I am not exempt from the all-consuming challenges of motherhood. I know what it’s like to feel behind in purpose, dreams, and even the simple act of tending to your own desires. I get it.
Motherhood is unpredictable. One minute you have a mellow, snuggly baby—and the next, you’re negotiating with a tantrum-throwing toddler while burning dinner and answering emails. Somewhere in between the to-do lists and mini-emergencies, you quietly wonder, “Will I ever get to live in my Amplifying Your Yes season?”
The truth is, the answer is in you, sis.
As a mom of five and nearly two decades into motherhood, I’ve learned there’s no perfect timing or magical place of arrival. Becoming doesn’t wait for ease. It waits for permission—yours.
Here are five things I’ve practiced that help me move forward in vision and purpose while still being a present and loving mom:
1. Don’t wait for perfect timing. Do what you can with what you have.
I became a mom to twins at 19. When they were about one, I decided to go back to school. I had a laptop, internet, and a dream. The first few weeks went great—until they didn’t. Chaos crept in, as it often does, and I told myself, “I’ll take a break. It’ll get easier when the twins are older.”
Spoiler alert: it didn’t.
Yes, they got older. But juggling motherhood and school never got easier. It wasn’t until the year my twins graduated high school that I finally figured out how to show up for myself and my dreams. And when I did, I exceeded even my own expectations.
So here’s what I’ve learned: life is going to keep lifing. But if God gave you the vision, keep walking toward it—even if it’s slowly, even if it’s messy. You’ll grow to appreciate the journey more than you imagined.
2. Turn your excuses into reasons.
You are the only one living your story—and that gives you the power to shape the narrative.
I used to live in my head a lot. The stories I told myself—stories of lack, fear, or inadequacy—kept me from moving. Not because they were true, but because I believed them. And that belief stole my momentum.
But once I began flipping the script, everything changed.
Want to organize a community event? Finish your degree? Write a book? Launch a podcast? Build a business with a baby on your hip?
Sis, I’m living proof: every desire God placed in your heart is possible. You just have to shift the story. What once was your excuse can now be your reason.
3. Never take a loss.
Okay, I know this sounds wild. But hear me out.
There was a season in my life where I felt like I couldn’t catch a break. Every step forward came with two setbacks. And while I tried to stay optimistic or spiritualize my way out of discouragement, the truth is—some seasons just hurt.
But here’s what I’ve learned: staying stuck in pain is more exhausting than facing it.
I started asking myself, “What’s one lesson I can carry from this?” or “What does this hardship make me more grateful for?” That small shift in questioning helped me anchor in the fruit of the Spirit—and it reminded me that suffering isn’t my final outcome.
Romans 5:3-5 reminds us that suffering produces endurance, character, and hope. That means you never walk away with just loss—you walk away with fruit.
4. Celebrate your wins, big or small.
There was a time when I believed only the “big” accomplishments deserved celebration. Milestones. Degrees. Major launches.
But now? I celebrate daily.
“I successfully breastfed my 17-month-old today—go me!”
“I remembered my multivitamin and drank my water—I’m doing a great job.”
The celebration doesn’t have to be grand, or even recognized by others. It just has to be intentional. I’ve learned that when I celebrate the ways I show up—even in the smallest ways—I’m practicing gratitude, presence, and self-love.
And let’s be honest… the little wins are often the ones that require the most consistencyi and care. So go ahead, clap for yourself. Heaven already is.
5. Don’t go it alone
You’ve heard me say it before—and I’ll keep saying it: becoming is not a solo journey.
One of the biggest reasons I stay anchored in purpose is because I’m connected to amazing, faith-filled women who remind me who I am when I forget. We don’t text every day. We don’t meet weekly. But when it matters—we show up. We pray. We challenge. We encourage. We see each other.
That kind of sisterhood is priceless.
You don’t need a crowd, just connection. And if you don’t have that kind of space yet—I’ve got one for you.
Join the Live With Shine Collective
Live With Shine is a faith-based community created with you in mind—the brilliant, purpose-driven woman who’s been holding it down for everyone else but is finally ready to move from the background to the forefront of her own life.
Inside the Collective, you’ll find:
• A safe and Spirit-led space to grow in Godly Authenticity
• Access to the Abide + Arise Meditation Library (including monthly prayers, meditations, and declarations)
• Faith-filled mini-courses and mindset trainings
• Supportive community of women who get it—who are doing the deep work of healing, growing, and showing up boldly
• Prompts, journaling reflections, and powerful resources to help you align with who God created you to be
• A chance to finally focus on your journey, your purpose, and your shine.
If you’re ready to stop waiting and start becoming—we’re saving a seat for you.
Join us today and start living with SHINE.
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