Navigating Mom Guilt and Priorities

A Mother’s Balancing Act

Tuesday was one of those days. Life reminded me, yet again, that balance isn’t about having it all together—it’s about making decisions that align with what truly matters.

The day started as usual: my 4:30 AM alarm went off, completed my morning routine, and out the door by 6. Half way to work, that’s when my husband’s phone rang. We all know when that phone rings early in the morning or late at night, something is wrong. It was the girls; they weren’t feeling well: throwing up, running fevers, the whole nine.

As we detoured, a different weight settled in—guilt. Not the guilt of being a bad mother, but the guilt of not being the professional I once was. I used to pride myself on being reliable, always on time, fully focused, without having 'mom brain' or divided attention. I rarely took leave. That version of me was far more available.

But now, things are different.

So naturally, the internal debate began. They’re in good hands. I still can make it to work and leave early to pick them up. Knowing good and well that if I chose to leave them, i’d be a nuisance, calling every 5 minutes to check on them. Every day, I battle sacrifice—fighting to keep the old me alive and kicking.

My working moms, I know you understand. The push and pull between career and family, duty and devotion. No matter how much we plan, life has a way of making us prove what we say our priorities are.

I Care. . .A lot

It’s not easy to let go of who we used to be and embrace who we need to become for our loved ones and ourselves. I learned that feeling guilty doesn’t mean I’m failing—it just means I care how I show up in this world. While the old version of me may have been more in control, this version of me is learning to accept that I can’t be everything to everyone.

The moral of the story

Find your why.

For me it’s my girls and my family, they will always be my why.

When you find yourself burdened with the weight of responsibility pulling you in opposite directions, remember your why. Prioritizing doesn’t mean failing; it means you’re making space for what matters most in that moment.

This, i’m discovering, is the genuine essence of balance. 

Talk Soon🤍