I remember sitting on the couch one evening last week, watching my husband gently rock our youngest to sleep. He had been hands-on all day—helping with dinner, chasing after the little one, guiding the older kids through their homework, and making sure I had a moment to just breathe. And yet, as I sat there, I could still feel exhaustion wrapping around me like a heavy coat.

Not just physical exhaustion; the kind a nap could fix.

But the mental load. The never-ending stream of thoughts that ran through my mind, even when I wasn’t “doing” anything.

☑ Did I schedule that appointment?
☑ What’s for dinner tomorrow?
☑ Am I being present enough?
☑ When was the last time I did something just for me?

Even with help, even with a supportive partner, the emotional weight of motherhood is real.

Mothers, we are the keepers of unspoken worries. The ones who anticipate, plan, nurture, and hold space for everyone. And sometimes, in the process, we forget to hold space for ourselves.

The Weight of Always Being “On”

For a long time, I didn’t even realize I was neglecting myself.

Because I wasn’t struggling in the way the world expects mothers to struggle. I wasn’t drowning in laundry or handling every single task alone. But emotionally?

I was tired.

💔 I felt overstretched. Even when I wasn’t busy, my mind was running in the background, planning, fixing, managing.
💔 I felt guilty. Anytime I took a break, I wondered if I could be doing something more productive.
💔 I felt like I was losing myself. I was so used to being “Mom” that I didn’t know who I was outside of that role anymore.

Sound familiar?

If you’ve ever felt this way—even with support—you are not alone. And you are not failing.

But it is a sign that it’s time to care for yourself, too.

How I Started Prioritizing Emotional Self-Care (And How You Can, Too)

I didn’t overhaul my life overnight. But I did start making small shifts—ones that helped me feel more present, more grounded, more me.

❤️ I checked in with myself every day.
Instead of brushing off my feelings, I asked myself: How am I really doing? And I let myself answer honestly.

❤️ I set boundaries—not just with others, but with myself.
I stopped filling every spare moment with “one more thing.” I learned to let things wait.

❤️ I let go of guilt.
Rest is not a reward. I had to remind myself that taking time for myself didn’t mean I was taking away from my family—it meant I was showing up as my best self for them.

❤️ I embraced stillness.
Even five minutes of quiet, deep breathing, journaling, sitting with my thoughts helped me feel more grounded.

❤️ I leaned on my support.
I let my husband do what he was already willing to do—without micromanaging, without feeling like I had to be the default for everything.

You Deserve to Be Cared for, Too, Sis

That night on the couch, I had a realization:

Even with all the help in the world, if I don’t make space for myself, no one else can do it for me.

A rested, emotionally balanced mother isn’t just good for me; it’s good for my family, too.

So if you’ve been waiting for permission to care for yourself; this is it.

You matter, too.

With love,
💛 Lydia