#2: Mom Mindset Shifts: How To Go From ‘Surviving’ to “Thriving”
Are you tired of running on coffee and sheer willpower? Of living day in and day out in what feels like survival mode? Do you want to know how to make little changes to get your spark back? If you’re anything like me, the word “surviving” might feel like your default mode. Some days, it’s a victory just to get through the chaos of the morning routine, keep the kids fed, and make it to bedtime without losing your shit. But what if we could move beyond just surviving and start truly thriving in your mom life?
Today, I’m going to walk you through some practical and realistic mindset shifts that will help you get from “I’m just making it” to “I’m absolutely killing this.” Whether you’re a new mom, a seasoned pro, or somewhere in between, these shifts are for every mama who’s ready to level up and start living her best life—without the burnout. So grab your coffee, tea or wine, settle in, and let’s get started.
Mindset Shift #1: "I Could’ve Done More"
to "I Am Doing My Best, And That’s Enough"
Let’s start with a big one. As moms, we love saying things like, “I could be doing more.” And yes, there’s days we could have done more, but here’s the truth: You are doing enough with the energy levels you had that day. You don’t need to be perfect or constantly working to "do more" to prove your worth.
Here’s a mindset shift that can change everything: Stop tying your self-worth to your productivity.
Whether you get the laundry done or not, whether your kids are perfectly behaved or running around in mismatched clothes, you are enough. There’s no checklist for motherhood that makes you worthy of love, respect, or peace of mind. We know by now that being a mother is the hardest job there is. Research has shown that all that a SAHM does, is the equivalent to 2.5 FULL TIME JOBS. We are a mother 24/7 no matter what. Even if we work out of home at a 9-5, even if we’re home with them all day, even if you’re on vacation away from them; we always have our subconscious minds on them.
This shift is all about embracing that you don’t need to be perfect to be a good mom. It’s not about the number of tasks you check off; it’s about the love, effort, and care you put into what you do. Every day you show up—even when you feel like a hot mess—is a win. And that’s enough. We need to seriously give ourselves more credit because we’re not robots, we’re no only “baby-makers” as some would say, we are actual human beings and we were human beings first, before we had kids. We deserve to give ourselves some slack and not compare ourselves to the “pinterest aesthetic mom era” because it’s not realistic. One of my favorite quotes, “comparison is the thief of joy” because it’s true af and it just instills self-doubt and insecurities in ourselves and that’s me talking from experience. On top of it, you never know what’s going on behind those pictures. You never know how many takes, bribes or even days it took to get their kids to take that perfectly candid photo, so don’t believe everything you see on social media. You don’t post when your kids are pulling your hair in your selfies or when you’re trying to take a cute picture of them finally together but it’s one of them choking out the other, do you? So let’s shift our mindsets from “I could have done more” to “I am doing my best, and that’s enough.” Because it truly is enough and so are you!
Mindset Shift #2: "I Have No Time For Myself"
to "I Make Time for What Matters"
Ahh, time. If there’s one thing every mom feels like they’re running short on, it’s time. You know the drill—there’s never enough time in the day to do all the things you need to do for your family, your house, your career, and you.
But here’s the mindset shift: You have time for what you prioritize.
The difference between surviving and thriving isn’t about having more hours in the day. It’s about how you use the time you’ve got. This is where we need to get intentional about your priorities. You’ve got to stop saying you don’t have time, and start saying, “I’m going to make time for the things that matter most to me.” This was one of the hardest mindset shifts for me and it still is, honestly. I am terrible with time management, I feel like I never have enough time in the day to complete everything. But, after trial and error trying to find what works for me, I found that planning is crucial for me. I am a planning girly and have zero shame and actually love that about myself. I love me some to-do lists, habit trackers, planning out my month on a calendar once the 1st comes around.
Helpful Apps I Use:
Structured: habit tracking & time blocking app that has been a lifesaver. You can customize the icons, colors and my favorite is the Focus feature of certain tasks you can do to really help you. It’s my ADHD bestie.
Google Calendar: keeping track of all my events, appointments and I love how aesthetically pleasing it can be by color coding everything.
