Motherhood is a beautiful and, at times, a difficult journey. It is often described as joyful, overwhelming, sacred, and lonely. You may experience one or all of these and the experience can be all of them at once. There are many different journeys of motherhood. Perhaps you are in a season of new beginnings – awaiting the arrival of your little one, growing your family in a way you have hoped for, or are navigating every new stage of your child’s life. You may also be in a season of grief – the loss of a child, pregnancy, or you have a complex relationship with your mom or your child. Whichever season you may find yourself in, we honor and hold space for the joy and grief that comes alongside motherhood.
Celebrating The Strength of Mothers
For those who are moms, I want to celebrate the love, effort, resilience, and countless hours and energy that you have given to your beloved children. Whether your days feel full and joyful or exhausting and demanding, your role as a mom matters. The ways you consistently show up again and again are meaningful and worthy of recognition.
The strength of mothers often goes unseen. It is the strength to continue to show up even when you feel exhausted. The strength of carrying the mental, emotional, and physical load that no one else sees. Mothers are often expected to hold everything together without having the recognition of how much they are carrying themselves. If you are experiencing this, you are not alone. I encourage you to celebrate your own strength.
Honoring The Grief of Motherhood
I acknowledge that motherhood is not always an easy journey. If you are in a season of grief with motherhood, I am with you in it. Perhaps you are struggling with infertility, have a complex relationship with your own mom or child, or have endured the unimaginable loss of a child.
Your grief matters and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. These experiences can leave lasting wounds that are often invisible to others. Often, our society expects moms to move on quickly but I encourage you to allow your grief to be present in whichever way feels best for you. Perhaps you need to cry, talk about your experience with a loved one, or journal about your emotions. Healing is not linear, and grief does not disappear simply because time has passed. Your grief is valid and worthy of space.
Ways To Support Yourself In Motherhood
It is no secret that there are many challenges that come alongside motherhood. It is important to have and practice coping strategies to help you navigate through these challenges. Here are some coping strategies that I encourage you to practice:
- Regulate Your Nervous System: Being a mother may sometimes keep your nervous system in a state of fight or flight or freeze. I encourage you to practice grounding yourself through using your five senses. What are 5 things you can touch, 4 things you can see, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste? Grounding brings us back into the present moment and helps bring us back to a place of calm, safety, and connection.
- Give Yourself Permission To Have Needs: While it can be hard to take care of your own needs when raising your children, it is important to attune to yourself and your needs so you also are getting the care you deserve. Try going out to coffee with a friend, going on a walk, or investing time into a favorite hobby.
- Find Community: There is a reason why they say, “It takes a village,” to raise children. Surrounding yourself with people who can support you and care for you makes all the difference. Find a book club, mom’s group, or reach out to your friends and family for emotional or mental support.
- Let Go of Perfectionism: Perfect motherhood does not exist. Children do not need flawless parents—they need caregivers who repair, reconnect, and show up consistently enough. It is ok to make mistakes and to not show up perfectly. Give yourself grace and accept that what you are doing is enough for your children.
Compassionate Affirmations: “I am doing my best and that is enough.” “I am allowed to grieve and heal at my own pace.”
Additional Resource: Becoming Anchored S1E3: The Nuances of Being a Mom and Working Full-Time – This episode zeroes in on the complexities of being working mothers. Laura and Lauren open up about their personal experiences, offering insights into the joys and challenges of juggling professional life with the demands of raising children. Their discussions aim to provide practical advice, empathy, and support to others in similar situations. Listen to the episode here.
Becoming Anchored in Hope,
LPC-MHSP, CEDS-C, ACS, NCC
Owner + Director
Laura is committed to guiding individuals along their path to mental wellness and has carefully gathered a team of skilled, knowledgeable, and committed therapists at Anchored Counseling Co. to assist in this mission.
The professionals here create an environment that is supportive and affirmed, informed by an understanding of trauma. At Anchored Counseling Co., there’s a shared belief in the fundamental worth of each person, and therapy is delivered with warmth and empathy. The therapeutic philosophy here is built on the premise that every client has the natural ability to enact meaningful and enduring change in their life.
To connect with a therapist who aligns with your unique needs, please contact our office at 615.510.3797 or contact us here.
