How Self-Care & Mindfulness Helped Me Navigate Motherhood, Illness, & Entrepreneurship
As a mom of four, I’ve faced more than my share of trials. Two of my kids are now grown, and I’m still raising two teenagers, but our journey has been anything but smooth. One of my children went through multiple surgeries and was eventually diagnosed with stage three lung cancer. The pain of watching your child endure such immense suffering is something no parent can fully prepare for. And just when I thought I couldn’t be tested any further, another of my children was diagnosed with epilepsy at 17.
It’s hard to find the words to describe those moments when life hands you unimaginable challenges. As a mom, my first instinct was to do everything possible to make sure my kids were okay. I tried to be everything—caretaker, provider, problem solver—but there came a point where I realized I couldn’t keep going at that pace.
Watching my child fight cancer, undergoing surgery after surgery, was heart-wrenching. My corporate career still demanded my time, and my other three children needed me too. Then came the epilepsy diagnosis, and I was pushed to a place of physical and emotional exhaustion I didn’t know existed. In those moments, I realized that if I didn’t start taking care of myself, I wouldn’t be able to keep showing up for them. I had to find a way to survive the chaos, the fear, and the constant worry.
Self-care and mindfulness became my anchors. At first, it was small things—finding moments to breathe deeply, taking walks to clear my mind, or sitting quietly with my thoughts when everything felt overwhelming. I felt guilty at first, thinking I needed to be "on" all the time for my kids. But I came to understand that I couldn’t pour from an empty cup. By prioritizing my own well-being, I could be a better mom, a better support system, and a stronger advocate for my kids’ health.
Now, as a newly engaged woman and a former corporate professional turned entrepreneur, I continue to rely on those same tools to help me navigate this next chapter of life. I’m building a business, raising teenagers, and embracing the future with my fiancé, but I know that success means nothing without my health and peace of mind.
The world around me will always be in motion—children grow up, homes get messy, and life throws curveballs. But I’ve come to realize that I only get one body and one mind, and I have to prioritize both if I want to truly be present for my family.
When my son was diagnosed with stage three lung cancer, I felt like I had to be the pillar of strength for everyone around me. But strength, I’ve learned, isn’t about holding it together all the time. It’s about finding balance, letting go of guilt, and giving myself permission to rest.
Self-care and mindfulness aren’t just buzzwords for me—they’re lifelines that helped me survive some of the darkest moments of my life. They’re the reasons I’m still standing, even after watching my child fight for his life and navigating the ups and downs of epilepsy with another.
So, if you’re in the midst of your own challenges—whether they’re personal, professional, or deeply emotional—remember that it’s okay to take time for yourself. In fact, it’s necessary. Mindfulness and self-care aren’t indulgences; they’re essential tools for survival. And if I’ve learned anything through this journey, it’s that taking care of yourself is the most powerful way to keep moving forward, no matter what life throws your way.
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