mental-health

Somewhere between the third load of laundry and the fourth spilled cup of juice on the carpet, I walked into the toilet, looked in the mirror and wondered — What is this, and where did I go?

I’m a wife. A mother to three precious souls. A homemaker. A nurturer. A giver. And I love them — fiercely. Yet it doesn’t always keep away the quiet ache, a whisper I can’t quite ignore; I miss me.

It’s not that I want to run away from this life. It’s that sometimes I wonder if I’ve been swallowed up by it.

There was a time not long ago when I felt so seen. I ran a small stationery business — The Echoes of Her Heart. It was more than paper and pretty things. It was a ministry. A space where I could pour encouragement into the hearts of Christian women through words and beauty and intentional design. It gave me a voice. It gave others hope. And in it, I felt purposeful — like I was doing something that mattered beyond my four walls.

Closing that chapter wasn’t easy. I let it go slowly, with tears and prayers, not because it stopped meaning something — but because God was shifting the season. He was calling me inward, deeper into the quiet, deeply incredible work of motherhood and building up my home. And honestly? That surrender and shift felt a little like death.

I used to feel independent. Now I ask permission just to go to the bathroom alone.

I used to feel accomplished. Now my victories are things no one sees: a meltdown calmed, a sibling fight diffused, a meal made from what looked like an empty fridge.

The world doesn’t clap for these things. And sometimes, honestly, neither do I.

But also, somewhere in the quiet, I hear a different voice — not my own, and not the world’s.

“Whoever loses their life for My sake will find it.”
— Matthew 10:39

Could it be… that what feels like losing myself is actually where I’m being found?

Not in the platforms I once held, but in the hands and hearts I now hold every day.
Not in being known, but in being faithful, loving, kind, and generous with my life in a different way.
Not in independence, but in total, daily dependence on the grace and strength of God.

I’m learning that letting go of The Echoes of Her Heart wasn’t the end of my purpose — it was a redirection. A reminder that my identity isn’t in what I produce, and not even in motherhood, but in Who holds me. And that ministry doesn’t end just because the form changes. Sometimes it just moves to the kitchen floor, the bedtime story, the sweet hugs and pecks from my sons.

This season asks more of me than I ever thought I had to give. But it’s also giving me something back — a deeper love, a stronger faith, a truer sense of self.

So no, I don’t think that I’ve lost myself in motherhood.

I’m being refined and re-defined.

Not erased. Rewritten.
Not emptied. Poured out — and filled with something better than I ever planned.

And maybe, just maybe, the version of me I’m becoming is closer to who I was made to be all along.

Hey mama!

I hope you’re well!

As we journey together through the beautiful and sometimes challenging adventure of learning and being at home together as a family, I find myself reflecting on how our physical environment profoundly impacts our ability to absorb knowledge, be inspired, feel free and grow. Just as God created a world of order and beauty for us to thrive in, we too can create a haven of peace, order, inspiration and productivity within our homes.

Today, I want to share some tips on doing just that- specifically, setting up a productive and clutter-free learning and living environment. I hope you’ll be able to add some of these ideas into your own home!

Embrace the sanctuary of learning

When it comes to being inspired to learn (for our children and for ourselves), first and foremost, it’s important to designate a specific area for this no matter how small your space is. This space should be a sanctuary, a place where your heart and mind can focus solely on the task at hand. Choose a spot in your home that is quiet and comfortable, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Just as Jesus often retreated to quiet places to pray and reflect, we too need a quiet place to concentrate and learn.

This intentional space becomes a sanctuary where distractions are minimised, allowing our minds to concentrate fully on the task at hand, whether it be absorbing knowledge, engaging in heartfelt prayer, or nurturing a child’s curiosity. A dedicated environment fosters discipline and consistency. For children, having a defined learning area signals the importance of focus and establishes a routine that supports their development. By setting apart these sacred spaces, we honour our commitment to learning and spiritual growth, creating a haven where we and our children can flourish well.