GoodNotes: I use this app on my iPad and have purchased 2 different journals/daily planners, one through the actual "GoodNotes and the other from a Etsy shop. For the Etsy purchase, I bought my “That Girl Planner” from BrighterPlans and use it apart of my morning & night routines.
There will be days when you drop the ball, but if you can make small changes—like waking up 10 minutes earlier for a fresh cup of coffee, blocking out time for a hot mom walk, or sitting down to read for 15 minutes while the kids are occupied—it makes a world of difference.
Here’s a few of practical tips I’ve been implementing that have helped me tremendously:
1. Schedule “Me Time” Like It’s an Appointment
I know, I know—sometimes the idea of scheduling “me time” feels like a joke when your calendar is already bursting at the seams. But here’s the secret: If it’s not scheduled, it won’t happen. Simple as that.
Start by looking at your week and finding 15-30 minutes to claim as your own. Whether it’s before the kids wake up, during nap time, or after they go to bed, put it in your calendar like it’s a meeting you cannot miss. You wouldn’t blow off a doctor’s appointment, so why would you blow off your own well-being? Use this time for anything that recharges you—whether it’s reading a chapter of your favorite book, sipping coffee in silence, or taking a quick walk around the block.
Tip: Put it in your phone as a recurring event. “Me Time – 30 mins” on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You’ll start to feel the same kind of urgency for it as you do for picking up the kids from soccer practice.
2. Take Advantage of “Small Windows” of Time
You don’t need hours to reset. Honestly, sometimes 10-15 minutes is all it takes to recharge. If you find yourself with a brief moment of quiet (maybe the kids are playing nicely, or your partner/parent takes over for a few), use it wisely!
Quick walk around the neighborhood for some fresh air and sunlight.
Journal for a few minutes about how you’re feeling.
Dance it out to your favorite song for a quick mood boost.
Mindful breathing for five minutes to calm your mind.
These mini-breaks might not seem like much, but when you start intentionally using these moments for yourself, they really do add up.
Tip: Keep a “Quick Recharge List” handy on your phone with ideas for short self-care bursts you can use when you get a free moment. It's like your own mini self-care playlist.
3. Create a “Self-Care Routine” That Actually Fits Into Your Life
Let’s be real: The idea of a full-on spa day or a 2-hour yoga class might feel like a fantasy (unless you have an fantastic support system or an amazing mother). But thriving means making self-care realistic, not another thing on your to-do list that causes stress.
Instead of trying to squeeze in extravagant activities, create a simple, sustainable self-care routine that works within your day-to-day reality:
Morning: 5 minutes of stretching or deep breathing to start the day.
Midday: A 10-minute “Me Time” break with glass of water and a good book.
Evening: A quick skincare routine, or reading for 10-15 minutes before bed.
These small acts of self-care might seem tiny, but over time, they will add up to big benefits. And, importantly, they make you feel like yourself again!
Tip: Start with just one or two things you know you can consistently do. As you make self-care a regular part of your routine, you’ll naturally start to find more opportunities for it throughout the day.
4. Set Yourself Up For Success, The Night Before
The way this one shift changed the game for me is mind-blowing but so practical and easy. Have you ever woken up late, rush to throw an outfit together, throw a bunch of random snacks into your kids lunchbox and hope at least one of those things had some nutrients in it and rushed out the door forgetting their drink cup? I 100% have done this, countless times in fact. But once I started setting these next few little things in motion, that rarely happens anymore.
Lay out your clothes out: Hang them or lay them out on your bathroom sink before you get into bed because you know the first thing you do in the morning is empty that PP bladder.
Pack most of their lunch: I try to pack all the snacks that don’t need to be refrigerated the night before so that the only thing I have to worry about in the morning is the fruit, sandwich or meal they’re going to eat that day.
Set out my morning skincare: I set out my skincare routine on the bathroom sink so that I’m almost made to throw it on in the morning.
All of these little things help to create a habit, they all take less than 2 minutes to do and make a monumental difference in how your day starts. Now, I’m not saying you have to do this perfectly. We can’t do it all, but we can do what truly matters and make time for that. It’s about balance, mama. And balance doesn’t mean doing everything; it means doing what’s most important to you with intention.
