As moms, we’re often told to “enjoy every moment.” But what does that even look like when your day is filled with spilled snacks, never-ending laundry, and a child who still won’t nap?
We tend to place so much importance on the big milestones—first steps, birthdays, family holidays—as if that’s when the real memories are made. But in my experience, the moments that shape us most aren’t the picture-perfect ones. They’re the quiet, often overlooked pauses in our everyday rhythm. The way your child snuggles into you after a tantrum. The relief of finally sitting down with a hot cup of tea. The decision to take a deep breath instead of snapping.
This month, I decided to do a “12-of-12” photo diary—a simple practice where I take twelve photos on the 12th of the month to capture a day in our life. No elaborate setups. No need to impress. Just honest, ordinary moments of motherhood.
This photo series is more than just a peek into my day. It’s a reminder that self-care for moms doesn’t have to mean big, scheduled breaks or perfect routines. Sometimes, it’s as small as choosing presence over perfection. Mindful motherhood starts when we give ourselves permission to slow down and notice what’s already here.
12 small moments of everyday motherhood
So here it is—twelve small moments that reminded me where peace, connection, and meaning actually live: not in the chaos or the control, but in the in-between.
Morning rituals
This is as close to a daily ritual as I get:
a large glass of water, at least ten minutes of gentle movement, and a bowl of yogurt with mostly healthy toppings.
Everyday motherhood isn’t glamorous. Most mornings look exactly like this. If you came over tomorrow, you’d probably see the same routine.
And yet—this sameness is comforting.
This is self-care. This is stability. This is me choosing to start the day by showing up for myself.
Someone else in this household, prefers to start their mornings in a different way 😉
Return to the familiar
Okay, I promised no filters and nothing extraordinary. But today we went to the zoo.
Once upon a time, this was our everyday. When our son was little, we had a year pass and sometimes went twice a week. Now? Maybe once a season.
It felt good to return to something that used to be such a regular part of our lives.
There’s something deeply connecting about doing something that’s very us.
So yes, the next few photos are just some of the animals we visited today.
Self-care, but different
I’m pretty sure you’ve heard me say that self-care is more than “a spa day”.
So when we passed the playground… how could I resist the swings?
There’s something to be said for letting go, even just for a few minutes.
Movement. Laughter. A moment of lightness.
That counts too.
Slowing down – one moment at a time
After the zoo, we came home tired and full—in a good way.
This is what the slow part of the day looked like.
A purring cat, a quiet body, a moment of grounding.
I lay on my acupressure mat and just breathed. Nothing to do. Nowhere to be.
This is the part of the day where I let myself soften.
Not every moment has to be productive to be meaningful.
Everyday motherhood is about showing up
It’s so easy to overlook the ordinary.
We rush through the morning routines, plan outings for our kids, steal a moment to breathe—and still wonder if we’re doing enough. But when I look back at this day, it wasn’t the zoo animals or the swing or even the yogurt bowl that stood out. It was the feeling of being present. Of noticing.
Of remembering that these small moments are the point.
This is everyday motherhood.
Not the highlight reel, not the milestones—but the tiny decisions, the rituals, the pauses. The way we keep showing up, even when it’s repetitive. Even when it’s messy. Even when it’s just normal.
If this resonates with you, come join me in Mom Village: Self-Care and Connection for Overwhelmed Moms—a Facebook group for moms who are done chasing perfection and ready to honour the real, everyday moments instead.
We talk about self-care, messy days, PMDD, and how to find peace in the middle of it all.
It’s a soft place to land—and we’d love to have you.
