Breaking Free from Mom Guilt 🤦‍♀️

I almost can’t even ask this question because I already know the answer. But have you ever felt that inner struggle between investing in yourself and the fear of missing out on precious mom moments? 🤷‍♀️

If your answer is a resounding "heck yeah," you're not alone—like, not at all. I completely get it. Redefining yourself beyond the all-encompassing role of "mom" is challenging and all too familiar. But let me tell you, the rewards of reclaiming your identity are worth it.

During my coaching sessions, I've heard this echoed so many times by my clients. Everyone shared a similar story, reflecting on the delicate balance between being a devoted mom and carving out space for their personal growth.

So, why does this happen? Why are we caught in this tug-of-war between investing in ourselves and embracing our mom roles? Let's unravel this together. Because there is such a thing as breaking free from mom guilt and rediscovering ourselves. And trust me, you're worth every moment of that journey.

Start Here:

Identify your top priorities both as a mom and an individual. Understanding what truly matters to you can guide your decisions.

Define your definition of success. Is it solely tied to your role as a mom, or does it include personal achievements and growth?

List your self-care routines. Ensure you're dedicating time to activities that rejuvenate and fulfill you.

Do the activities that bring you joy and a sense of fulfillment. Prioritize incorporating these into your routine.

At first, I thought attending all of the family events was my duty. Car shows and ski shopping - things that weren't even my passion. And they could notice that, so even though I wanted to do the right thing by going, it would BACKFIRE. 

Then, one day, it occurred to me that I didn't need to join them for everything - even when they didn't need me there in the first place! Instead, I decided to stay home and do my own thing. Everyone was still happy, and I was much more content with my decision—it was a win-win situation.

So, Mom, you don't have to be there for everything. Especially not if you don't need to be there. Don't set yourself up as a martyr and take on too much responsibility if it will only make you unhappy.

Recognizing the Power of Saying "No":

Prioritize Your Enjoyment: Reflect when you've gone along with family activities that didn't align with your interests. Recognize the impact on your mood and overall experience.

Embrace the Freedom to Choose: Understand you have the freedom to choose activities that bring you joy. You don't have to attend every event, especially if it doesn't resonate with you.

Avoid the Martyr Mentality: Acknowledge that being present doesn't always mean physical attendance. Avoid the mentality of doing it all and then being frustrated.

Quality Over Quantity: Prioritize quality over quantity. Choose events that genuinely matter to you and your family, fostering genuine enjoyment for everyone.

Discover the Win-Win: Experiment with not attending events that don't align with your interests. Recognize that it can create a situation where you're happy doing your thing, and your family is engaged in activities they enjoy.

Life Goes On: Embrace the understanding that life goes on even if you're not present at every event. Release the guilt and recognize that taking time for yourself contributes to a healthier, more balanced family dynamic.

Empowerment Through Choice: Embrace the empowerment that comes with making choices aligned with your values. You're not obligated to be everywhere; prioritize your well-being and joy.

It's not about being absent—it's about being present in a way that aligns with your authenticity and happiness. Choosing quality over quantity in your engagements can lead to a more fulfilling and harmonious family life.

Let me know the tip you put into action and how it works for you! Remember, a confident tomorrow starts today!

xoxo

Tamara