Mindset Shift #3: "I’m So Tired"
to "Rest is Part of the Hustle"
Okay, let’s get real. How many times a week do you say, “I’m so tired I could fall asleep standing up”? (I’m pretty sure it’s a daily mantra at this point.) And let’s not even talk about the days when you’re not just tired, but soul-deep exhausted where you’re driving to put up your little one and you’re fighting to stay awake. I get it, I’m right there with you. You’re juggling a million things at once, and somewhere in the madness, there’s this sneaky voice telling you that if you’re not constantly doing something, you’re failing. Well, spoiler alert: that’s a lie.
Let’s reframe this. What if we started thinking of rest not as a luxury or a sign that we’re "slacking off," but as an essential part of the hustle? Because guess what? If you're not taking time to rest, you're probably running on empty, and no one—not even your coffee—can fix that for long.
Rest isn’t some fluffy, "nice-to-have" thing that only people who don’t have kids get to enjoy. Rest is part of the process. Think of it like charging your phone—without it, you’re just going to shut down, and then where will anyone be? (Probably still waiting for you to get dinner on the table, but now you’re too burnt out to care.)
So here are some practical ways to actually embrace rest—without feeling guilty or like you're somehow being “lazy”:
1. Delegate and Own It:
If there’s ever a time to lean on your partner, or a family member, or even a trusted friend, now is it. You don’t have to do it all. Share the load. Resting doesn’t mean you're less of a mom; it means you're teaching your kids the importance of balance. And who knows—your partner, family member or friend might actually enjoy spending time with the kids without you hovering like a helicopter.
2. Carve Out A “Mom-Only” Zone
You know that moment when you hide in the laundry room or your bedroom to eat a piece of chocolate like you’re in some secret club? Well, let’s turn that into a habit. If you can’t get a nap, steal five minutes in a quiet room (even if it's just your bathroom) to breathe deeply, dance it out to a 90’s R&B song, scroll through TikTok for a quick laugh, or just zone out. Recharging doesn’t need to be a full-on spa day; sometimes, it’s just about getting a break from being needed for five minutes.
3. Early Bedtime: The Holy Grail:
I know, I know—your to-do list could fill a novel, but hear me out. If you’ve been running on fumes all day, prioritizing an earlier bedtime for your kids which then leads to an earlier bedtime for you (even if it's just 15 minutes earlier) can actually make a world of difference. Don’t be afraid to utilize the fact they make Melatonin gummies in yummy flavors. Just hit the pillow and forget about everything else for a minute. Your body needs that reset, and tomorrow, you’ll thank yourself.
4. Take a “Mindless” Break:
Don’t underestimate the power of a mindless activity. Whether it’s watching a guilty-pleasure reality show or scrolling through Instagram, sometimes your brain just needs to not think for a few minutes. It’s like hitting pause on all the noise. And hey, if you’re enjoying it, it counts as self-care. No shame in that game.
At the end of the day, you’re doing an impossible job, and running on empty won’t get you far. Rest is not a sign of weakness—it’s what will keep you strong. So don’t feel guilty for needing it. When you rest, you’re doing exactly what you need to do to be your best self, not just for your family, but for you, too.
Because, mama, you can’t pour from an empty cup. So take that nap, have that chocolate, go to bed a little earlier, and remember that resting is part of the hustle. If anyone tries to tell you otherwise, just hand them a tired toddler and say, “You try it.”
Mindset Shift #4: "I’m So Overwhelmed"
to "I Can Handle This—One Hot Mess at a Time"
Okay, mama’s, let’s talk about that super overwhelmed feeling. You know the one where our heads could explode if we hear one more snack request, right? When your to-do list looks like it was written by a sadistic overachiever, laundry is multiplying like rabbits, your kids have a list of things they need, and somewhere in the back of your mind, you’re wondering if you should just throw in the towel and call it a day—except your towel’s probably buried under a mountain of other towels that need to be folded.
