If you’re enjoying the Soul Care Mom Substack I’d be delighted if you’d consider upgrading to a paid subscription (an incredible value at less than a cup of coffee ☕️).

When you upgrade, you’ll get access to Sparkle Coaching, audio coaching notes that will help you step into your most Vibrant self. Plus, get access to the transformational course, Compassionate Motherhood, that’ll help you release mom guilt, lean into deeper self-compassion, and create a life infused with self care. 💖

Subscribe now

Hi Love,

The first person awake in our house usually wakes to light.

Not sunlight exactly, although sometimes that too. It’s a soft glow from a little alarm clock that slowly brightens her room, the way morning might if it had nowhere else to be.

About thirty minutes later, another bedroom begins to glow. Then, another thirty minutes after that, the last one.

We started using these clocks when my girls were little, back when numbers on a clock didn’t mean much to them yet. The light was easier to understand. Dark meant it was still time to rest. Light meant morning had arrived and they could start their day.

It was practical then. Somehow, we never stopped.

Our oldest wakes first now because she has more independent schoolwork to do in the morning. My middle daughter gets a little more sleep, and our youngest a little more still. Their mornings begin at different times because they are different people, with different rhythms and different needs.

I don’t think I thought much about that when we first bought those clocks.

I just wanted everyone to know when it was okay to get up.

But now, years later, I love the gentleness of it.

No alarm suddenly breaking the quiet. No one standing in the hallway calling, “Time to get up!” while everyone is still tangled in blankets. Just a room slowly filling with light.

The question we keep coming back to

Over the years, we’ve tried plenty of routines.

Some have lasted. Some worked beautifully for a season and then disappeared. Some looked wonderful on paper and lasted approximately three days. 😉

We’re still figuring things out all the time.

But there is one question I find myself returning to more and more:

What would make this feel a little gentler?

That question has shaped our home in ways I couldn’t have planned.

Sometimes the answer has been preparing something the night before. Sometimes it has meant letting one daughter sleep a little longer because she needs it. Sometimes it’s music in the kitchen or opening the blinds and letting the morning in before we start moving through it.

And lately, breakfast has become one of those rhythms too.

My oldest genuinely loves making overnight oats.

On the weekend, she’ll put together different combinations for the week—fruit, toppings, whatever she’s experimenting with at the moment. Then, in the mornings, after she finishes her independent schoolwork, she often makes breakfast bowls for everyone.

I love watching her move around the kitchen doing this.

There’s something different about a child doing something because she knows it belongs to her, because she knows she has something real to contribute.

She isn’t simply “helping Mom.” She’s feeding her family.

And I can see that she feels the difference.

I think sometimes, in our desire to make mornings run smoothly, we end up taking responsibility for every moving part. We become the keeper of the schedule, finder of the missing shoe, maker of the breakfast, rememberer of all the things.

Then we wonder why we feel like we’ve lived an entire day by 8:30 in the morning. 🙃

There’s been something beautiful about watching our mornings become more shared as my girls grow. Everyone having a little piece that belongs to them. Everyone contributing to the feeling of the home.

And I’m learning that I don’t have to hold every piece myself.

When my mind is already halfway through the day

Some mornings, I wake up and my body is still tucked beneath the covers, but my mind has already left without me.

Before my feet touch the floor, I can be thinking about schoolwork and emails and appointments. Something I forgot to order. Something I need to remember later. What we’re having for dinner. Whether I responded to that message.

I can be brushing my teeth while mentally standing in the afternoon, pouring something to drink while thinking about bedtime.

I’ve been noticing this more lately—how easily I can miss the morning because I’m already living several hours ahead of myself. And how my body seems to follow wherever my thoughts go. My shoulders tighten. I move a little faster. There’s this subtle feeling that I’m already behind, even when there is nowhere I’m supposed to be.

Once I enter the day that way, it can be surprisingly hard to stop.

So lately, I’ve been experimenting with something very small.

Before I begin moving through everything that needs me, I try to arrive where I am.

Sometimes I place a hand over my heart and take one slow breath through my nose. On the exhale, I hum softly and feel the vibration in my chest.

Sometimes it’s a prayer.

Sometimes I simply notice the light coming through the window.

And sometimes I ask myself:

How do I want to show up today?

I’ve noticed how different that question feels in my body from What do I need to get done today?

There will always be things to do. But I get to decide who I want to be while I’m doing them.

Patient, maybe.

Playful.

Present.

Soft enough to notice my own life while I’m living it.

I don’t always remember. There are still mornings when I open my eyes and immediately begin mentally sprinting. There are still spills and missing things and moments when someone needs me at exactly the same time someone else does.

But I’m beginning to understand how much the way I enter the morning shapes the way I experience it.

What stays…

I sometimes wonder what my girls will remember about these years.

