I never pictured myself as a Stay At Home Mom.

As a young adult, I always assumed I’d have a family one day—but in my head, I’d also be the “super mom.” The one who could balance everything: career, kids, fitness, friendships, home life, and all the extras. After all, that’s what so many of us Gen X and Millennial girls grew up hearing—that we could, and should, have it all.

We were told we could be both the Stepford mom and the power career woman.

(And let me pause here to say: to the women who are doing that, you’re incredible. Truly. Your choice is beautiful and valid. It just turned out not to be the life for me.)

Still, I believed that was what I was supposed to do. So I worked full-time, and I pushed myself to keep up with everything else too. My days were exhausting. I’d get up early to squeeze in a workout, try to cook healthy meals from scratch, spend nine hours at the office, come home and create meaningful family time, keep the house clean and organized—and somehow manage what felt like a million other things.

I thought that was the expectation. But deep down, I was miserable.

Then came 2020.

The pandemic threw a wrench in so many lives, ours included. With two small kids suddenly home, it became almost impossible to work my full schedule and care for them. My husband and I had countless conversations, and eventually we made a decision: I would quit my job. Just for a while. Maybe until the pandemic settled down, or until both kids were in school.

What I didn’t realize was how complicated that decision would feel.

I thought staying home would bring instant relief, but the truth is—it didn’t. There were tears. There were moments when I wondered if I had made the right choice. I grieved the life I thought I was supposed to want. Slowly though, little by little, I started to find small wins. A calm morning. A laugh with my kids in the middle of the day. A chance to actually breathe.

Over time, I began to see the value in this new life. Not just for me, but for our whole family.

Yes, we’ve had to give up some luxuries we used to enjoy. Yes, we’ve had to budget more carefully. But what we’ve gained is worth so much more: peace, presence, and genuine happiness. Today, I can honestly say all four of us are thriving.

And if you’re in the thick of it right now—whether you’re adjusting to being home, or you’re simply considering it—please know this: you’re not alone. It may not always be easy, but it can be so, so worth it.

We’re going to walk through the hard parts together.

God doesn’t call us to be perfect, just present. I’m so glad you’re here walking this road with me. You’re going to be OK.

xx, k10