I’ve been there and as I write this, I’m still there. We’ve all been there. Overwhelm feels like being stuck in quicksand—every time you try to get a grip, the thing you’re holding onto breaks and you scramble for something else. But here’s the thing: You can handle this.
No, really. You can. It’s just about taking it one hot mess at a time.
I think our mindset is programmed like this because as moms, society tells us that we’re supposed to be doing something, all the time. We’re told we have to learn how to multi-task, how to do 3 things at once: take care of yourself, but also take care of your kids but also take care of your house, too. We aren’t taught or programmed to take one task at a time, so we have to say “Fuck you, society and your social norms” and do what is more manageable, feasible and rewarding for us. So, instead of looking at your life like a massive checklist where everything has to be done right now, let’s break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces, shall we? This isn’t about tackling the entire mountain of laundry or organizing every drawer in your house (let’s be honest, that’s not happening today). It’s about doing what you can, when you can, and giving yourself credit for every small win along the way.
Here are some practical, no-nonsense tips to help you get through the chaos without losing your mind (or your coffee cup):
1. Tackle One Task At A Time, Like a Boss:
Pick one thing—just one—and do it. Mono-tasking needs to be your new bestie, especially for us ADHD mama’s. Maybe it’s folding the laundry that’s been sitting in the basket for three days (no judgment, we’ve all been there) and only do that until it’s completed and put away. Then maybe your next task is wiping down the kitchen counter or emptying the trash. Whatever it is, focus on that one task and finish it. Celebrate the heck out of it when it’s done, because that’s a small victory, and you deserve to feel good about it. Who says you can’t throw yourself a mini party for doing all the dishes after dinner?
2. Use the "2-Minute Rule”:
Okay, this one is a game-changer, especially when you have strong ADHD and you’re feeling buried under the weight of a never-ending to-do list. The "2-Minute Rule" is simple: If something will take you less than two minutes to do, do it now. That’s it. Don’t overthink it. Whether it’s putting the dirty socks your daughter discarded onto the floor into the hamper, replying to a quick text you forgot to respond to hours ago, or taking out the overflowing trash, knock it out in two minutes or less. You’d be amazed at how much you can chip away at your overwhelming list by handling these tiny tasks right away. And the best part? You won’t feel that nagging pressure of "I really need to do that" looming over you all day. Plus, crossing stuff off the list (even the tiny things) will give you a little dopamine hit, which, let’s be real, is exactly what we need to survive the day.
3. Lower the Bar—Seriously:
You know how the internet tells you to "shoot for the stars" or "aim for perfection"? That’s cute, but I’m over here just trying to make it through the day without losing my shit. Lower the bar and stop expecting perfection. Maybe today’s "win" is simply surviving the morning without screaming at the kids to put their shoes on for the 50th time. Or maybe you get one load of laundry folded instead of the whole pile. Guess what? That counts. So give yourself permission to let go of the perfectionist fantasy. This is a huge one I try to work on daily, it’s hard letting go of being a perfectionist. There’s no trophy for "Most Perfect Mom"—only a prize for "Most Likely to Have Coffee Stains on Their Shirt," and guess what? That’s me.
4. Set a Realistic Goal for the Day:
Look, you don’t need to do everything today. Pick one or two things that will truly make you feel accomplished, and focus on those. Maybe it’s making dinner without your kids saying“No, thank you” or finally calling the dentist to schedule your kid’s appointment. Whatever it is, set a goal that feels achievable. And then, when you knock it out, give yourself a high five. (Or a piece of chocolate. Your choice.)
5. Celebrate the Little Wins:
Every time you finish a task, no matter how small, take a second to acknowledge it. So what if the kids are running around like tornadoes and your hair hasn’t seen a brush in three days? If you successfully made it through the morning routine with zero meltdowns, that’s a win. If you got dinner on the table without the help of the take out, that's another win. Celebrate those moments, even if it’s just a mental fist pump. The more you recognize your wins, the less overwhelmed you’ll feel. (You can also refer to Blog #1: How To Celebrate All The Wins - No Matter How Small for more tips and tricks)
6. Accept That It’s Okay to Be a Hot Mess:
You are not going to have it all together. Ever. (And honestly, if you did, it’d be weird.) So embrace the chaos! The dishes can wait, the laundry will still be there tomorrow, and your kids will survive a little bit of mess since they are, in reality, the cause of the mess. Just remember: It’s okay to be a hot mess sometimes. If you're managing to keep things together even slightly, you're doing better than you think. Seriously. So take a deep breath, let it go, and move on to the next thing.