I doubt they’ll remember whether breakfast was homemade every morning. They probably won’t remember which days we started school exactly when I intended to, or how efficiently we moved through everything we needed to do.

I wonder if they’ll remember the smaller things instead.

A bedroom slowly filling with light.

The smell of breakfast coming from the kitchen.

Their sister standing at the counter making bowls for everyone.

Music playing somewhere in the background.

A hug before stepping out into the world.

Maybe none of these things will stand out as important memories on their own.

Maybe they’ll simply become part of what home felt like.

I think about that sometimes in the quiet moments before everyone is awake. There will come a morning when those little lights won’t turn on anymore. The bedrooms will be empty. No overnight oats lined up for four people. No staggered schoolwork. No one wandering into the kitchen still sleepy and looking for breakfast.

Our mornings will change, because that’s what families do. But right now, one room begins to glow.

Then another.

Then another.

And for a little while, the house wakes slowly.

I want to be here for it. 🌅

🎧 Come listen with me

This reflection grew out of the third conversation in my Back to School Series on the Soul Care Mom Podcast: The Morning Doesn’t Have to Start With Hurry.

In the episode, I share more about the rhythms that have shaped our mornings, what I’m learning about the way our bodies respond to urgency, and a simple humming practice you can try before the day begins asking things of you.

[Listen to The Morning Doesn’t Have to Start With Hurry →]

🌿 A little something for your mornings

If your mornings have been feeling hurried lately, I created a gift for you, Kickstart Your Calm Morning as a gentle place to begin.

[Download Kickstart Your Calm Morning →]

And I’ve gathered some of the simple things that help make our back-to-school mornings feel a little calmer and cozier—including gentle wake-up lights and some of our other family favorites.

[Explore my Calm Back-to-School Morning Amazon Favorites →]

Maybe tomorrow morning, before your mind races ahead into everything waiting for you, there will be one small moment when you notice where you already are.

The light through the window. Someone still sleeping down the hall. The warmth of your mug between your hands. ☕️

With Love,

Catherine 🤍✨

💝 P.S. Haven’t unwrapped your FREE Kickstart Your Calm Morning Guide yet?
It’s a simple and beautiful way to start even your busiest days.

👉 Get your gift here.

💖 Join the conversation...

What’s something that helps set or shift the atmosphere in your home?

👇 Drop your reflections in the comments, or hit reply and share. I would love to hear from you!

Love Notes From Soul Care Moms…💌

“I’m really glad I found this community. The wisdom you share and the support and shared experiences of everyone here are so helpful to being a better mom and individual.” -Valerie H.

“You probably do not hear this enough but thank you for cultivating such an encouraging, uplifting space. It is truly a joy to be a part of this community!” - Stacie A.

“I love that you allow space for every feeling and truly show that every emotion is valid! Thank you for holding this space to remind us of self love!!! You always know just what to say to fill my soul!!” - Faith D.

“I cannot say enough how thankful I am for this community of strong, brave, empowering women!” - Tina W.

If you’re ready to step into more ease, joy & confidence on your motherhood journey click the button below to subscribe or upgrade!! Become a paid member to get access to Sparkle Audio Coaching Notes and Compassionate Motherhood, a transformational course that will help you to release mom guilt, say “yes” to self care, and deepen your self-compassion.💖

Subscribe now

Posts may contain affiliate links. Please see our full disclosures for more information.

Everything shared is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. I share in the hope that it will help you feel empowered and inspired. Always seek the guidance of a trusted health professional for your unique journey.

You are loved. 💖

If you’re enjoying the Soul Care Mom Substack I’d be delighted if you’d consider upgrading to a paid subscription (an incredible value at less than a cup of coffee ☕️).

When you upgrade, you’ll get access to Sparkle Coaching, audio coaching notes that will help you step into your most Vibrant self. Plus, get access to the transformational course, Compassionate Motherhood, that’ll help you release mom guilt, lean into deeper self-compassion, and create a life infused with self care. 💖

Subscribe now

Hi Love,

The backpacks aren’t by the front door yet.

The curriculum is still stacked on the dining room table, waiting for me to sort through it.

Some books still have sticky notes tucked inside them. A few supplies are scattered across the kitchen counter because someone opened the package immediately to see if the markers really were “better than last year’s.”

Every August has this feeling.

A quiet inhale before everything begins again.

My husband and I have found ourselves having the conversations we always seem to have this time of year.

What curriculum are we using?

Which activities still fit?

How will the rhythm of our weeks change now that our oldest is stepping into high school, our middle daughter is beginning middle school, and our youngest is in third grade?

The practical questions came first.

They usually do.

But somewhere in the middle of one conversation, everything shifted.

Instead of asking what we needed to prepare...

We started asking who we hoped to become.

