Savoring your Motherhood Journey
This week, we’re focusing on savoring our motherhood experiences. Savoring means being present and fully engaging with our children and families. Motherhood is a profound blessing, yet it’s easy to become absorbed—and sometimes overwhelmed—by the many responsibilities that come with it, which can make us miss out on appreciating the richness of these moments.
Our activity this week is simple: take time to enjoy the moments you share with your child(ren). To help with this, try setting aside just 5-10 minutes each day to put away distractions, slow down, and be fully present. It could be as simple as sharing a quiet moment, reading a book together, or talking about their day. The goal is to notice and savor the little details, allowing yourself to be fully in the moment with them.
People always told me that the early years fly by, and I didn’t quite believe it because some days feel so long. But now, with my 4- and 5-year-olds growing so quickly, I can hardly believe how fast time has passed. I understand now what people meant. One day, our children will be busy with their own lives and have less time for their mom. Until then, I want to cherish these moments—and I hope you find time to do the same with your family.
Connecting to your Motherhood Values
To qualify for jobs that impact others, we’re often required to complete coursework, clinical hours, or pass licensing exams. Parenthood, however, comes with no such prerequisites, yet it carries a responsibility unlike any other. I can think of no role that requires more or has a greater impact on human lives. As parents, we are among the most influential figures in our children’s lives. The interactions we share with them can shape the course of their lives in both positive and challenging ways.
In idealized TV portrayals, parents seem perfect—they always say and do the right things. In reality, though, parents, like all humans, are imperfect. We all carry unique histories that have shaped who we are today. These past experiences, and any flaws they may have created, aren’t our fault or responsibility; we had no control over them. However, parenthood brings a profound responsibility to strive for better—for the sake of the new lives entrusted to us.
This week, I’d like us to explore a powerful concept: values. Reflecting on our values can guide us in becoming the kind of mothers we aspire to be. By focusing on what truly matters to us, we can let our values act as guideposts along our motherhood journeys. In the rush of daily responsibilities, this exercise offers a chance to reconnect with our intentions.
Values Exercise:
Each morning, take a few moments to reflect on your values as a mother for that day. Consider how you want to act as a mother and what qualities you wish to embody.
Then, set one or two small, intentional goals that align with your values (e.g., reading a book to your child, dancing with them, etc.).
As you engage in this practice, remember to approach it with compassion. We are human, and sometimes we’ll achieve our goals, while other days we may fall short. Even with our best efforts, we can’t be perfect parents—nor should we strive to be. The most important thing is that we do our best in each moment and remind ourselves that each day brings a new opportunity to grow on this journey of motherhood.
Developing the Self-compassionate Relationship
Welcome to the Commit to You Mom Group!
This week’s activity focuses on building awareness of our relationship with ourselves and bringing intentional compassion inward. Motherhood is an incredible experience—there’s something so empowering about creating life, bringing children into the world, and nurturing them as they grow. While I am deeply grateful for my two sons, I also find motherhood challenging. Overnight, we take on new responsibilities, from breastfeeding to creating nap schedules, all while sleep-deprived and navigating postpartum hormones and physical recovery.
Starting something as life-changing as motherhood is bound to come with imperfections and learning curves. Unfortunately, we can often be our own harshest critics. My first year postpartum was filled with anxiety and self-doubt; I often found myself questioning whether I was “good enough”—from struggling with breastfeeding to worrying about tummy time. This self-criticism drained me, and it took away from my ability to fully enjoy the beautiful moments of early motherhood. As I talked to other moms, I realized I wasn’t alone in feeling this way.
Motherhood is truly one of life’s greatest blessings. Yet, when we’re self-critical, we can rob ourselves of joy in these precious moments, expending energy on self-doubt rather than embracing the journey. While self-criticism is human, it’s not helpful—life with young children is hard enough without adding unnecessary pressure.
Most of us naturally offer kindness and support to loved ones facing challenges, but we often neglect to extend that same compassion to ourselves. We forget that there’s a person within us who is navigating significant life changes, sleep deprivation, and daily demands.
This week, I’d like to introduce the concept of self-compassion. Self-compassion means treating ourselves as we would a friend in a difficult moment. It involves pausing to acknowledge how we’re feeling during challenging experiences. It’s about accepting that motherhood is tough and knowing that, however you’re managing, you’re doing your best in each moment. Self-compassion encourages us to be moved by our own struggles and respond with care—finding ways to support ourselves by recognizing what we need.
Practicing self-compassion can positively impact your motherhood journey. Taking care of your mental health allows you to feel better, which in turn helps you care for your baby and be more present with your family.
Now that you know a bit more about self-compassion, here’s a simple exercise to help you develop this supportive voice within yourself.
Disclaimer: Please use the following exercise only if it feels helpful and comfortable to you.
Developing a Self-Compassionate Voice Activity:
Identify a Challenge: Think of a challenge you’re currently experiencing in motherhood.
Tune into Your Experience: Notice any emotions, thoughts, or physical sensations that arise.
Explore with Curiosity: What is this experience telling you about your needs in this moment? Perhaps you need encouragement, validation, love, a practical solution, or self-care.
Respond with Kindness: If you’re open to it, express kindness and support by giving yourself what you need in this moment.
Observe Your Reactions: Whether or not you choose to act with self-compassion, take note of any thoughts, emotions, or physical sensations that arise.
Remember, the goal is to be kind to yourself as you navigate this journey. You deserve compassion and support, just as much as anyone else.