Okay, I need to spam you with a little story—hope it doesn’t overwhelm you! I’ve been thinking a lot about how I used to feel like if I shared anything real about myself, I’d seem “less than” everyone else. Like, my anxiety and inner saboteurs would always tell me that I was the only one feeling a certain way.
But here’s the thing: I’m not alone. And neither are you. I know you get those annoying voices in your head telling you all sorts of crap, too. We both know the struggle.
So, let me tell you what happened one day when the kids were little. My saboteurs completely took over, and I ended up believing every single thing they said. I spent two hours stuck in that mental trap—two hours I’ll never get back. If I hadn’t had the coaching and tools I use now, I have no idea how long I would’ve stayed in that spiral.
Okay, here’s the story: I took both the babies for a walk on the beach (must have been 2020 or so). I left one sleeping in the stroller, in the shade, thinking it was best to let her finish her nap while I moved a little further to play with my son, who needed my attention. Two under two—chaos, right? We were close to the stroller, but far enough to not wake her.
Out of nowhere, a stranger came up to me and asked, “Is that your baby? Everyone’s worried… please go back to your child.”
I was totally caught off guard. “Uh, yes, that’s my baby. Thanks…”
And then it hit me. The guilt. The mom guilt. The loud, nasty saboteurs screamed, “See? You’re such a bad mom. How could you not think of that? You’re the only one who would leave a baby in a stroller like that.”
I couldn’t handle it. I packed everything up in 2 minutes and ran home with the double stroller. The shame was real, and I felt awful.
But then, after I ruminated for way too long, I realized something—I wasn’t a bad mom. It wasn’t me, it was the guilt and shame making me feel that way. I was hijacked by my saboteurs. BIG TIME. Once I realized that, I was able to step back, take a breath, and use the tools I’ve learned to just let go of it.
I remembered my sage perspective… The man who approached me wasn’t attacking me or judging my motherhood. He was just coming from a place of care. Maybe, in his experience, he’s seen situations where things weren’t safe. His comment wasn’t about me being a bad mom—it was a lesson, a reminder to be more cautious. Remember what your sage knows? Everything can be turned into a gift and opportunity.
I wanted to share this with you because, honestly, it’s so easy to get lost in our heads. But it’s a good reminder that we have the power to break free from it, even when it feels impossible.
Anyway, just wanted to share that with you. And know that I’m always right here with you. If you haven’t signed up for my Mental Fitness Coaching yet, claim your free intro session today!