What do we hope our girls feel this year?

What do we hope they remember?

What kind of home do we want to create?

I’ve been thinking about those questions ever since.

Because whether our children leave each morning on a school bus or gather around the kitchen table to learn at home, every family steps into a new season.

There are new expectations.

New friendships.

New unknowns.

And I think we feel them too, even if we’re the ones trying to make everything feel steady.

It’s easy to spend so much time preparing our children that we forget to prepare ourselves.

The lunches get planned.

The calendars get color-coded.

The backpacks get packed.

But our own hearts often arrive out of breath. 💗

I’ve noticed something over the years that has changed the way I think about motherhood.

My girls respond far less to what I say than to the atmosphere I bring into the room.

If I rush, they often rush too.

If I move through the day carrying tension, somehow that tension has a way of finding everyone else.

Simply because nervous systems are beautifully connected.

Oddly enough, that realization didn’t make me feel guilty.

It made me feel hopeful.

Because if atmosphere matters...

I don’t have to control everyone around me.

I can simply begin with myself.

Children don’t need a mother who never gets overwhelmed.

They need a mother who knows how to come back.

Who pauses.

Who repairs.

Who laughs after a hard moment.

Who lets home become a place where everyone gets to be human.

Lately I’ve been wondering if children remember something much deeper than the lessons themselves.

Years from now, I don’t imagine they’ll remember every worksheet or every read-aloud book.

The sound of laughter around the kitchen table.

Reading together on the couch.

The feeling of walking through the front door and knowing they belong.

Maybe that’s what we’re really building.

This week, I’m writing three words in my journal.

Not goals.

Not accomplishments.

Just three words I hope describe the feeling of our home.

A loving compass for the year ahead.

Because whenever life begins to speed up again, I want something simple to return to.

Not another checklist.

Just a question.

Does this choice move us closer to the home we’re trying to build?

I’d love for you to press play and soak in this episode of the Soul Care Mom Podcast

🎙️ Listen Here →What Kind of Home Do I Want to Create This Year?

And I would love to hear the 3 words you’re choosing to help you create an intentional compass for your year.

With Love,

Catherine 🤍✨

💝 P.S. Haven’t unwrapped your FREE Kickstart Your Calm Morning Guide yet?
It’s a simple and beautiful way to start even your busiest days.

👉 Get your gift here.

💖 Join the conversation...

Here’s the question I’m reflecting on:

Does this choice move us closer to the home we’re trying to build?

When life begins to speed up again, which three words will be your compass this new season?

👇 Drop your reflections in the comments, or hit reply and share. I would love to hear from you!

Love Notes From Soul Care Moms…💌

“I’m really glad I found this community. The wisdom you share and the support and shared experiences of everyone here are so helpful to being a better mom and individual.” -Valerie H.

“You probably do not hear this enough but thank you for cultivating such an encouraging, uplifting space. It is truly a joy to be a part of this community!” - Stacie A.

“I love that you allow space for every feeling and truly show that every emotion is valid! Thank you for holding this space to remind us of self love!!! You always know just what to say to fill my soul!!” - Faith D.

“I cannot say enough how thankful I am for this community of strong, brave, empowering women!” - Tina W.

If you’re ready to step into more ease, joy & confidence on your motherhood journey click the button below to subscribe or upgrade!! Become a paid member to get access to Sparkle Audio Coaching Notes and Compassionate Motherhood, a transformational course that will help you to release mom guilt, say “yes” to self care, and deepen your self-compassion.💖

Subscribe now

Posts may contain affiliate links. Please see our full disclosures for more information.

Everything shared is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. I share in the hope that it will help you feel empowered and inspired. Always seek the guidance of a trusted health professional for your unique journey.

You are loved. 💖

If you’re enjoying the Soul Care Mom Substack I’d be delighted if you’d consider upgrading to a paid subscription (an incredible value at less than a cup of coffee ☕️).

When you upgrade, you’ll get access to Sparkle Coaching, audio coaching notes that will help you step into your most Vibrant self. Plus, get access to the transformational course, Compassionate Motherhood, that’ll help you release mom guilt, lean into deeper self-compassion, and create a life infused with self care. 💖

Subscribe now

Hi Love,

This morning, there was a notebook open on the kitchen table.

A stack of books waiting to be shelved.

A planner with a few penciled-in dates.

The evidence that another season is beginning.

I made a cup of tea and stood there for a minute longer than I needed to, looking around the room.

The house was still.

Outside, the cicadas were already singing, even though the sun hadn’t climbed very high yet.

Summer hasn’t quite packed its bags.

And yet…

I could feel myself leaving it.

Not because anything had changed.

But because my mind already had.

It started making lists.

Remember to order those books.

Don’t forget the dentist appointment.

We should probably decide on extracurriculars.

