Modern Motherhood Musings

You’re reading Modern Motherhood Musings, a weekly newsletter written from one mom to another. Each week I share an honest reflection on motherhood, and a collection of things bringing me joy. I’m passionate about community, and I hope that by sharing our stories, we all feel a little less alone.

📝 This week’s musing…

If you’ve glanced through the news lately you’ll know that the world feels like a heavy place, one that’s especially hard for parents.

• The U.S. dropped from the list of the 20 happiest countries in the world.

• People have higher rates of loneliness than ever before.

• Families are spending an average of 24% of their income on childcare.

• The U.S. is the only 1 of 41 countries with no federal paid parental leave.

On top of all of that, social media is constantly feeding us picture perfect houses, Pinterest-worthy parties, and curated lists of items we can’t live without.

Meanwhile, we’re just doing the best we can to keep our little world spinning.

From the never ending pile of laundry, to the carton of milk that always seems to be empty. From the pile of mail stacking up on the kitchen counter, to the endless text messages you haven’t responded to, and the work deadlines looming in the background.

The weight of it all is enough to turn you into a zombie, moving through the motions emotionless.

Like most people, I’m easily influenced by my surroundings. What I’m reading, what I’m listening to, who I’m spending my time with. How do we stay informed and educated while also protecting our joy?

By watching and learning from our children. Their world is composed of moment after ordinary moment of unfiltered joy.

This week I watched my oldest son savor the most perfectly roasted marshmallow like it was a Michelin star meal, and beam with pride when he handed me the flower he picked on his afternoon walk.

I heard my youngest son squeal with absolute excitement at seeing his grandparents on FaceTime, and watched him wrap his dad in the biggest full-body hug when he came home from work.

I’m acutely aware of how fortunate I am, and how I have absolutely nothing to complain about. My kids are healthy, they have a roof over their head, food in their belly, and a whole community of people who love them. Just typing these words is like a gut punch to my doom and gloom.

By consciously and continuously shifting my perspective, I’m learning to see the magic in the moments that I miss when I’m distracted by the news, and to-do list, and screen in my hand.

Adults can make life feel so hard, and so heavy. Let’s let our kids bring us back to the joy.

✨ Friday Favorites…

🥗 If you’re looking for a recipe that is elevated but simple, you need to make this Grilled Steak Salad! We added some candied pecans it was perfection.

💅🏼 Between dishes and hand washing, my nails are in a constant state of shambles, but just 5 minutes and 2 coats of this nail concealer make me feel polished and put together.

💩 We have tried everything, and I mean everything, in regards to potty training, but this Potty Training Tonie seems to be the first thing that resonated with our oldest son. If you’re struggling, it might be worth a shot.

👯‍♀️ From one mom to another…

Your words of wisdom, best piece of advice, and favorite mom hacks can make a difference in another mom’s journey. What has helped you survive this season?

I’ve learned so much from the mom’s who read this newsletter. From your advice and mom hacks, to stories to laugh about, you’ve been the difference in my motherhood journey.

There’s so much wisdom in this group that needs to be shared, and I want to feature YOU!

Email me your best piece of advice, favorite mom hack, or words of wisdom to be shared in this section each week.

Thanks for reading this week’s edition of Modern Motherhood Musing!

Happy Friday! I hope y’all have a great weekend!