The bottom line is this: You’ve got this. The overwhelm is real, but you don’t have to do it all at once. Take it step by step, celebrate the little wins, and remember—you don’t have to be perfect to be a great mom. You just need to be one step ahead of the chaos—and if that means wearing the same outfit two days in a row and drinking lukewarm coffee while you cross things off your to-do list, then so be it. You’re crushing it, one hot mess at a time.
Mindset Shift #4: "I’m Always Doing Everything for Everyone"
to "I Set Boundaries and Ask for Help"
We’re gonna have a real talk about motherhood for a second. As you know, we’re the meal planners, the schedule organizers, the homework helpers, the lunch packers, the mess cleaners, the emotional support specialists, the referees, and—oh yeah, let’s not forget—taxi drivers and professional snack distributors. You know that “everything in its place” feeling? We’ve got that… except our place often looks like we’re living in a constant tornado of responsibilities that’s spun out of control. And, honestly, that’s where the burnout comes in.
Here’s the deal: You do not have to do it all yourself.
Moms, I get it—we like to think we can juggle 75 things at once and keep it all perfectly balanced. But spoiler alert: Supermom is a myth, and if you’re trying to live up to that ideal, you’re probably drowning in guilt, exhaustion, and a lot of stale coffee. Refer back to Mindset Shift #4, your new bestie needs to be mono-tasking.
Here’s the real shift we need to make: You don’t need to be the glue that holds everything together. Sometimes, it's okay to let things unravel a little bit (it’s called "letting go," and trust me, nothing catastrophic happens when you do). You know what actually helps you thrive? Setting boundaries and asking for help.
1. Boundaries: You’re Not a Doormat, You’re a Human:
Let’s talk boundaries first. I know what you’re thinking: "Boundaries? With my kids? How tf do I do that?" But hear me out. Boundaries aren’t just about saying “no” (although, yes, you can say no). They’re about protecting your time, energy, and sanity so you can be the best version of yourself—not the burnt-out version who loses it over mismatched socks.
Here’s a practical example: If you’re constantly the one making dinner, cleaning up after dinner, and then cleaning up again after your kids decide to "help," set a boundary! Take a deep breath and say, “Hey, kids, we’re all going to pitch in tonight.” Trust me, they can bring their dirty dishes to the sink, even if it’s just putting it on the counter or if you have a dishwasher, have them load their own dishes into it (it’s okay if it’s crooked.)
Start small. You don’t have to create a whole “boundary manifesto.” Just pick one area of your life where you can carve out some space for yourself—whether it’s your time, your energy, or your peace of mind. Whether it's telling your partner that you need 30 minutes to yourself after they get home from work, or simply asking the kids to pick up their clothes and put them in the hamper themselves.
2. Ask for Help—And Actually Accept It
Okay, now we get to the juicy part: Asking for help. This is where we get real. I know—asking for help feels like admitting you’ve somehow failed, like you’re not doing motherhood right, or like you’re some kind of superhero fraud. But this is where we start thriving, ladies!
Here’s the truth: You don’t have to do it all, and it’s totally okay to ask for help. Remember: It’s not a weakness; it’s a strategy. The more you ask for help, the more you teach your family that you’re a team, and everyone’s responsibility is to pitch in. Kids need to see that work is shared—and that includes things like putting away groceries, sorting laundry, or even making a grocery list. If you don’t ask for help, no one will know you need it, and then you’ll just keep running yourself ragged.
Practical tips on asking for help:
Be Direct: This isn’t the time for passive-aggressive hints. “Hey, could you do the dishes tonight?” is way more effective than “Ugh, I’m so tired. I guess I’ll just do the dishes again...” Be clear, be direct, and get specific. I have learned the hard way, people (mostly men) will not pick up on the hint and you will not get help unless you straight up ask them. Example: “Can you pick up the diapers on your way home today?” instead of “I can’t keep doing everything on my own.”
