A Letter to the Lonely Mom
To the mom who feels alone:
Hey Mama,
I hope this letter finds you surrounded by people you love (though I understand that motherhood can sometimes leave us feeling isolated and disengaged even when children are all around.)
I wanted to remind you that you deserve Joy. I know that joy can seem like the farthest thing from your grasp when your world feels heavy and you're tired as F$%& ALL the time. Like it's hiding beneath a mountain of diapers, sleepless nights, and endless tasks of motherhood, trust me. I get it. But here's the thing: Joy doesn't have to be an extra or a luxury reserved for a distant future. It can be right here, right now, within your reach. And that's exactly why I wrote this letter.
First and foremost, it's okay to feel overwhelmed, burned out, and alone. Motherhood is a journey filled with ups and downs, and it's natural to have moments of doubt or isolation, not to mention society has high expectations of us. But please remember, you are doing an incredible job, and you are a GoodAF Mom.
Now, let's talk about connection as a source for Joy.
Building connections with fellow moms can be a game-changer. When all the tasks of motherhood take up your time, the joy found in friendship may feel like an extra. Seek out local mom groups, parenting classes, or online communities where you can also meet other moms in the grips of chaos. Share your stories, ask for advice, and be open to offering support to others. Sometimes, all it takes is one genuine connection to boost your mood and remind you that you are not alone on this journey.
Sharing our common humanity is a powerful tool that many of us overlook.
Of course, in addition to seeking connections, I encourage you to explore the power of gratitude. Gratitude can act as a nightlight that guides us through our darker moments, legos on the floor and all. Take a few moments each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for. They can be moments of joy in connection, acts of kindness from others, or even the strength you find within yourself. Cultivating gratitude helps shift our perspective and allows us to find beauty in the everyday moments of motherhood.
Maybe you could start a gratitude journal (or find a daily gratitude practice that works for you) where you can reflect on the things you are thankful for each day. This practice helps you focus on the positive aspects of your life and can help you remember what you have and do is enough, no matter how challenging things may seem.
You choose your village.
Remember, it's okay to ask for help. Reach out to friends, family, or professionals who can provide support and lend a listening ear. You deserve a support system that understands and empathizes with what you're going through. Don't hesitate to lean on them during moments when you need a little extra support.
Choose Yourself First
And lastly, be gentle with yourself. Motherhood is filled with constant learning, growth, and love. Embrace the beautiful chaos as much as you can, and know that you are enough and enough is GoodAF. You are never a failure in your children's eyes, and your love and presence make a world of difference.
Sending you strength, love, and the assurance that you are never alone. Together, we can find our people, cultivate gratitude, and navigate the joys and challenges of motherhood.
Don’t ever forget you are a GoodAF Mom - Stef