What are we doing for science this year?

Should I reorganize the homeschool shelves before Monday?

I hadn’t even finished my tea.

I’ve noticed this about myself over the years.

Sometimes my body begins rushing before my life actually does.

I’ll catch myself walking through the house a little faster.

Holding my breath without realizing it.

Thinking three conversations ahead.

Planning meals for a week that hasn’t arrived yet.

In those moments, my nervous system is on overdrive.

Maybe you’ve had a similar experience?

Whether your children are heading back to school, beginning another year of homeschooling, or have long since grown, I think there is something about this time of year that invites us to brace ourselves.

As though we’re standing at the edge of a river, watching the current pick up.

I used to think preparing for a new season meant getting the house ready.

Cleaning the closets.

Buying supplies.

Organizing the calendar.

Checking off every box I could think of.

Those things still matter.

But lately I’ve been wondering if they matter less than another kind of preparation.

Preparing my heart. 💗

My husband and I have been talking a lot lately about this coming year.

This year we’ve found ourselves asking different questions.

Who do we hope to become together this year?

What kind of home do we want to create?

How do we want our girls to feel when they wake up in the morning?

Safe?

Welcomed?

Unhurried?

Known?

We’re letting those questions linger a little longer than the practical ones.

They don’t always come with immediate answers.

But they change the way I look at the practical details.

Because if I want our home to feel peaceful…

I probably don’t need to carry panic into it before the season even starts.

The other morning, I noticed myself standing at the kitchen counter with one hand resting against the edge of it.

I stopped.

Placed my other hand over my heart.

Took one slow breath in through my nose.

And instead of letting the exhale disappear, I let it become a quiet hum.

Not because humming fixes everything.

But because my body needed someone to tell it, “You’re safe.”

That simple moment helped me pause.

The books still needed to be organized.

Meals still needed to be planned.

Laundry still waited patiently in the basket.

But I changed.

Just enough.

Enough to notice the breeze coming through the screen door.

Enough to hear laughter drifting down the hallway.

Enough to remember that this late-summer morning was still mine to live.

I’ve been thinking lately that maybe presence isn’t something we stumble into once life settles down.

It’s something we can intentionally practice, especially when life begins asking us to speed up.

And maybe our children won’t remember whether every lunch was perfectly packed.

Or every lesson went exactly as planned.

But maybe they’ll remember...

A mother who paused before she reacted.

Who laughed more than she hurried.

Who came home to herself, again and again.

The calendar will fill.

It always does.

But this year, before I ask what needs to get done…

I’m asking something else.

How do I want this season to feel?

I have a feeling that question might just shape everything that follows.

I’d love for you to press play and soak in this episode of the Soul Care Mom Podcast

🎙️ Listen Here →How Do I Stay Calm When Life Speeds Up Again?

And I would love to hear how you would answer the question… How do I want this season to feel?

With Love,

Catherine 🤍✨

P.S. If you’re still gathering supplies for the new season, I recently organized a few of our family’s favorite Amazon lists—from homeschool resources and art supplies to calm morning favorites and back-to-school essentials.

They’re simply collections of things we’ve genuinely used and loved over the years, and I hope they make preparing for this season feel just a little easier.

🤍 →You can browse them here

💖 Join the conversation...

Here’s the question I’m reflecting on:

I would love to hear how you would answer the question…

How do I want this season to feel?

👇 Drop your reflections in the comments, or hit reply and share. I would love to hear from you!

Love Notes From Soul Care Moms…💌

“I’m really glad I found this community. The wisdom you share and the support and shared experiences of everyone here are so helpful to being a better mom and individual.” -Valerie H.

“You probably do not hear this enough but thank you for cultivating such an encouraging, uplifting space. It is truly a joy to be a part of this community!” - Stacie A.

“I love that you allow space for every feeling and truly show that every emotion is valid! Thank you for holding this space to remind us of self love!!! You always know just what to say to fill my soul!!” - Faith D.

“I cannot say enough how thankful I am for this community of strong, brave, empowering women!” - Tina W.

If you’re ready to step into more ease, joy & confidence on your motherhood journey click the button below to subscribe or upgrade!! Become a paid member to get access to Sparkle Audio Coaching Notes and Compassionate Motherhood, a transformational course that will help you to release mom guilt, say “yes” to self care, and deepen your self-compassion.💖

Subscribe now

Posts may contain affiliate links. Please see our full disclosures for more information.

Everything shared is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. I share in the hope that it will help you feel empowered and inspired. Always seek the guidance of a trusted health professional for your unique journey.

You are loved. 💖

If you’re enjoying the Soul Care Mom Substack I’d be delighted if you’d consider upgrading to a paid subscription (an incredible value at less than a cup of coffee ☕️).