Keep it simple and organised

Keeping our homes simple and organised is a beautiful reflection of the order and peace God desires for our lives. I don’t know about you, but a well-organised home reduces stress for me and allows us all to focus on what truly matters – our relationships, our faith, and our personal growth. This is an area that I am particularly keen on for the children. By eliminating the clutter that they can see, I am trying very hard to create a serene environment where their minds and spirits are not overstimulated, but feel at rest and rejuvenated. This simplicity also helps us to be better stewards of the blessings we have been given, as everything has its place and purpose.

Minimise distractions and digital discipline

The world is full of distractions, and our homes if they are to be a place of tranquility can reflect the opposite which is calmness and peace.

Remember the words of Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.” In this stillness, we can hear His guidance in our hearts. To keep digital distractions at bay and cultivate a peaceful home, we really try to establish thoughtful boundaries and practices around the use of technology. We work hard to designate specific times and areas in our home that are free from electronic devices, such as meal times, family gatherings, and bedrooms. This not only reduces distractions but also fosters deeper connections and more meaningful interactions. We encourage a lot of activities like reading, playing games, or engaging in conversations.

With the boys tablets (which they use occasionally for learning), we use tools and apps that help manage screen time, such as setting limits on usage and scheduling downtime for all devices. Turn off non-essential notifications to prevent constant interruptions, and consider creating a central charging station where devices can be stored out of sight when not in use. Encourage family members to be mindful of their screen habits by setting a good example yourself and discussing the importance of being present and engaged in the moment.

Regular decluttering

Regular decluttering is essential for maintaining a peaceful and calm home, as it reflects the order and simplicity God desires for our lives. In our daily walk with Christ, we are called to cast off anything that hinders us and run the race with perseverance (Hebrews 12:1). In the same way, decluttering our physical space can help us to remove the unnecessary and focus on what truly matters. When we rid our homes of excess, we create an environment where our minds can rest and our spirits can breathe. This simplicity mirrors the peace that surpasses all understanding, which God grants us when we align our lives with His purpose.

Moreover, regular decluttering allows us to be better stewards of the blessings God has given us. When our homes are cluttered, we can feel overwhelmed and distracted, unable to fully appreciate the gifts around us. By organising and simplifying our spaces, we can cultivate gratitude for the things we truly need and love. This practice not only enhances our physical surroundings but also nurtures a heart of contentment and mindfulness. As we create a serene and orderly home, we open the door to more meaningful interactions with our loved ones and deepen our relationship with God, embracing the harmony He intends for our lives.

A Personal Touch

Finally, personalise your space with meaningful items – a plant, a family photo, or a piece of Scripture art. These touches make our spaces inviting and remind us of God’s presence and love. Ensure these items inspire rather than distract, maintaining the balance of beauty and simplicity. I have written a blog post on cultivating a Christ centered home.

Adding a personal touch to our homes helps maintain a peaceful and calm environment by infusing our living spaces with reminders of God’s love and the unique journey He has set before us. When we incorporate meaningful items such as family photos, scripture verses, or cherished mementos, we create a sanctuary that reflects our values and faith. These personal touches serve as daily reminders of the blessings and memories we hold dear, anchoring us in gratitude and joy.

A home adorned with personal touches becomes a haven where our spirits can rest and rejuvenate. Each piece of meaningful decor, whether it’s a handcrafted quilt, a favourite piece of art, or a vase of fresh flowers, contributes to a sense of belonging and comfort. These items tell the story of who we are and what we cherish, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for ourselves and our loved ones. In this sacred space, we are reminded of God’s intimate involvement in our lives. By intentionally curating our surroundings with love and care, we cultivate a home that not only reflects our personal journey but also becomes a beacon of God’s grace and tranquility.

So mama, as you set up your learning and living environment, remember that God is with you in every step of your journey.

With love and blessings,

Alethea