Don’t Wait for Perfection: Asking for help doesn’t mean that the person helping you is going to do things the way you would. That’s okay. Do you want the kids to make their own sandwiches? They’re probably going to put peanut butter on both slices of bread (and nothing else). Is it the end of the world? Nope. If your partner does the laundry and folds it all wrong—let it go (unless you truly want to re-fold everything like I do, and that’s fine too).
Ask for What You Need: Be specific about what you need help with. Don’t just say, “I need help with everything.” It’s more like, “Can you handle bath time tonight?” or “Would you mind taking the kids on Saturday while I get some quiet time?” When you make the request clear, you’re more likely to get what you need without the passive-aggressive back-and-forth.
3. Teach Your Kids to Help (and Be OK with It Not Being Perfect)
It’s hard to give up control, I know. But thriving means creating an environment where everyone pitches in. Kids need to know that they’re part of the team—so start involving them in the small, everyday tasks. Is it perfect? Hell no. Will they miss the laundry basket 75% of the time? Absolutely. Will the world end because they put their dirty socks in the wrong place? No. (Though, yes, it might look like an apocalypse when you walk into their room.)
Give them simple chores that make a difference, like picking up their own toys, folding their towels (don’t mind the weird folding method), or even helping clear the table after dinner. The key is consistency—and patience. In time, they’ll see that everyone has to pitch in to keep the house running. And not only does it help take some weight off your shoulders, it helps them feel like they helped, builds their independence and confidence and helps them build life skills they’ll need in the future.
4. The “No Guilt” Zone:
Let me be clear: There is absolutely no room for guilt when you ask for help. None. Zero. Zilch. If anyone (and I mean anyone) makes you feel guilty for asking for help, remind yourself: You’re not asking for help because you’re lazy. You’re asking for help because you deserve it. If you’re working hard all day to keep everything afloat, the least your family can do is throw you a lifeline. Research has shown that asking for help actually improves confidence, self-esteem, communications, and your mental health.
5. Delegate with Confidence (and Let Go of Perfectionism):
When you ask for help, you’re not just asking—you’re delegating. Yes, this might feel a little like trying to be a CEO of a very chaotic household, but that’s actually what you are. You’re the leader of this crazy little tribe, and part of leading means knowing when to share the workload. So when you delegate, do it with confidence.
Are the kids going to load the dishwasher differently than you would? Probably. Will your partner fold towels in a way that might cause your eye to twitch? Yup. But guess what? It’s still getting done, and that’s the most important part. Perfection is overrated, my friend. Delegating means less work for you, more teamwork for the family, and more time for you to recharge (maybe even to re-fold the towels, if you’re like me).
At the end of the day, thriving as a mom isn’t about being the perfect mom who does everything herself. It’s about being a smart, effective, and a self-aware mom who knows when to ask for help, set boundaries, and give herself some grace. You deserve it. And when you start thriving, your whole family benefits—because let’s be real, a happy, rested, and supported mom is the backbone of any family. So go ahead, ask for that help. You’ve earned it.
Mindset Shift #6: “I Hate The Way My Body Looks”
to “This Body Is Strong AF & Created Life Itself”
Let’s get into something deep. We’re not talking Pinterest-perfect postpartum bodies here. We're talking about that deeply personal transition from looking at yourself in the mirror and thinking, “Oh God, what even is this?” to eventually being like, “Holy crap, I just grew and birthed a tiny human. I am a mother fucking LEGEND.”
So, let’s set the scene. You’ve just had a baby. You’ve probably spent the last nine months dreaming of that moment when you finally get to wear real clothes again, maybe even something that zips without making you sound like a car engine trying to start on a cold morning. But nope. Now, post-birth, you’re staring at yourself in the mirror, and the first thought that comes to mind is: “Why does my stomach look like a Fat Bastard from Austin Powers?” I personal said that in the hospital bathroom mirror 5 hours after having my son so I know.