When you upgrade, you’ll get access to Sparkle Coaching, audio coaching notes that will help you step into your most Vibrant self. Plus, get access to the transformational course, Compassionate Motherhood, that’ll help you release mom guilt, lean into deeper self-compassion, and create a life infused with self care. 💖

Subscribe now

Hi Love,

The tea was still hot.

That almost never happens.

Usually, by the time I remember where I set my mug down, it’s gone lukewarm. But that afternoon, the house was quiet. The girls were out, no one was calling my name, and for the first time all day, there was nowhere I needed to be.

I remember thinking, This is it.

This is what I’ve been needing.

I curled up on the couch, wrapped my hands around the mug, and reached for my phone.

Just for a minute.

A text message.

A quick scroll.

An article someone had shared.

Something I wanted to remember to look up later.

Before I knew it, my quiet afternoon had quietly slipped away.

When I stood up, I paused for a moment.

Because I still felt tired.

The kind of tired that lingers even after you’ve finally gotten the break you’ve been asking for.

For a long time, I thought the answer was more time.

More mornings to myself.

More afternoons without interruptions.

More evenings when no one needed anything from me.

And sometimes, yes, that’s exactly what we need.

But over the past year, I’ve started noticing something I couldn’t ignore.

Even when life became quiet...

my mind often didn’t.

It kept making grocery lists.

Planning the week.

Thinking about what needed to happen tomorrow.

Researching one more thing.

Preparing.

Always preparing.

It made me wonder if maybe I wasn’t just short on time.

Maybe I’d become so used to living in response that I had forgotten how to simply be.

That thought didn’t fill me with guilt….

Instead it filled me with compassion.

Because of course my body had learned to stay “on.”

Motherhood asks so much of us.

There are lunches to pack, appointments to remember, emotions to help carry, laundry that somehow multiplies overnight, and a thousand invisible decisions no one else even notices.

Our bodies adapt.

They become wonderfully efficient at caring for everyone else.

And sometimes they need a little help remembering that it’s safe to soften again.

One of the questions I’ve been asking myself lately is this:

What helps my body feel safe enough to receive rest?

Not what looks relaxing.

Not what someone else recommends.

What actually helps me.

For me, it’s often surprisingly simple.

A slow breath.

A quiet hum while I make tea.

Sitting outside for a few minutes before reaching for my phone.

Listening to the birds.

Tiny moments that don’t accomplish anything.

Except helping me come home to myself.

I’m realizing that maybe rest isn’t something we achieve.

Maybe it’s something we receive.

And perhaps receiving it begins with believing that we don’t have to earn it first.

This reflection became a beautiful episode of the Soul Care Mom Podcast, and recording it felt a little like sitting down with a friend over tea.

If you’ve ever wondered why you still feel exhausted—even after finally getting a little time to yourself—I think you’ll recognize pieces of your own story in this conversation.

I’d love for you to listen.

🎙️ Listen Here →Why Don’t I Feel Rested, Even When I Finally Get Time to Myself?

And if you do press play, I’d genuinely love to hear what stayed with you.

What part of the conversation felt most like your own experience?

With Love,

Catherine 🤍✨

💝 P.S. Haven’t unwrapped your FREE Kickstart Your Calm Morning Guide yet?
It’s a simple and beautiful way to start even your busiest days.

👉 Get your gift here.

💖 Join the conversation...

I’d genuinely love to hear what stayed with you.

What part of the conversation felt most like your own experience?

👇 Drop your reflections in the comments, or hit reply and share. I would love to hear from you!

Love Notes From Soul Care Moms…💌

“I’m really glad I found this community. The wisdom you share and the support and shared experiences of everyone here are so helpful to being a better mom and individual.” -Valerie H.

“You probably do not hear this enough but thank you for cultivating such an encouraging, uplifting space. It is truly a joy to be a part of this community!” - Stacie A.

“I love that you allow space for every feeling and truly show that every emotion is valid! Thank you for holding this space to remind us of self love!!! You always know just what to say to fill my soul!!” - Faith D.

“I cannot say enough how thankful I am for this community of strong, brave, empowering women!” - Tina W.

If you’re ready to step into more ease, joy & confidence on your motherhood journey click the button below to subscribe or upgrade!! Become a paid member to get access to Sparkle Audio Coaching Notes and Compassionate Motherhood, a transformational course that will help you to release mom guilt, say “yes” to self care, and deepen your self-compassion.💖

Subscribe now

Posts may contain affiliate links. Please see our full disclosures for more information.

Everything shared is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. I share in the hope that it will help you feel empowered and inspired. Always seek the guidance of a trusted health professional for your unique journey.

You are loved. 💖

If you’re enjoying the Soul Care Mom Substack I’d be delighted if you’d consider upgrading to a paid subscription (an incredible value at less than a cup of coffee ☕️).

