This week, I faced a day that could only be described as a test of everything I had.
My to-do list was packed: a networking luncheon, a podcast interview, two Zoom meetings, and somehow, I still had to manage the needs of my autistic daughter, getting ready for a vacation, and even a stubborn car that seemed determined to drain its battery.
If you’re a mompreneur juggling a business and family life, I know you’ve had days like this too. The kind where every minute feels like a tug-of-war, and mom guilt sneaks in at every turn.
This story isn’t just about surviving that day—it’s about the lessons I learned along the way, lessons that might help you, too, as you navigate the beautiful chaos of being a mom and a business owner.
When It Feels Like You’re Failing
The morning started as most do in my house: full of love, energy, and a little bit of chaos. My daughter Caidynn, who’s recently been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1, needed extra support.
We’re in the early stages of therapy and are learning how to incorporate occupational therapy exercises at home. It feels like learning a new language—one I’m terrified to get wrong. The stakes feel high.
Every time I lose my temper when I’m overwhelmed (thanks to my ADHD), the mom guilt floods in. Am I failing her? Am I making things worse?
After taking her to my parents’ house for babysitting, the separation anxiety walked in. Caidynn didn’t want me to leave for my meetings. She clung to my leg, pleading, “Can you work upstairs, please?”
Her words transported me back to a time when I could work quietly at my parents’ house while she played downstairs with them. But things are different now. Her needs have evolved and the challenges have grown more complex.
Her request broke my heart. I wondered if our once-a-week babysitting arrangement was making her anxiety worse. But I also knew I needed this time—not just for my business, but for myself.
The Bubble Gum Ice Cream Moment
One of the challenges we’re working on with our daughter is her limited diet. Safe foods—the few she’ll reliably eat—are essential to her sense of comfort, and literally to her body and mind’s feeling of safety.
That day, it was Baskin Robbins bubble gum ice cream in a waffle bowl. As I handed her the small treat, she settled onto the floor with her favorite Pokémon video playing in the background. For a moment, everything was calm.
Watching her, I realized that as much as I worry about getting everything right, sometimes it’s the small acts of care that matter most.
The ice cream wasn’t just a treat; it was a moment of reassurance for her and a chance for me to catch my breath. And let’s be honest—we all need those moments.
Grace in the Imperfect
With her settled, I grabbed my keys, slipped on my shoes, and dashed out the door, hoping my car would start without the dreaded low battery warning. Thankfully, it did.
But after reading about this common issue in my car, I worried that I would get stuck in a town 30 miles away. I decided to not take that chance and I headed back home.
Instead of spiraling into frustration over a missed opportunity, I let myself breathe. That last-minute decision gifted me an extra hour of unplanned free time. I used the hour to recalibrate, preparing for my podcast interview and Zoom meetings.
That hour reminded me of something crucial: It’s okay to pivot.
As busy moms and business owners, we won’t get everything right every day. But giving ourselves grace in those imperfect moments can be transformative. It allows us to move forward instead of staying stuck in guilt or overwhelm.
Lessons for the Busy Mompreneur
Here are the key takeaways from that whirlwind of a day:
- Small Wins Are Worth Celebrating
- Whether it’s finding a moment of calm with your child or crossing one thing off your to-do list, those small wins build resilience. They’re the stepping stones that keep us moving forward.
- Whether it’s finding a moment of calm with your child or crossing one thing off your to-do list, those small wins build resilience. They’re the stepping stones that keep us moving forward.
- Grace Over Guilt
- It’s easy to beat yourself up for not doing everything perfectly. But the truth is, showing up with love and intention—even imperfectly—is enough. Your kids see your efforts, not just your mistakes.
- It’s easy to beat yourself up for not doing everything perfectly. But the truth is, showing up with love and intention—even imperfectly—is enough. Your kids see your efforts, not just your mistakes.
- Flexibility Is Your Superpower
- As much as we try to stick to schedules and plans, life happens. Learning to pivot with grace can turn unexpected challenges into opportunities for growth.
- As much as we try to stick to schedules and plans, life happens. Learning to pivot with grace can turn unexpected challenges into opportunities for growth.
- Your Needs Matter Too
- It’s not selfish to take time for yourself or your business. In fact, it’s necessary. When you fill your own cup, you’re better able to pour into others.
A Note to Moms Who Feel Overwhelmed
If you’re reading this and nodding along because it feels all too familiar, I want you to know you’re not alone. The juggling act of being a mom and a business owner is hard, especially when neurodivergence is part of your family dynamic. But it’s also filled with opportunities to grow, connect, and lead with authenticity.
Give yourself permission to celebrate the small wins, embrace the imperfect moments, and create space for what truly matters—for you and your family.
Ready to Reclaim Your Time?
If you’re ready to align your business with your life and create more time for what matters most, I invite you to try the LIFT group coaching program.
And I know you’re busy. If you can’t make it to the group call, or you have a last-minute question, you get text and email access to me and you’ll get support and accountability on your time.
Start your free trial and discover how to streamline your marketing, attract aligned clients, and grow a thriving, purpose-driven business—without sacrificing your sanity.