Read This If You’re Mothering While Secretly Falling Apart

You’re Not Crazy, You’re in Survival Mode🌱

You ever just sit there. Staring at the wall. Kids yelling. Dishes piling up. Phone going off. And somehow your body’s frozen. Not because you're lazy. Not because you don’t care. But because your mind is overloaded and your heart’s been on empty for a while now.

This isn’t just stress. This is what it looks like when you’ve been holding it all together for too long. When you’ve had to be the strong one so many times, you forgot what it feels like to just be.

You’re not broken. You’re burnt out.
You’re not ungrateful. You’re overwhelmed.
You’re not failing. You’re surviving.

And no one teaches us how to mother while trying to rebuild ourselves. But that’s what you're doing. Every day. Quietly.

You’re mothering in survival mode. And no one taught you how to come back from that. But you can. And you will. Starting here. 💡

Section 1: What Survival Mode Actually Is 🧠

Survival mode isn’t just being busy. It’s when your body and mind are in a constant state of “just make it through the day.”

You’re on autopilot. Numbing. Shutting down. Exploding. Then feeling guilty. Then repeating it all over again.

For a lot of us, survival mode didn’t start when we became mothers.

It started way before, in childhood homes that didn’t feel safe.
In relationships that stripped us down.
In systems that never protected us.

So by the time we became moms, we were already running on fumes. But the world just expected us to “be strong” and “push through.”

Survival mode sounds like:

• “I’m fine.”
  
  

• “I just have to get through this week.”
  
  

• “It’s not that bad.”
  
  

• “I can’t afford to break down right now.”
  
  

But here’s the truth:
You don’t have to earn rest.
You don’t have to hit rock bottom to heal.
You are allowed to take care of yourself without guilt.

Section 2: What It Looks Like in Motherhood 👩‍👧

Let’s keep it real. Survival mode in motherhood is a whole different beast. It’s waking up exhausted, then blaming yourself for not being “present enough.” It’s crying in the bathroom after yelling, then hating yourself for it.

It’s:

• Snapping at your kids and instantly regretting it
  
  

• Avoiding mirrors because you don’t recognize who’s in it
  
  

• Ignoring calls and texts because you just can’t handle another conversation
  
  

• Feeling invisible even when you’re surrounded by people
  
  

• Feeling numb. Then suddenly feeling everything at once.
  
  

If this is you, you're not crazy. You're not alone. You're just burnt out from being everything for everyone with no space to just be you.

Section 3: How to Slowly Start Coming Back to Yourself 🌱

Healing while mothering isn’t about bubble baths and cute quotes.

It’s about reconnecting with yourself piece by piece. Small ways.

Ways that feel safe.
Ways that remind your nervous system: we’re not in danger anymore.

Start small:

• Wake up and say one good thing to yourself. Even if you don’t believe it yet.
  
  

• Keep water nearby and actually drink it. Your body is tired, not just your soul.
  
  

• Step outside. Let the air touch your skin. Even for two minutes.
  
  

• Set your phone down. Close your eyes. Breathe slow.
  
  

• Ask yourself: What do I need right now? and honor the answer even if it’s messy.
  
  

Section 4: Aromatherapy to Ground You 🌸

Your senses remember safety. And scent is one of the fastest ways to calm a nervous system that’s always been in fight-or-flight.

Here are a few powerful scents to help you come back to the moment:

• Lavender: Calms anxiety, eases overthinking, supports emotional balance
  
  

• Frankincense: Deep grounding energy, reconnects you to self and spirit
  
  

• Sweet Orange: Uplifting, helps release emotional heaviness
  
  

• Ylang Ylang: Balances mood swings, reduces irritability, promotes heart-healing
  
  

• Cedarwood: Makes you feel anchored, great for racing thoughts
  
  

🕯️ Tip: While reading or journaling, diffuse or roll these oils (diluted) on your wrists, temples, or heart space. Breathe them in intentionally. Let the scent tell your body, you’re safe now.

Important Note: ⚠️
Aromatherapy can be a powerful tool for emotional well-being, but it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before using essential oils, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, or have pre-existing health conditions. Always patch-test oils on your skin first to ensure no allergic reactions. Use responsibly and in moderation.

Section 5: Journal Prompts to Check In With Yourself ✍️

Pull out your notes app or a notebook. Don’t overthink. Just write what comes.

• What do I wish someone would say to me right now?
  
  

• What parts of me feel the most tired?
  
  

• What am I pretending is “fine” that actually isn’t?
  
  

• What’s one thing I need to forgive myself for?
  
  

• If I could give my inner child one piece of advice today, what would it be?
  
  

Section 6: Present-Tense Affirmations for Survival Mode Healing ✨

Say them out loud. Whisper them. Read them silently. Repeat until you start to believe.

• I am not broken. I am healing.
  
  

• I am doing the best I can with what I have and that’s enough.
  
  

• I am allowed to rest without guilt.
  
  

• I trust that peace is possible for me.
  
  

• I am coming back to myself one breath at a time.
  

Closing Note from Blooming Mama 101 🌷

There’s no quick fix to healing from survival mode. But you’re already doing the hardest part. Staying here. Showing up. Reading this. Wanting more for yourself. That matters. You matter.

This space was made for you. To remind you you’re not alone.
To give you the tools to rise when life has knocked you flat.
To help you bloom even here. Especially here.

You’re mothering in survival mode and no one taught you how to come back from that.
But you can.
And you will.
Starting here. 🌸

Mini Scavenger Hunt – Brain Power Challenge! 🧠

Welcome to the Blooming Mama 101 Mini Scavenger Hunt! 🎉 Not only will you get a special free downloadable surprise when you complete the hunt, but you’ll also be working on something just as important as healing: your brain power! 🧠💪 This activity will help build concentration, strengthen wisdom, and enhance your growth as you journey through this post.

Remember, focus only on the riddle and finding the hidden clue. Everything else can wait for now. Ready? Let’s begin!

Riddle:
"I start as a small part of you that’s often overlooked, but I grow louder with silence. Find me, and you will uncover the first step to your next journey."

🔍 Search for the answer in the blog above. It’s hidden as a black text link. When you find it, click it to continue your scavenger hunt journey to the next blog post. You got this!