I found it there again this morning—her daily list, tucked between a toddler’s crayon drawing and a coupon for yogurt. ‘Email team by 10, pick up milk, reschedule dentist, finish quarterly report, remember to breathe.‘ That last one gets me every time. Seriously, my heart just swells. She adds it like it’s just another task, but I see it for what it is: a quiet act of courage in a day packed with invisible labor.
Being a working mom is freaking hard. I’ve watched her carry it—the early mornings, the rushed goodbyes, the mental load that follows her into boardrooms and bedtime stories. And in all that juggling, there’s a strength I don’t think we talk about enough. Not the kind that makes headlines, but the kind that holds a family together with love and lists and tired, determined hands.
The Morning Hustle: More Than Coffee and Chaos
There’s a particular kind of magic in the way she moves through our mornings. One hand pouring cereal, the other scrolling through emails—her focus split yet fully present in both worlds. I’ve seen her soothe a scraped knee while muttering talking points under her breath, and somehow both get the care they need.
That balancing act? It’s not about perfection. It’s about showing up, even when you’re running on three hours of sleep and what’s basically cold coffee—but you do it anyway! And in those small, messy moments, she’s teaching our kids about resilience—about how to keep going even when the juggle feels impossible.
When Guilt Creeps In (And How to Gently Push It Out)
Mom guilt is real. I’ve seen it in her eyes when she has to leave for a work trip, or when a meeting runs late and she misses bedtime. That worry that she’s missing out on motherhood—it’s a heavy weight to carry.
But here’s what I’ve learned from watching her: guilt doesn’t have to win. It’s okay to not be okay sometimes. What matters is how she turns that feeling into fuel—into extra snuggles on the weekend, or intentional phone-free time after work. It’s not about erasing the guilt; it’s about not letting it write the story.
The Power of Small Wins (Yes, Even Checking Off To-Dos)
She’s a master of the daily win. That moment when she physically checks something off her list? It’s like a tiny victory dance for the soul. I used to smile at how seriously she took it—’call pediatrician’ checked, ‘submit expenses’ checked—but now I get it.
Those small wins build momentum. They’re proof that she’s moving forward, even on days when it feels like she’s running in place. And when she shares them with me over dinner—’got the project approved, and Lily finally tied her shoes!’—I see how those little triumphs weave together into a life of purpose.
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish (It’s Survival)
I’ll admit it—I used to worry when she’d disappear into the bathroom for ten minutes just to sit alone. Now I know: that’s not hiding. That’s recharging. Working moms often put themselves last on the list, but she’s learned (and I’ve learned from her) that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential.
Whether it’s a morning meditation, a gratitude journal, or simply taking a moment to breathe, carving out time for mindful routines feeds the soul. It’s what lets her show up as the mom and professional she wants to be—not because she has to, but because she’s taken care of herself, too.
Asking for Help: The Bravest Thing You Can Do
It took time, but she’s learned to ask for help. Whether it’s from me, grandparents, or a mom friend—she knows now that reaching out doesn’t make her weak. It makes her wise.
There’s courage in admitting you can’t do it all alone.
In letting someone else pack the lunches or read the bedtime story so she can finish that report. And in doing so, she’s teaching our kids that it’s okay to lean on others—that we’re all in this together.
You’re Doing Better Than You Think
If you’re reading this while sipping cold coffee and trying to answer emails with one hand and hold a baby with the other—welcome. You’re not alone. The juggle is real, and so is the love that fuels it.
I see it in my partner every day: the quiet strength, the resilience, the way she keeps going even when she’s tired. And I see it in you, too. You’re not just balancing career and motherhood—you’re building a legacy of love and courage, one small win at a time.
Keep going. You’ve got this—more than you know.
It reminds me of some data I saw recently—a Forbes report showing how industries are struggling to keep their promises… just like we sometimes struggle to keep ours. But we keep trying.