I Lost Myself in Motherhood—Here’s How I Found My Way Back

It’s been a hot minute since I’ve sat down to write (do we even say “hot minute” anymore?). I really didn’t plan to take a break, it was more like the break took me. 

I’ve always loved writing. When I was younger, I thought I might even write books. That idea was squashed by some negative outside voices and I never considered it again. At least not until now… but that’s a story for another day. 

Starting a blog though, that’s something I really enjoyed. I became a blog writer a few years back as I ventured into the freelance world looking for a way to free myself from the chains of the medical profession—yes, a restricting and at times demeaning career. But this wasn’t what I pictured—unless you count picturing myself stress-eating Reese’s cups in the pantry while answering emails.

I dreamed of still helping others—helping families like mine… 

You see, I realized early in my motherhood journey that my family isn’t like most. My oldest daughter has a feeding disorder called ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) that began before she was two. It was a long and incredibly tough journey to find a diagnosis for her. It continues to be a challenge to find support even 14 years later. 

My youngest is autistic and awaits her ADHD diagnosis. Her road has been no less challenging—from being told she has no issues to enduring wild safety risks to even being told her diagnosis should be taken back (again, another story). 

But, where did I go? Somewhere between the morning battles over wearing socks, opening the fridge to find the milk gone—again, and reheating the same cup of coffee three times a day, I lost myself.

From Managing Chaos to Rediscovering Myself

At some point, I lost my connection—not just to myself, but also to the heart of my business. Life as a mom of kids with unique challenges consumed me, and while I wanted to help other moms, I felt stuck, unsure of how to move forward or what I truly needed to create.

Like so many moms, I poured everything I had into my kids. Their appointments, therapies, school meetings, and daily needs left little time for me. Add in the mental load of worrying about their futures, managing meltdowns, and constantly advocating, and I was barely keeping my head above water.

I’m sure many of you can relate to that feeling—like you’re running on empty but can’t stop because everything depends on you. I forgot who I was beyond “Mom.” Like, did I even have hobbies before? Or was I always just working to master the right doneness of dino nuggets? My dreams, my passions, and even my basic needs got lost in the shuffle.

I kept trying different things that didn’t feel right, letting outside voices tell me what I should be doing and how I should be doing it. I wasn’t clear on what I wanted or needed out of my business either. I knew I wanted to help other moms like me, but I didn’t have the time or space to figure out how to make that happen. Instead, I kept spinning my wheels, feeling stuck and unsure of how to move forward.

But here’s the thing: I started noticing the toll it was taking—not just on me, but on my family too. I was exhausted, short-tempered, and overwhelmed. I knew something had to change, but figuring out what felt impossible—kind of like finding a matching pair of toddler socks on laundry day.

From Survival Mode to Feeling Like Me Again

In the middle of the chaos, I realized I wasn’t just exhausted; I was disconnected—from myself, from the things that lit me up, and from the purpose I knew I was meant to have. I had been so focused on getting through each day that I lost sight of what truly mattered to me. Life had become all about the grind: appointments, meltdowns, therapies, and the endless mental load of figuring it all out.

One day, it hit me—like stepping on a LEGO—I didn’t have anything in my life that was truly mine. I was so focused on being everything for everyone else that I forgot how to keep things for myself.

So many moms feel the same way, juggling everything for their kids and forgetting that their own passions, creativity, and purpose still matter. And while I didn’t have all the answers, I realized that helping other moms rediscover themselves was exactly what I was meant to do. Through shared experiences, support, and small, manageable steps, I knew I could make a difference.

How Small Wins Help You Rediscover Yourself

Here’s the thing: when you’re raising kids—especially ones with extra needs—it’s easy to lose sight of who you are. Your days are packed with problem-solving, advocating, and just surviving. Somewhere in there, your own dreams, creativity, and passions can get buried.

But you’re still you, and you deserve to feel fulfilled. Rediscovering yourself doesn’t mean letting go of being a mom; it means giving yourself the okay to dream again and taking even the tiniest steps toward what makes you feel alive.

That’s where my passion lies: supporting moms who feel overwhelmed, lost, or stuck in survival mode. Moms who love their kids fiercely but sometimes need a reminder that they matter too.

I want to help you find ways to steal back time for yourself, even on the busiest of days. Whether it’s helping you find a few peaceful moments in your day, pointing you toward what sparks joy, or just reminding you that you matter, my goal is to walk alongside you as you rediscover your passions and purpose—one small, doable step at a time.

Make Time for Yourself—Without Mom Guilt

If you’re feeling stuck and wondering how to start, I’ve got something for you: my FREE guide, How to Steal 10 Minutes a Day for Yourself—Without Guilt! 

It’s full of practical, mom-friendly tips to help you find those little pockets of time for yourself, even on the craziest days.

Click here to grab your FREE guide!

Let’s Do This Together

If you’ve ever felt like motherhood swallowed you whole, I get it. And if you’ve ever wanted to find your way back to yourself but weren’t sure where to start, I want to help.

Let’s talk about the real stuff—our struggles, little wins, and the moments that remind us who we are (even if that means celebrating finishing a cup of coffee while it’s still warm). Let’s figure out how to take care of ourselves while taking care of everyone else.

I’d love for you to join me in my Facebook group, where we’re building a community of moms who understand what it’s like and want to support each other.

You don’t have to do this alone—we’re in this together!