Moments of Musing

A Monday Poem for Moms

Filed Under: motherhood //


Today is Monday. As I’ve said many times, I believe Mondays are good, get things done, fresh start days. I wake up and feel refreshed and renewed… even if I’m tired. It probably has to do with my optimism but I really think starting the week on a positive note sets the tone for the week. 

I also know some moms are going back to work after spending the weekend with their little loves, others staying home with the kids while their partners go to work, and some who do a mixture of the two.

For all you mama, whatever your situation may be, here is my wish for your day and week:


My Monday Wish for Your Week


May your stress be low,



your energy high.


May your guilt be none


And you find grace because you try.


May the tears be few, 


the laughs many.


May the clouds be scarce,


the day sunny,


May the tantrums be short, 


the naps long,


… & your coffee strong.


CHEERS to the new week!

I’ve Lost Myself in Motherhood… I’ve Found Myself, Too.

Filed Under: motherhood //

“Who are you?” That’s something I could ask myself when I look in the mirror sometimes. With a messy bun, sweat pants or leggings, sans any makeup, with a saggy belly, even saggier boobs and baggy eyelids, I admittedly look pretty sloppy. And I sometimes hardly recognize myself and my body anymore.

I’m not the same Jackie I was pre-motherhood or even pre-mom of 2. It’s as if I’ve lost a bit of myself. 


I never thought I’d run late so much and so often. I never thought I’d ever go days without a shower or wear the same clothes for 24 hours (or more). I secretly judged moms who admitted they did it. And I promised myself I’d be different. That won’t be me, I’d tell myself.

Then, I became a mom.

Then, I became a mom to two babies under two years.

It’s not about not wanting to take care of oneself. For me, it’s about learning to prioritize my self-care. It’s about learning to balance what I need most with what my kids want and need. For example, sleep is most important and so I prioritize that over other things.

But showers are really important, too. And so, I’ve learned. I am now a master at showering in under five minutes and while also watching a baby in a bouncer and calling out to make sure my toddler is okay. I’ve also learned that a long hot shower goes a long way. So does a solo trip to run errands.

At the same time, I have been experiencing the greatest love there is—no doubt about it. I have learned what is most important in life is not money. It’s not a job title. And it’s definitely not materialistic things. Rather, it is the people in my life and the moments I spend with them.

While I lost myself a bit in motherhood, I’ve found myself there, too.

I’ve learned life is about forgiveness and grace, both for myself and others. I’ve learned I can love so much more than I’d ever imagined. Speaking about love, I’ve learned so much about it. I’ve realized just how sweet it is to hear I love you from those I love and to feel their love, too. My little two-year-old’s “I love you forever,” my baby’s giggle and just my husband’s embrace can carry me through exhaustion and stress.

Oh, I’ve learned more about myself in these last few years than I did in the twenty plus years prior.

I know my heart better. I know myself better. And I appreciate my life more… so much more.

So, while I’m not the same Jackie I was pre-motherhood, I’m a better, more capable, more responsible and stronger version of her… And I like her more. So much more.

Take Care of Yourself

Filed Under: positivity, self care //


Putting oneself first is harder than it seems, to me at least. Since becoming a parent, I naturally think of my kids first. What do they want? What do they need? Are they happy? Are they tired? Are they upset? How can I help them?
I rarely ask myself how I can help myself. Others ask me that even less. I don’t fault them — or even myself, though. Society puts an onus on women who are wives and mothers. When we become those things, our priorities shift both in our own eyes and in the eyes of others.  Oftentimes, we take a backseat. 

It shouldn’t be like that, though. It doesn’t have to be like that. So, take care of yourself, mama. I’m going to try to do it, too. In fact, it’s one of my new year goals. Live the mantra “Self-care is the best care.” I need to embrace it. And actually do it…


It might seem selfish but it’s like takeoff. You’re instructed to put your oxygen mask on before helping others. As a kid and young adult, I didn’t understand why. Why wouldn’t a parent assist their baby first?, I often wondered. It seemed bizarre to me. 

As an adult and parent, I get it. I comprehend why. We must be okay to help others, especially our kids. They’re depending on us. They’re watching us. More than what we say, they’re mirroring what we do. 

That’s why self care is important. We must take care ourselves in order to best take care of our babies and loved ones. 

It’s not selfish. It’s smart. It’s necessary. Self-care is our best care, mama. 


Love Letters for the Gals and my Guys

Filed Under: love //

Dear Galentines,
“Celebrate yourself by saying, ‘This is what I was meant to do.’ I really want women to feel encouraged. Know that you are doing enough. Own yourself.” – @joannagaines
To the keeper of my heart,

Thank you for giving me a love & life worth celebrating EVERYDAY.

To my littlest Valentines,
Do you know how loved you are? Greater than the depths of the ocean; bigger than the sky and more than all of the stars combined. That’s how much I love you.

These are short, sweet and to the point. I enjoy Valentine’s Day (and have since I was a kid) because, commercialized holiday or not, I love love and believe it deserves to be celebrated. 
Happy Valentine’s Day!

That Someone With You

Filed Under: positivity //



There’s someone with you. 

The person is your biggest critic and also your greatest fan. Your biggest cheerleader but also sometimes a doubter, too. 

The person knows your heart and your mind. How each works and leads you to the decisions you make. The person knows you better than anyone else. 

Look around you. Look inside you. Do you know who that someone is who’s with you, and within you?

That person is you. 

It’s you who knows you like no one else —  who knows your strengths and weaknesses, the depths of your love and sorrow. It is you who you can always count on. 

So, listen to yourself. 

Don’t be too hard on yourself. 

Take care of yourself. 

Forgive yourself. 
Most importantly, love yourself.