Coco

Can I be honest with you for a moment?

I’ve been reflecting on the start of this year and wanted to share something with you.

This year has been a strange one for me. I usually start January ready to go—with a word for the year, a plan in place, and a sense of momentum. But this year hasn’t unfolded that way.

It’s only been a couple of months, but in some ways it already feels like a lot.

Some days, my heart feels so full of joy that I think it might burst.

And other days surprise me with so much sadness that I want to crawl back into bed and stay under the covers.

Maybe you’ve had moments like that, too?

And in moments like these, we often forget that we’re all doing the best we can.

So please—be kind to yourself.

The days you lose your patience.
The days you say things you wish you could take back.
The days when everything feels like too much.

It’s okay.

There is nothing wrong with you.

In fact, one thing I’ve noticed—both in my own life and with the parents I work with—is how hard it can be to offer ourselves the same compassion we so easily give to everyone else.

As moms, we fight battles in so many places—in our hearts, in our minds, and right inside our homes.

And lately, the world itself feels heavier than I can remember. Everywhere we turn, there's news that deflates us or discourages us. It all adds to the weight we’re already carrying.

So the last thing we need is to criticize ourselves for not “measuring up”… whatever that even means.

Instead, I want to invite you to practice self-compassion.

Yes—even if the kids are yelling, no one is doing their homework, and someone is complaining about what you made for dinner.

When I talk about self-compassion, parents often ask what that actually looks like in real life.

Simply put, it means offering yourself the same kindness you would offer a friend.

It means not beating yourself up for forgetting the team snacks, or leaving the dishes in the sink, or letting the laundry pile up.

It means being kind to yourself when you make a mistake.

When you yell at your child.

Or when you don’t quite follow through on something you meant to do.

Like sending out a blog. 🙃

Because the truth is:

Adults do well when they can, too.

I thought I was pretty good at this self-compassion thing, but I’m realizing there are still areas of my life where it’s harder to show myself compassion.

I noticed I’ve been quietly beating myself up for having a “slow” start to the year.

For having to cancel client sessions due to an unexpected surgery.

For not being as consistent here as I had hoped.

It turns out I still need practice, too.

Maybe you can relate.

So let’s practice together.

The shift begins by noticing the critical thoughts that show up.

Imagine one of those moments we all know too well.

Your child isn’t listening. You’ve asked three, maybe four times already. The morning is rushed, everyone is running late, and suddenly, your patience snaps.

You raise your voice.

The room goes quiet, and almost immediately that familiar voice in your head shows up:

Why did I do that?
I should know better.
I promised myself I’d stop yelling!

Instead of piling on more criticism, pause and validate your experience.

That means looking for the reasons your reaction actually makes sense—not excuses, just reality.

Maybe you barely slept last night.
Maybe work has been overwhelming.
Maybe you argued with your partner.

Stress makes it harder to show up the way we want to.

And beating ourselves up only adds more stress—so let’s do something different.

Now, say something gentle and kind, as you would to a friend:

Of course, you yelled. He wasn’t listening to a word you said.
It is so frustrating when you can’t get out the door on time.
Parenting a five-year-old (or a pre-teen or a teenager!) is incredibly hard.

Or maybe:

Being a working mom is exhausting.
Being the sole provider is a huge responsibility.
Being a single parent asks so much of you.
And still, you show up every single day.

You might not be able to do this in the moment.

Maybe it’s later—after you’ve dropped the kids off at school and the house is finally quiet.
Maybe it’s when you’re driving to work, replaying the morning in your mind.
Or maybe it’s at night when everyone’s gone to bed.

The important thing is finding a moment to revisit it and offer yourself compassion.

At first, this may feel awkward. Maybe even a little uncomfortable.

But the more you practice, the more natural it becomes.

And over time, something beautiful starts to happen.

You feel less stressed.
You react less quickly.
And when things go sideways—as they inevitably do—you’re able to bounce back faster.

So wherever you are right now, however this year has unfolded for you, whatever burdens you’re carrying…

I invite you to lighten the load by practicing self-compassion whenever you can.

We all need it more than we realize. ❤️

Let’s start by treating ourselves with the same kindness we so easily give to everyone else.

What’s one small way you might be a little kinder to yourself this week?

I’d love to hear.

With love and respect,
Coco