When you upgrade, you’ll get access to Sparkle Coaching, audio coaching notes that will help you step into your most Vibrant self. Plus, get access to the transformational course, Compassionate Motherhood, that’ll help you release mom guilt, lean into deeper self-compassion, and create a life infused with self care. 💖

Subscribe now

Hi Love,

We came home dusty.

The kind of dusty that finds its way into sleeping bags, backpacks, shoes, and somehow even between the pages of the book you packed but never quite finished.

It had been one of those weekends that leaves you full in all the right ways.

Camping with friends.

Children running barefoot until the sky turned pink.

Conversations by the water.

Late-night laughter drifting between campsites.

It was wonderful.

And I was tired.

The accumulation of exhaustion that comes from staying up later than usual, waking with the sun, spending hours outside in the Texas heat.

When we got home, I caught myself doing what I always used to do.

Mentally making a list of all the things I needed to do.

But this time I paused and...

I decided to focus on one thing.

Sleep.

Simply because my body seemed to be asking for it.

So I listened.

I went to bed earlier.

I lingered a little longer in the mornings.

One afternoon, I even did something that used to feel almost impossible.

I took a nap.

A real one... instead of the kind where you’re half scrolling your phone and calling it rest. 🙃

But, the kind where you let yourself disappear into dreamland for a little while.

Over the next few days, something fascinating happened.

The puffiness I’d noticed after the trip faded.

My body felt lighter.

My mood softened.

I wasn’t reaching for snacks simply because I was tired.

Everything began settling back into place.

And I hadn’t really changed anything else.

Just sleep.

It felt almost too simple.

Which made me wonder...

How often do we underestimate the basics?

Not because we don’t know they matter.

But because they seem almost too ordinary to be transformational.

We chase the perfect morning routine.

The newest supplement.

The next productivity system.

The meal plan.

The workout.

Meanwhile, our bodies are quietly whispering,

“I’d really just like restorative rest tonight.”

I’ve been thinking lately that sleep might be one of the most overlooked forms of self care.

No one applauds you for going to bed at 9:30.

But maybe they should.

Because every time I choose sleep, I become more like the version of myself I actually want to be.

More patient.

More grounded.

More compassionate.

More creative.

More able to notice the beauty already surrounding me.

Maybe that’s what restoration actually feels like.

Honoring what has always been essential.

These days I’ve been creating a gentler evening rhythm that’s helping me wind down before bed. If you’re looking for a few cozy favorites—from herbal tea to sleep essentials and little rituals that help signal to my body that it’s time to exhale—I’ve gathered them together here:

🌙 ​Explore my Evening Exhale favorites.​

I’d love to know...

When was the last time sleep changed more than you expected it would?

Or maybe a better question is...

What would happen if you treated sleep as one of the most important appointments on your calendar this week?

With Love,

Catherine 🤍✨

💝 P.S. Haven’t unwrapped your FREE Kickstart Your Calm Morning Guide yet?
It’s a simple and beautiful way to start even your busiest days.

👉 Get your gift here.

💖 Join the conversation...

When was the last time sleep changed more than you expected it would?

Or maybe a better question is...

What would happen if you treated sleep as one of the most important appointments on your calendar this week?

👇 Drop your reflections in the comments, or hit reply and share. I would love to hear from you!

Love Notes From Soul Care Moms…💌

“I’m really glad I found this community. The wisdom you share and the support and shared experiences of everyone here are so helpful to being a better mom and individual.” -Valerie H.

“You probably do not hear this enough but thank you for cultivating such an encouraging, uplifting space. It is truly a joy to be a part of this community!” - Stacie A.

“I love that you allow space for every feeling and truly show that every emotion is valid! Thank you for holding this space to remind us of self love!!! You always know just what to say to fill my soul!!” - Faith D.

“I cannot say enough how thankful I am for this community of strong, brave, empowering women!” - Tina W.

If you’re ready to step into more ease, joy & confidence on your motherhood journey click the button below to subscribe or upgrade!! Become a paid member to get access to Sparkle Audio Coaching Notes and Compassionate Motherhood, a transformational course that will help you to release mom guilt, say “yes” to self care, and deepen your self-compassion.💖

Subscribe now

Posts may contain affiliate links. Please see our full disclosures for more information.

Everything shared is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. I share in the hope that it will help you feel empowered and inspired. Always seek the guidance of a trusted health professional for your unique journey.

You are loved. 💖

If you’re enjoying the Soul Care Mom Substack I’d be delighted if you’d consider upgrading to a paid subscription (an incredible value at less than a cup of coffee ☕️).

When you upgrade, you’ll get access to Sparkle Coaching, audio coaching notes that will help you step into your most Vibrant self. Plus, get access to the transformational course, Compassionate Motherhood, that’ll help you release mom guilt, lean into deeper self-compassion, and create a life infused with self care. 💖

Subscribe now

Hi Love,

I almost walked right past her.

