyday occurrences that often hold the most profound beauty. The way your child’s eyes light up when they see you in the morning, the sound of their laughter as they play, or even the warmth of their tiny hand in yours — these are the moments that can truly make your heart swell.
It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of responsibilities and to-do lists, but taking a moment to pause and savor these small joys can be incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s sharing a silly joke, enjoying a spontaneous dance party in the living room, or cuddling up together with a favorite book, these are the moments that create lasting memories and strengthen the bond between you and your child.
In the midst of the challenges and busyness of motherhood, finding joy in these little moments can be like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there’s beauty to be found. So, take a deep breath, slow down, and allow yourself to fully embrace and cherish these precious moments with your little ones.
Go look at my other socials for ideas to help you enjoy the small moments. In this small clip, I LOVED getting to watch him learn something that he was EXCITED about learning.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Setting realistic expectations in motherhood is important for your mental well-being and overall satisfaction. As a mother, you may have envisioned a picture-perfect scenario of how things should be, but reality often paints a different picture. It’s vital to acknowledge that motherhood is a journey filled with ups and downs, sweet moments, and challenges. By setting realistic expectations, you allow yourself the freedom to embrace the imperfections and find joy in the midst of chaos.
It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of societal pressures and idealized portrayals of motherhood. However, by adjusting your expectations to align with the unpredictable nature of raising children, you can experience a greater sense of fulfillment. Understand that tantrums and meltdowns are part of the process, and managing expectations while finding joy in the midst of chaos can make a significant difference in your overall well-being.
Prioritizing Your Well-Being
To prioritize your well-being as a mother, make sure you carve out time for self-care and rest. Motherhood can be all-consuming, but remember that taking care of yourself is essential for taking care of your little ones. It’s not crucial; it’s necessary. Find moments in your day, even if they’re brief, to do something that rejuvenates you. Whether it’s a quick meditation, a short walk outside, or savoring a cup of tea in peace, these small acts of self-care can make a big difference in how you feel.
Creating a routine that includes self-care practices can help you maintain balance amidst the chaos of motherhood. Prioritize getting enough rest, even if it means asking for help or adjusting your schedule. When you’re well-rested, you’re better equipped to handle the challenges that come your way. Remember, you deserve to feel good physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Don’t underestimate the power of self-care in nurturing your well-being as a mother. By making yourself a priority, you’re setting a positive example for your children and showing them the importance of self-love. You’ll find that when you take care of yourself, you’re better able to show up fully for your family with patience, energy, and love. So, embrace self-care as an essential part of your motherhood journey.
Conclusion
As you continue on your journey of motherhood, remember to always prioritize your well-being and find joy in the little moments.
By shifting your mindset, embracing self-care practices, building supportive relationships, and setting realistic expectations, you can truly love motherhood and not just survive it.
Cherish this season of life, savoring the precious moments with your little ones, and remember to take care of yourself along the way.
You’ve got this!
I’m a huge advocate of homeschooling and you can read my full guide here:
And here’s some “kicks” for you — go ahead and laugh at my calamity.
