Oh, how I understand the weight of motherhood!
It’s a beautiful, sacred journey, but it can also be incredibly overwhelming. There are days when it feels like the to-do list is never-ending, and the demands on our time and energy feel impossible to meet. But take heart mama, for you are not alone. Wherever you are reading this today I hope you can use this moment to exhale and just BREATHE. Grab a cup of tea, as I share some ways to navigate the overwhelm, drawn from my own experiences and our faith in God’s unending grace.
One morning, I woke up to the sound of my toddler’s cries, and my other two boys fighting over a toy that they had snuck into their room the night before. My heart sank as I tried to ignore the sounds, hoping my husband would take one for the parent team. He was fast asleep! I stumbled out of bed, already feeling defeated before the day had really begun. Have you ever had a day start like that? In moments like these, it’s easy to feel crushed by the weight of our responsibilities. But I’ve learned that when we start our day with a quick prayer, asking God for strength and guidance, it can transform our outlook. Even a simple, “Lord, help me today,” whispered in the chaos, can bring a sense of calm and remind us that we’re not carrying this load alone.
The power of routine
Another way to tackle overwhelm is by embracing the power of a routine. My mornings used to be a whirlwind of forgotten tasks and last-minute scrambles as everyone bounced around me. But once I started setting aside a little time in the evening to prepare for the next day, things began to shift. A quick 30 minutes to lay out clothes, prepare lunches, and even spending a few quiet moments with God’s Word before bed can make a world of difference for the next day.
Proverbs 31:27 speaks of the woman who “watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” Creating a routine doesn’t mean we have to be perfect; it’s about finding a rhythm that brings peace to our days. Even waking up a few moments before the children will help you to gather your thoughts before everyone else wakes up. My morning routine typically begins with a workout, writing or reading, all before the boys wake up, and it really helps me to feel like I am doing something for myself- filling up my own cup before I focus on pouring into others.
Perfection doesn’t exist
When we first become mothers, perfection is the thing that can completely consume us. There was a season when I felt like I had to do everything perfectly – be the perfect mum, the perfect wife, the perfect homemaker. But one day, as I sat exhausted and so close to tears, a dear friend reminded me that it’s okay to ask for help. Galatians 6:2 encourages us to “carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Don’t be afraid to reach out to your spouse, family, or friends when you need a hand. Whether it’s asking your husband to watch the kids so you can have a moment to yourself or arranging a playdate swap with a fellow mum, sharing the load can lighten your heart immensely, and ease the overwhelm that we often feel
I also want to encourage you to carve out time for self-care, without guilt. Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16), showing us the importance of rest and renewal. For me, this looks like a quiet walk in the evening or morning, a few minutes of journaling or reading, or even just sitting in the car for a few extra moments after grocery shopping. Find what replenishes your soul and make it a regular part of your routine. Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary for you to pour out love and care for your family.
Creating a “thrive list” has been a game-changer for me in navigating the demands and sacrifice in motherhood. This list includes all the things that bring me joy and fulfillment such as reading a good book, taking a walk in nature, enjoying a hot cup of tea, or spending quiet time in prayer. By intentionally setting aside time to engage in this, I ensure that I don’t lose myself in the daily responsibilities of motherhood. It’s a reminder that nurturing my own well-being is essential, not only for me but also for my ability to be the best mother I can be to my boys. Making space for what I love helps me to thrive, maintaining a sense of balance and joy in the beautiful chaos of raising children.
You can download yours for FREE here and put it in a place where you’ll see it and be encouraged to pour into yourself.
The power of community
Lastly, Remember the power of community. Surround yourself with other mothers who understand the ups and downs of this journey. Join a local mums’ group, attend church events, or even connect online through social media. Sharing your struggles and victories with others can be incredibly uplifting. We are meant to support one another, just as it says in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
In all these things, hold onto the truth that God’s grace is sufficient for us (2 Corinthians 12:9). We don’t have to be perfect; we just have to be present and willing to trust Him with our daily struggles. Motherhood is a marathon, not a sprint, and by leaning on God and each other, we can find the strength to keep going, even on the hardest days.
You’ve got this mama.
Thank you for joining me on this journey of motherhood and faith. If you found comfort and encouragement in this post, I invite you to explore more of my writings on similar topics.
How do I balance family and personal life?
9 hacks to help you thrive in motherhood
Affirmations for mothers at home
On my blog, you’ll discover a wealth of stories, tips, and reflections aimed at nurturing your spirit and supporting you through the beautiful chaos of motherhood.
From practical advice on balancing daily responsibilities to heartfelt reflections on deepening your relationship with God, there’s something for every season of motherhood. I’ve shared real-life experiences, lessons learned, and moments of grace that I hope will resonate with you and provide the encouragement you need.
Visit my blog for more posts on creating a peaceful home, finding joy in the little moments, and leaning into God’s strength amidst the challenges. Let’s continue this journey together, growing in faith and love, one step at a time.
Blessings,
Alethea
gracedforhome.com 