Finding Light in the Darkness: Empowering Mothers to Rise Above
Motherhood is an incredible journey, filled with the deepest love, unexpected joy, and moments that can truly take your breath away. But it's also an experience that can be overwhelming and isolating, especially when you’re trying to do it all on your own or with little support. I know this because I’ve lived it—I’ve felt the weight of being a mom who is always on, always giving, and at times, struggling to keep her head above water. There were days when I felt completely consumed by the demands of life.
Growing up in upstate New York, I was surrounded by a big, loving family. My mom was a pillar of strength who raised us four kids with so much heart. I learned from her resilience and her ability to rise above the struggles she faced. Her example became my foundation. As a young adult, I went on my own journey of self-discovery, living in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., before finally settling in the San Francisco East Bay area 26 years ago. The Bay Area has become my home, and it’s where I’ve built my life as a mother to three incredible boys who have been my greatest teachers and my most profound loves.
From the moment I became a mom, I devoted everything I had to raising my boys. I wanted to give them the best life possible, full of adventure and love, whether that meant exploring the Bay Area, hiking in the hills, or taking in the magic of San Francisco together. We spent so much time out in nature—breathing in the fresh air, chasing the waves, and creating beautiful memories. Those years were some of the most incredible times of my life, filled with laughter, joy, and a sense of wonder that I cherished.
But it wasn’t easy. By the time I had my 3rd son, I often found myself exhausted and overwhelmed. For 22 years, I was married, but for a good majority of those, I was essentially parenting on my own. My husband was not an engaged father or partner, and I carried the weight of caring for our children and our home almost entirely on my own. I thought that being a great mom meant putting everyone else’s needs first, even if it meant abandoning my own. I believed I had to give up parts of myself for the sake of my family, and in the process, I lost sight of who I was and what I wanted, besides being a great mama.
It took time—and a lot of soul-searching and healing—to realize that I was worth more than a life defined by overwhelm and neglect. I deserved care taking, joy beside that experienced with my children, freedom to fully be all parts of myself and express them without inhibition, and the space to grow as a woman, not just as a mother. I began to understand that by taking care of myself and nurturing my own spirit, I wasn’t taking anything away from my children; I was actually giving them the best version of me. I started to embrace vulnerability, which was uncomfortable but so important. To seek out more support, and focus on personal growth in ways that really helped me to heal and feel more light. I explored holistic healing practices within and outside of my experience and training, and learned strategies for self-care that went beyond just a momentary escape—they were about transforming my life from the inside out. I started to use the tools that I was unable to grab onto, those that I regularly taught to clients and students, but in my overwhelm could not always reach.
The journey back to myself wasn’t linear, and there are still hard days. But little by little, I began to find light in the darkness. I rediscovered passions that had been buried and continue to explore more, allowing myself to dream again, and reclaim the parts of me that I abandoned. I learned to celebrate the woman I was becoming and still working on igniting—a woman who is strong, capable, worthy and deserving of a life that is meaningful and whole.
Now, as a coach and advocate for women, my mission is to help other mothers find their own light, even in the darkest of times. I’ve been in the trenches, I know what it feels like to struggle, and I know how easy it is to get lost in the roles we play. But I also know that there is a way out—a path that leads to empowerment, fulfillment, and joy. It starts with acknowledging that you are more than the sum of your responsibilities. You are a multi-faceted, vibrant person with dreams, talents, and a heart full of potential.
When you feel like you’re drowning in the chaos of motherhood, remember that it’s okay to reach out for support. It’s okay to need help, to give yourself permission to pause, and to seek out spaces where you can be nurtured. Finding a community that understands what you’re going through can be a game-changer, and having the right tools and strategies for healing can help you rise above the overwhelm.
It’s not about having a perfectly balanced life all the time or a Pinterest perfect life—there will always be ups and downs, imperfections, and messiness. But it is about finding the flow that feels right for you, where you can embrace the messiness, celebrate the magic, and give yourself grace in the moments when things don’t go as planned. It’s about allowing yourself to grow and evolve, to be both the loving mama and the empowered woman who follows her own path.
If you’re reading this and feeling lost, know that you are not alone. You have the strength within you to rise above whatever darkness you may be facing. Your story doesn’t end here; it’s just beginning. Embrace the small steps toward rediscovering yourself, and trust that each one is leading you closer to a life of freedom, joy, and fulfillment.
Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. We’re in this together, and there is a light waiting for you—one that shines even brighter than you can imagine. Allow yourself to find it, and let it guide you to a place where you feel truly alive, both as a mother and as the extraordinary woman you are.
