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How I Finally Embraced Motherhood Without the Stress of Life’s Other Demands

Writer's picture: Turner PowersTurner Powers

Motherhood is one of life’s greatest joys—and one of its biggest challenges. Recently, I finally figured out how to fully embrace my time with my son and stop stressing over being a mom while also juggling the roles of wife, employee, homeowner, and the countless other responsibilities I’ve accumulated over my 32 years of life. It didn’t happen overnight, but this shift in mindset has been transformative.


When I’m with my son, I am truly with my son. I’ve learned to focus entirely on him during our time together, leaving behind the endless to-do list and the mental clutter that used to consume me. This intentional presence has not only deepened our bond but has also brought a sense of peace and clarity to my chaotic life. Here’s how I made it happen.


Step 1: Defining What Matters Most

The first step was to take a hard look at my priorities. Like many moms, I used to feel like I needed to do it all: keep the house spotless, excel at work, maintain friendships, and somehow still be a devoted wife and mother. But trying to do everything only left me feeling stretched thin and frustrated.


So, I asked myself: What truly matters most?


The answer was simple: my son. Not the spotless floors, not the perfectly folded laundry, not even the Pinterest-worthy meals. Just him. This clarity helped me start filtering out the noise and focus on the moments that count.

Step 2: Being Fully Present

Once I realized my son was my top priority, I had to figure out how to actually be present with him. For me, that meant:


  1. Eliminating Distractions: I started putting my phone away during our time together. No scrolling through emails, checking social media, or responding to non-urgent messages. It’s amazing how much more connected I feel when I’m not half-listening while multitasking.

  2. Involving Him in Everyday Activities: Instead of trying to clean, cook, or run errands while he played alone, I began including him in what I was doing. Whether it’s letting him “help” with folding laundry or giving him a safe task in the kitchen, these small shifts turned mundane chores into opportunities for connection.

  3. Practicing Mindfulness: When I’m with my son, I make an effort to notice the little things: the way he laughs, the questions he asks, the look of wonder on his face as he explores the world. Staying in the moment has helped me let go of stress and fully enjoy our time together.



Step 3: Letting Go of Perfection

As a recovering perfectionist, one of the hardest lessons for me was learning to let go. Kids make messes. They’re loud, unpredictable, and sometimes completely irrational. And that’s okay.


Instead of getting upset when my son spills baby powder on the floor or turns the living room into a sea of toys, I’ve learned to embrace these moments. They’re part of the messy, beautiful reality of motherhood. Letting go of the need to control everything has been incredibly freeing.

Step 4: Setting Boundaries

To be fully present with my son, I had to set boundaries in other areas of my life:


  • Work: I stopped bringing work home with me unless absolutely necessary. I also made it clear to my employer that my family time is sacred.

  • Home: I gave myself permission to let the house be less than perfect. If the dishes sit in the sink for a night or the laundry piles up, it’s not the end of the world.

  • Social Obligations: I started saying “no” more often to things that didn’t align with my priorities. This has given me more time and energy to focus on my family.


Step 5: Finding Joy in the Simple Moments

Some of my favorite memories with my son are the simplest ones: reading books together before bed, dancing in the kitchen, or exploring the backyard. These moments don’t require elaborate planning or expensive toys. They’re just about being together and enjoying each other’s company.


By simplifying my approach to motherhood, I’ve found so much more joy. I’ve also noticed that my son is happier and more secure when he has my full attention.

Step 6: Giving Myself Grace

Finally, I’ve learned to be kind to myself. There are still days when I feel overwhelmed or fall short of my own expectations. But instead of beating myself up, I remind myself that I’m doing the best I can. Motherhood is a journey, not a destination, and every day is an opportunity to grow.

Step 7: Letting Reality Be What It Is

Motherhood isn’t always picture-perfect. It comes with exhaustion, missed hair appointments, and probably catching every cold your child brings home from daycare. Until you fully accept that this is what it is, you won’t be able to truly enjoy your time with your little one.


For me, this realization was a game-changer. I stopped comparing myself to other moms who seem to have it all together. I’m not the mom who cooks homemade pasta every night or shows up for daycare drop-off in full makeup—and that’s okay. Once I embraced who I am and let go of unrealistic expectations, motherhood became so much easier and so much more fun.


The Impact on My Life

Since embracing this more intentional approach to motherhood, I’ve noticed a significant shift in my overall well-being:


  • Less Stress: By focusing on what truly matters, I’ve let go of a lot of unnecessary stress and guilt.

  • Stronger Bond: My relationship with my son has deepened as I’ve become more present and attentive.

  • More Fulfillment: I feel more connected to my role as a mom and more content with my life as a whole.

Tips for Other Moms

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the demands of motherhood, here are a few tips to help you reclaim your peace:


  1. Prioritize Quality Time: Focus on being fully present with your kids, even if it’s just for 15 minutes a day.

  2. Simplify Your Life: Cut back on non-essential tasks and commitments to create more space for what matters.

  3. Embrace Imperfection: Let go of the pressure to be the perfect mom, wife, or homemaker.

  4. Set Boundaries: Protect your family time by saying no to things that don’t align with your priorities.

  5. Take Care of Yourself: Remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Make time for self-care, whether it’s a quiet cup of coffee in the morning or a quick workout.


Motherhood is a balancing act, and it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos. But by focusing on what truly matters and being fully present with our kids, we can create a life that’s less stressful and more fulfilling.


If you’re struggling to juggle it all, take a step back and ask yourself: What truly matters? The answer might be simpler than you think. For me, it was learning to just be with my son—and it’s made all the difference.


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