Let’s be real, motherhood is amazing but it is also HARD. The mental, emotional, and physical demands of motherhood is NO JOKE! It doesn’t matter if you work, stay home full time or are somewhere in between, we all experience those moments where we ask ourselves “Can I really do this mom thing?”

First off, I want to tell you that you are not alone in the challenge and struggle that is motherhood. As a mom of four who works at home while staying home-- I get the crazy--  I pretty much live it! But, I have been able to avoid the burnout by implementing these tips I am about to share with you! d

I’LL BE COVERING 5 SIMPLE TOOLS TO IMPLEMENT RIGHT NOW TO BE A HAPPY MOM.

As a mom who had four littles in five years, I know a little something about the chaos of motherhood. One second you are finally sitting down for a quiet moment and the next you are running around the house frantically trying to figure out where your child might have pooped in the house as they wander into the family room without a diaper on. Seriously, mom life is such a trip. 

Once I started staying home full time after my second was born, it became real clear that I was going to get burnt out real fast if I didn’t figure out how to take care of myself and my needs while also raising my littles. Which brings me to….

Secret #1: start a gratitude practice

Seriously it is easy to get wrapped up in poopy diapers, dirty floors, and feeding schedules we forget to notice the amazing life we are living. Listing 3-10 things a day can change your life and your perspective real quick. Choosing joy and gratitude in the mundane of motherhood is 100% your choice.

Secret #2: read or say affirmations daily

What we tell ourself and the thoughts we think over and over again shape our reality. If we are constantly telling ourselves things like “we can’t afford that!” or “I am a horrible mom” our subconscious brain will actively look for instances to prove these thoughts. (this can get really deep and complicated but just trust me on this— what you say matters!)

Secret #3: complete a daily top one/three

Fun fact, it has been said that women tend to have “spaghetti” type brain where we think about all sorts of stuff at once, managing lists, to dos, need to get done, appointments, meals, schedules, and so forth..basically all the things. Men on the other hand have a road type brain where they think about one thing. Crazy right? Having a top one/two/three list that you would like to get done or accomplished that day will help keep you focused and more likely to actually get the thing done you said you wanted to get done in the first place!

Secret #4: movement & meditation

These two are my sanity savers. Moving my body every day is how I stay sane as a mom. When I am woken up multiple times a night and morning comes I feel edgy and annoyed. Working out allows me to burn off that anger and annoyance and show up a better mom for my kids. Meditation is a place to allow stillness. We are always moving and going. When we are still we are able to reset our entire nervous system and mental and emotional field. Real life: meditation for me is laying down and my kids running around me or sitting on top of me. Sometimes I get it in alone but sometimes I don’t. Either way I am creating a space for myself to rest and let stillness in.

Secret #5: end of day practice

How you end your day, sets you up for the next day. Asking yourself “How did the day go? What went well? What did I learn? Where can I show up differently tomorrow?” are just a few great questions to ask yourself as you are ending the night. We are constantly learning, evolving and growing…taking time to actually process and acknowledge it is incredibly beneficial.

If after reading this blog post and you don’t know where to start, I got you. Together we can cultivate more joy in as little as 14 days!

If after reading this blog post and you don’t know where to start, I got you. After years and years of a journal practice, I finally complied my favorite aspects of each and put it together in one simple and easy to use format that is designed for moms.

If you are looking to:

• feel more joy in motherhood

• be more present

• release the mom guilt

• expand your patience

• decrease stress

then this gratitude and affirmation journal is for you.

The Illuminated Mom Affirmation & Gratitude Journal is for YOU:

1. Pick the journal(s) that speak to you

2. Download the Journal to your computer

3. Print the Journal at home or professional

4. Start and end your day with the Journal

By completing these three simple steps, you will slowly watch beauty unfold in your every day life. With 10 minutes and about .11 cents a day you have the power to completely change your life. You were meant to live an amazing, joyful, and fulfilled life and it starts with one simple step and one small daily action.

What Others are Saying About Illuminated Mom Affirmation & Gratitude Journal:

“Through this guided journaling, I was able to focus on my mind and body. I am able to stay in tune with what my body is feeling with different stressors and focus on my gratitude. While writing down my affirmation daily, I’ve been able to embody it much easer and realize I am a good mom!”

“I instantly fell in love with this guided journal. It keeps me grounded while prepping for and navigating my busy week. It creates a space for me to be intentional at the beginning of each day and reflect back at the end of the day. The additional sections for affirmations, gratitude and positivity make this journal really special and unique.”

“5 stars. Helped me be intentional about my week and day. So good to start my day with an affirmation and come back at the end of the day to think about my top 3 of the day!”

“I found it especially helpful as a newbie to affirmations & journaling. The setup is great for a quick, mindful practice and it gives just enough prompting that I'm not sitting there wondering what to write.”