You try to suck it in, but that thing that used to be a cute, flat-ish stomach is now like a floppy deflated balloon. And let’s not even talk about your boobs. I went from wearing a B-cup to suddenly looking like I’m carrying around two droopy, uneven water balloons.
And I get it. In that moment, it feels like your body betrayed you. It’s like a bad ex, right? You put in all that work, then it just changes on you without asking, and now you’re stuck with these new “features” that you didn’t sign up for, like a half-inch wider shoe width and you had to donate all your favorite shoes; or your go-to high-rise skinny jeans because they do NOT flatter your new body, at all. And let’s not forget the stretch marks. These little jagged reminders of your uterus’ extreme makeover and make you feel like Tony the Tiger saying, “They’reeeee great!”
But here's the thing. If you’re reading this and you're nodding along, just know that at some point, you’re going to get to a place where you look at yourself and think: “Wait. Hold up. I made a human. This body literally created life itself. A whole little person that can breathe, cry, poop, and demand snacks every 15 minutes. My body, this body, just created a whole ass human being.”
And when that click happens? It’s like your brain does a 180 and suddenly, you realize you’re a fucking badass superhuman. Like, all the things that were once “flaws” are now like battle scars—proof that your body has done something incredible. I just read a post on Instagram and LOVED it: “I started loving my stretch marks once I heard someone say, they look like how the sunlight hits the water.” That changed how I look at them entirely, I love that idea and they are what make me, me.
Your body has done SO much for you that you don’t think of every day. But when you think about it, you survived those sleepless nights. You fed a child from your own body. You birthed them—whether that was via C-section or natural birth, you brought life into the world and you’re still here to talk about it. And honestly, let’s not forget the strength in that! Your body, which you may have called “disgusting” in the past, is a damn powerhouse. It’s like it was designed to take on outrageous challenges and come out on the other side saying “Fuck you, what else you got?” It’s like your body went to war, fought for its survival, and then was like, “Yeah, I think I can handle a nap now. Maybe after I eat my feelings in ice cream, though.” And that is okay!
You’re not just a mom, you’re a warrior. And trust me, as time goes on, you’re going to look at those stretch marks, those weird little squishy bits, the 2in postpartum hairs and you’re going to be like, “You know what, I did that. I earned this body.”
So, to all the moms out there, struggling with your appearance. I want to remind you: Your body isn’t just a vessel. It’s a miracle machine. And if it takes a while to get there mentally or some days you really hate everything you try on, that’s okay, too. If you need a little time to stop crying over your muffin top or your fupa, go ahead and give yourself grace. Eventually, you’re gonna look in the mirror, and instead of seeing a tired, “I-just-had-a-baby” body, you’re gonna see a warrior who’s earned every inch of it and you will find beauty in yourself again.
So, mamas let’s recap these mindset shifts that will take you from surviving to thriving:
You are enough just as you are—no need for perfection.
Make time for what matters - you deserve “you” time, for not just you but your family, too.
Rest is part of the hustle - it’s not a luxury, it’s the next must-have.
You can handle this, one hot mess at a time - mono-task and accomplish more with less.
Set boundaries & ask for help - it’s healthy and a necessity.
You’re a gorgeous powerhouse—embrace your body, it gave life to those heathens that steal our hearts and made you strong af.
Now it’s your turn! Which tip are you going to try first to reclaim your time and start thriving again? Let me know in the comments below or share your thoughts on social media—I’d love to hear how you’re making time for yourself!
Remember, thriving as a mom isn’t about perfection—it’s about balance. Set boundaries, ask for help, and most importantly, make yourself a priority. You deserve to feel like you’re thriving, not just surviving. So go ahead, make those small changes today, and see how much better you feel tomorrow!"
If you found this post helpful, be sure to check out my other tips on self-care for busy moms, or browse my full collection of motherhood hacks to make life a little easier! Thank you so much for reading and don’t forget to subscribe to my website to be the first to read my weekly blog! If no one told you, you are an amazing mom and I see you, you wouldn’t be reading this blog if you weren’t and I am SO proud of you. Keep glowing mama, you got this!
With Love, Caitlin Nichols
