When Motherhood Feels Lonely and Overwhelming: Finding Strength and Joy

Motherhood is full of beautiful moments—those cheesy smiles, tiny hands in yours, and the sound of your child’s giggles. But let’s be honest: it’s also really, really hard. There are days when the exhaustion hits, the to-do list seems never-ending, and it feels like you’re the only one struggling. The loneliness can sneak up on you, even when you know other moms are out there facing the same challenges.

I’ve been there, too. It’s easy to feel isolated, even surrounded by the noise and chaos of little ones. And in those moments, the weight of motherhood can feel especially heavy. But here’s the thing: we don’t have to carry it all on our own.

As I navigate this journey, I’ve found that focusing on what I can do, rather than what I can’t, has been a game-changer. And when I parent with biblical principles in mind, it not only eases the burden but brings joy into our home.

Here are some ways I’ve learned to refocus my mind and heart when motherhood feels overwhelming:

1. Lean into Grace: When we feel like we’re falling short, it’s easy to spiral into self-doubt and guilt. But grace is a beautiful reminder that we don’t have to be perfect. God’s grace is sufficient for us, and it’s okay to ask for help, take a break, or simply let some things go.

2. Build a Routine that Brings Peace: Creating a simple, flexible routine can help reduce the chaos and make space for those little moments of joy (I’ve created a cheatsheet for you here). When we plan our days with intention, we can prioritize what matters most—like spending quality time with our children and nurturing our own spiritual growth.

3. Seek Community: Even when motherhood feels lonely, we are not alone. Whether it’s a text to a fellow mom friend, joining a Bible study group, or simply reaching out to someone at church, community is a powerful antidote to isolation. Surrounding ourselves with other moms who share our values can be incredibly uplifting.

4. Focus on What You Can Control: There’s so much about motherhood that’s out of our control. But rather than dwelling on the things we can’t change, we can focus on what we can do—like setting the tone in our home, practicing patience, and modeling the values we want our children to learn.

5. Embrace the Mess: Life with toddlers is messy—literally and figuratively. But rather than striving for perfection, we can embrace the mess and find joy in it. Whether it’s messy playtime or imperfect moments, these are the memories that will last.

6. Spend Time in Prayer: Prayer is a powerful way to center ourselves and seek guidance. Whether it’s a quick prayer during naptime or a quiet moment in the morning, staying connected to God gives us strength and clarity as we navigate the ups and downs of motherhood.

Motherhood is a journey filled with challenges, but it’s also filled with immeasurable blessings. By focusing on what we can do and leaning into our faith, we can find joy, strength, and peace—even on the hardest days.

How do you find strength and joy? I’d love to hear from you!

joyFULLY mama,

Kenna

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