You Deserve to Be Happy: How to Fully Embrace Joy in Motherhood Without Guilt
How many times have you started to celebrate something wonderful in your life, only to catch yourself thinking, Don’t get too excited… what if something goes wrong? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. We often hold ourselves back from fully experiencing joy, thinking that by doing so, we’re protecting ourselves from potential disappointment. The truth is that joy is one of the most vulnerable emotions we can feel (Brené Brown, Dare to Lead, p. 81).
For modern moms, this vulnerability doesn’t just affect how we experience big milestone moments—it also shadows the small, everyday joys. There’s an added layer of guilt that creeps in when we take a moment for ourselves, making us feel undeserving of enjoying time just for us.
Think about the last time you had a quiet moment—reading a book, savoring your coffee, or simply sitting in peace. At first, it felt amazing, right? But then came the thoughts:
“I should be doing something more productive.”
“The laundry isn’t done.”
“Are the kids okay? Do they need me?”
“Am I being selfish for taking this time?”
This cycle of guilt keeps us from fully embracing joy. But here’s the thing: denying ourselves joy doesn’t serve us or our families. Joy isn’t just a fleeting luxury; it’s a necessity. It builds the emotional reserves we need to navigate the inevitable challenges of life (Brené Brown, Dare to Lead, p. 82).
How Can You Practice Embracing More Joy?
1. Practice Gratitude
Allow yourself to fully feel the pleasure of your accomplishments, love, and joyful moments. One simple way to do this is by writing them down or sharing them with your loved ones at the end of the day.
As Melody Beattie beautifully puts it:
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.”
2. Give Yourself Permission
Recognize that joy is not something you have to earn—it’s something you deserve. When guilt creeps in, gently remind yourself that taking moments for joy doesn’t take away from your family; it nourishes you so you can show up fully for them.
3. Celebrate in the Present
Happiness isn’t something to be delayed or rationed—it’s something to be embraced right now. Instead of worrying about what could go wrong, allow yourself to truly live in the beauty of the moment.
Because here’s the secret: Happiness is contagious. When you allow yourself to experience joy, it radiates to those around you—especially your children.
So go ahead, embrace the joy, celebrate the little moments, and remember: You deserve this happiness.
And if you’re ready to redefine what a joyful life looks like for you, I’d love to help guide you on this journey. Book a free call with me to talk about how I can support you with reconnecting with your most joyful self and help you live the life you’ve always dreamed of.
With love,
Isabel
