Hey mama,
Let’s be real for a minute.
Sometimes it feels like the world forgets about the mom. The new baby gets all the love. The older kids get all your energy. And you? You’re over here pouring from an empty cup, wondering if anyone even notices you’re running on fumes.
I’ve had those days too—the ones where no one texts, no one calls, no one asks how I’m doing. Where I hold it all together for everyone else but go to bed feeling heavy and invisible.
If you’re in that place right now, I want you to know: you’re not the only one. And you don’t have to wait on someone else to check in—you can start with yourself.
Here’s what that looks like, from one tired, trying-her-best mama to another.
1. Let yourself feel what you’re feeling
Seriously—no guilt, no “but I should be grateful.” You can love your life and still feel overwhelmed. You can be thankful for your babies and still feel stretched thin. Motherhood is complex. You’re allowed to feel it all.
2. Check in with you, even if it’s just for 2 minutes
I know time is tight. But even little things help:
- Take a deep breath before grabbing your phone.
- Step outside for just a moment of quiet.
- Ask yourself: What do I need today—emotionally, physically, spiritually?
It doesn’t have to be profound. Just something small that says, “Hey, I see you.”
3. Say no when you need to (without explaining)
You don’t owe anyone an explanation for protecting your peace. If your plate is full, it’s okay to say no to plans, phone calls, or even expectations you put on yourself. Boundaries are one of the kindest things you can give yourself—and your kids too.
4. Have little lifelines ready
I keep a few “go-to” things for when I feel like I’m disappearing into motherhood:
- A playlist that makes me feel alive
- A hot shower (door locked, no shame)
- A quick voice note to a friend
- Journaling even just one sentence
- A printable planner or brain dump sheet to quiet the mental noise
It doesn’t fix everything, but it helps me come back to me.
5. Drop the “I should be fine” mindset
You weren’t meant to carry all of this alone. If you’re holding it together but falling apart inside—please know that doesn’t make you weak. That makes you human. You don’t have to earn rest. You don’t have to earn being checked on.
You deserve it, simply because you’re you.
If no one else said it today…
You’re doing a good job. I see how hard you’re trying. I know how heavy some days can feel. And even if no one else checked in today, I hope this post felt like a friend knocking on your door saying, “Hey—I care about you.”
Let this be your reminder: you are worth showing up for. And I’m so glad you’re here.
Tell me in the comments or DM me on Instagram [@OhForMothersSake]—what’s one small way you’re going to check in with yourself this week? Let’s start showing up for ourselves together.
Through the messy and the magical,
Tiffany