Motherhood is a journey full of seasons—some filled with laughter and milestones, others weighed down by exhaustion and doubt. As mothers, we often feel pulled in a hundred different directions, with the needs of our children, homes, and work all begging for attention. But what if the key to thriving in motherhood lies not in doing more, but in slowing down and finding grace in the little moments?
For me, mindful motherhood has become a practice of embracing the life God has placed in front of me, messy and beautiful as it is.
The Heart of a Homestead Mama
Living in rural Oklahoma, our days are shaped by the rhythms of the land. My husband, Tysin, and I are in the middle of a farmhouse build. As we work toward a self-sufficient homestead, life is far from perfect. It’s full of dirt-streaked hands, muddy boots, and projects that take twice as long as we planned.
But watching our son grow up here reminds me why we’re doing it. Seeing his eyes light up as he collects eggs or plays in the garden is pure joy. These are the moments that make the chaos worth it—when I slow down and really see the life we’re creating for him.
Grace for the Overwhelmed Days
Let’s be real—motherhood isn’t always joyful. There are days when Samson is fussy, the to-do list feels endless, and my patience is running on fumes. On those days, I remind myself of this truth: I don’t have to have it all together.
Grace comes in the form of small, imperfect victories. It’s giving myself permission to let the clean clothes sit on the table while I snuggle Samson on the couch. It’s thanking God for the ability to care for my family, even when the day doesn’t go as planned.
One practice that helps me stay grounded is pausing to breathe—literally. When I feel overwhelmed, I take a deep breath and look around. Maybe it’s the sunlight streaming through the window, the sound of Samson laughing, or even the smell of muffins baking in the oven. These simple moments remind me that God’s blessings are all around me, even on the hard days.
Finding Joy in the Everyday
Joy in motherhood doesn’t always come from big experiences; more often, it’s found in the mundane. It’s in watching Samson learn something new or seeing him excited to help water the garden. It’s the way he loves to help feed the animals and the pure delight on his face when he finds treasures in the yard.
By choosing to live in the present, I’ve learned to see these small, everyday moments as sacred. The laughter, the chaos, and even the tears are all part of the story we’re writing as a family.
Tips for Practicing Mindful Motherhood
Start Your Day with Intention: Before the house wakes up, take a moment to pray, journal, or simply enjoy the quiet. This small practice can set the tone for your day.
Be Fully Present: When playing with your child, put distractions aside. Ditch the phone, look them in the eye when they talk, and soak in the moment. I never realized how much time I was spending half-present with Samson until I started leaving my phone in the other room.
Embrace Nature: Spending time outside—whether it’s gardening, walking, or just sitting in the sun—can be grounding for both you and your child.
Celebrate Small Wins: Did you manage to fold half the laundry? Take a moment to celebrate that. It’s okay if everything doesn’t get done.
Lean on Faith: On hard days, I remind myself of 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” God’s grace fills in the gaps where I fall short.
A Life Worth Embracing
Mindful motherhood isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about being present. It’s about choosing to find beauty in the chaos and joy in the everyday. As we build our farmhouse and grow our homestead, I’m reminded daily that this life—this messy, beautiful, grace-filled life—is a gift.
So, to all the mamas out there: Take a deep breath. Look around. See the blessings in front of you. And know that even on the hard days, you’re doing holy work.
You’ve got this, Mama. Let’s walk this journey together, one mindful moment at a time.
