As we end the first week in January and start the new year, coffee in hand (because obviously), I’m taking a moment to reflect on the whirlwind that was last year. And let me tell you, motherhood taught me more lessons than a Pinterest board full of inspirational quotes - only mine came with a side of spilled juice and toddler tantrums. So, grab your beverage of choice (wine counts, no judgment here), and let’s chat about what the past year has taught me about growth, grace, and gratitude in this rollercoaster we call motherhood.

Last year, I discovered I am basically a circus performer. No, I didn’t master the trapeze (though some days, I think that might be easier than wrangling three kids out the door on time). Instead, I became an expert juggler - work, kids, house, friends, and the occasional self-care moment (if a quick sheet mask counts). There was that one time I showed up to school drop-off in mismatched shoes because I was so focused on packing Instagram-worthy lunches. Spoiler alert: my kids traded their perfectly cut sandwiches for someone else’s Goldfish crackers anyway. Lesson learned? Perfection is overrated. Growth for me meant letting go of the idea that I had to do it all flawlessly and instead focusing on doing what matters - with love and a dash of creativity.

If there’s one thing motherhood has taught me, it’s that grace is not just a pretty name; it’s a survival skill. Like the time I tried to design a magazine-worthy family photo wall. I spent hours selecting the perfect frames and arranging them like a chic gallery exhibit. Within 24 hours, my toddler had "decorated" it with crayon murals. I could’ve cried, but instead, I laughed. And then I framed his little masterpiece because, honestly, it was kind of adorable. Grace isn’t just about forgiving yourself for not getting it all right; it’s about finding the humor and beauty in the chaos. Last year, I learned to embrace the imperfections - whether it’s my messy bun (literally messy, not “TikTok” messy) or the slightly chaotic but warm and loving home I’ve created.

Motherhood is full of big milestones - first steps, first words, first time your child embarrasses you in public by announcing, “Mommy’s bra is pink today!” (Yes, that happened.) But the past year has taught me that the magic is often in the small, unplanned moments. One evening, after an exhausting day, I plopped down on the couch with my five-year-old. Without saying a word, she curled up next to me and handed me a crayon drawing of our family. It wasn’t perfect - my hair looked suspiciously like spaghetti - but it was a reminder of why I do this. It’s the quiet moments, the unsolicited hugs, the sticky kisses that make all the juggling and mess worth it. Gratitude this past year has been about pausing to notice those moments, even when I’m drowning in laundry or mediating a sibling squabble over who got more syrup on their pancakes. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

So, what am I carrying into this shiny new year? Besides a diaper bag that’s probably heavier than it needs to be, I’m bringing a new mindset:

• Less striving, more savoring: I’m embracing the mess and focusing on the memories.
• More creativity, less comparison: My home may never look like an influencer’s grid, but it’s ours - full of personality and love.
• More grace for myself and others: Because if motherhood has taught me anything, it’s that we’re all just doing our best.

To my fellow moms, whether you’re rocking this new year in stilettos or slippers, know this: You’re doing an amazing job. Here’s to a year of growth, grace, gratitude - and maybe a little extra coffee. Cheers, mama!

xoxo