She was tucked beneath a tree in the library reading garden, knees pulled in close, completely absorbed in a book.

The afternoon sun filtered through the branches overhead, scattering little patches of light across the grass.

I stood there for a minute before she noticed me.

She was somewhere else entirely. Inside a story. Inside her imagination. Inside that beautiful place children seem to enter so effortlessly.

There was something about the scene that made me stop.

A child. A tree. A book. A quiet afternoon.

And yet somehow it felt like I was looking at something increasingly rare.

Just being fully immersed in one moment.

I stood there... watching the branches sway. Listening to the occasional rustle of leaves overhead. Feeling the pace of my own thoughts begin to slow.

And I found myself wondering when we decided that every moment needed to be optimized.

When did we stop trusting the magic of an afternoon spent doing only one thing?

When did we forget that sitting beneath a tree with a good book might actually be enough?

Maybe that’s why libraries have always felt a little sacred to me, because they protect something the world keeps trying to rush — wonder, curiosity, stillness. The freedom to disappear into a story for a while, and return a little different than before.

Eventually she looked up. The spell broke. We gathered our things and moved on with our day.

But the image stayed with me. A child beneath a tree. A book in her lap. A whole world waiting inside the pages. 📖✨

Lately I’ve been thinking about how many of my favorite memories involve books — curled up in a reading nook, stretched out beneath a tree, listening to a story on a long drive, getting completely lost in a world someone else imagined. Even now, books remain one of my favorite forms of self care. The right story has a way of slowing my thoughts, expanding my perspective, and reminding me there are countless ways to see the world.

Maybe that’s why I still believe books are a form of magic, because they help us return to our lives with fresh eyes. ✨

If you’re looking for your next read, I’ve gathered a few of my favorites.

These are the books I’ve returned to, recommended, highlighted, cried through, and carried with me.

Whether you’re craving personal growth, a beautiful story, or simply a cozy afternoon with a good book...

I hope you’ll find something you love.

✨ Explore my favorite collections:

📖 ​Come Back to Yourself​

🌿 ​Stories That Feel Like Home​

☕ ​My Cozy Reading Ritual​

I’d love to hear from you, Love: What book made you completely lose track of time as a child? And if you’re reading something wonderful right now, I’d love to add it to my list.​

With So Much Love,

Catherine 💖

🌸 P.S. Haven’t unwrapped your FREE Kickstart Your Calm Morning Guide yet?
It’s a simple and beautiful way to start even your busiest days.

👉 Get your gift here.

💖 Join the conversation...

What book made you completely lose track of time as a child? And if you’re reading something wonderful right now, let us know.​

👇 Drop your reflections in the comments, or hit reply and share. I would love to hear from you!

Love Notes From Soul Care Moms…💌

“I’m really glad I found this community. The wisdom you share and the support and shared experiences of everyone here are so helpful to being a better mom and individual.” -Valerie H.

“You probably do not hear this enough but thank you for cultivating such an encouraging, uplifting space. It is truly a joy to be a part of this community!” - Stacie A.

“I love that you allow space for every feeling and truly show that every emotion is valid! Thank you for holding this space to remind us of self love!!! You always know just what to say to fill my soul!!” - Faith D.

“I cannot say enough how thankful I am for this community of strong, brave, empowering women!” - Tina W.

If you’re ready to step into more ease, joy & confidence on your motherhood journey click the button below to subscribe or upgrade!! Become a paid member to get access to Sparkle Audio Coaching Notes and Compassionate Motherhood, a transformational course that will help you to release mom guilt, say “yes” to self care, and deepen your self-compassion.💖

Subscribe now

Posts may contain affiliate links. Please see our full disclosures for more information.

Everything shared is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. I share in the hope that it will help you feel empowered and inspired. Always seek the guidance of a trusted health professional for your unique journey.

You are loved. 💖

If you’re enjoying the Soul Care Mom Substack I’d be delighted if you’d consider upgrading to a paid subscription (an incredible value at less than a cup of coffee ☕️).

When you upgrade, you’ll get access to Sparkle Coaching, audio coaching notes that will help you step into your most Vibrant self. Plus, get access to the transformational course, Compassionate Motherhood, that’ll help you release mom guilt, lean into deeper self-compassion, and create a life infused with self care. 💖

Subscribe now

Hi Love,

A few mornings ago, I walked into the kitchen with my coffee, and before I’d even taken a sip, I felt behind.

Nothing had happened yet.

The dishwasher still needed to be emptied. Someone had left a backpack in the middle of the floor. My phone was already lighting up with notifications. I remembered an email I hadn’t answered… and a birthday gift I still needed to order.

It wasn’t one big thing.

It was dozens of tiny things.

Like little browser tabs open in the background of my mind, quietly asking for attention.

I caught myself thinking, I just need more energy.

But standing there, barefoot on the kitchen tile, I realized something.

Maybe I didn’t need more energy.

Maybe I needed fewer things pulling on the energy I already had.

As moms, I think we’re incredibly good at carrying things.

Not just laundry baskets and grocery bags.

Mental lists.

Tiny worries.

Conversations that didn’t sit quite right.

The project we’ll “get to someday.”

The drawer that catches our eye every time we walk by.

The habit of saying yes before we’ve even checked in with ourselves.

None of these things seem all that significant on their own.

But together?

They can make life feel surprisingly heavy.

That’s why I’m so excited about what we’re beginning inside ​Vibrant Mom Life​ in July.

Our new monthly theme is ​Energetic Edit.​

Like opening the windows after the house has felt stuffy for a while.

Together, we’ll notice what has been quietly draining us, make simple shifts in our homes and routines, let go of old identities that no longer fit, and begin creating space for the woman we’re becoming.

Tiny edits that create a surprising amount of breathing room.✨

Because I’ve learned something over the years.

Sometimes the most life-giving changes aren’t about adding one more healthy habit.

Sometimes they’re about lovingly removing what we’ve been carrying long after it stopped serving us.

If you’ve been craving a little more lightness this summer…

A little more space to breathe…

A little more you…

I’d love for you to join us inside ​Vibrant Mom Life.​

We’ll be making one small edit at a time, together. 🤍

I’d love to welcome you.

👉 ​​Join us inside Vibrant Mom Life​

With So Much Love,

Catherine 💖

🌸 P.S. Haven’t unwrapped your FREE Kickstart Your Calm Morning Guide yet?
It’s a simple and beautiful way to start even your busiest days.

👉 Get your gift here.

💖 Join the conversation...

What’s one thing that’s been quietly draining you in this season?

👇 Drop your reflections in the comments, or hit reply and share. I would love to hear from you!

Love Notes From Soul Care Moms…💌

“I’m really glad I found this community. The wisdom you share and the support and shared experiences of everyone here are so helpful to being a better mom and individual.” -Valerie H.

“You probably do not hear this enough but thank you for cultivating such an encouraging, uplifting space. It is truly a joy to be a part of this community!” - Stacie A.

“I love that you allow space for every feeling and truly show that every emotion is valid! Thank you for holding this space to remind us of self love!!! You always know just what to say to fill my soul!!” - Faith D.

“I cannot say enough how thankful I am for this community of strong, brave, empowering women!” - Tina W.

If you’re ready to step into more ease, joy & confidence on your motherhood journey click the button below to subscribe or upgrade!! Become a paid member to get access to Sparkle Audio Coaching Notes and Compassionate Motherhood, a transformational course that will help you to release mom guilt, say “yes” to self care, and deepen your self-compassion.💖

Subscribe now

Posts may contain affiliate links. Please see our full disclosures for more information.

Everything shared is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. I share in the hope that it will help you feel empowered and inspired. Always seek the guidance of a trusted health professional for your unique journey.

You are loved. 💖

If you’re enjoying the Soul Care Mom Substack I’d be delighted if you’d consider upgrading to a paid subscription (an incredible value at less than a cup of coffee ☕️).

When you upgrade, you’ll get access to Sparkle Coaching, audio coaching notes that will help you step into your most Vibrant self. Plus, get access to the transformational course, Compassionate Motherhood, that’ll help you release mom guilt, lean into deeper self-compassion, and create a life infused with self care. 💖

Subscribe now

Hi Love,

A few years ago, I remember standing in my kitchen after lunch.

The dishwasher was open.

There was a basket of clean laundry waiting to be folded.

Emails I hadn’t answered.

A homeschool project spread across the table.

One daughter asking for help with math.

Another wanting me to admire the bracelet she’d just made.

And somewhere in the middle of all of it, I caught myself thinking:

“I should be doing something more important.”

The funny thing?

No matter what I chose, I felt guilty about everything else I wasn’t doing.

I don’t think I actually needed a better to-do list.

I needed somewhere to place my attention.

This month inside ​Vibrant Mom Life​, we’ve been reading Flow, and one idea has lingered with me:

“There are literally millions of potentially interesting things in the world… But they don’t become actually interesting until we devote attention to them.”

That feels true for motherhood, too.

Joy often isn’t hiding somewhere else. Sometimes it’s waiting inside the thing we’re already doing…

…if we allow ourselves to fully arrive there.

One of my favorite reflections ​from our community​ came from Jenifer, who shared:

“I can choose one important thing to get done after my work day and let that be enough, rather than allow analysis paralysis to set in and do nothing.”

I smiled when I read that.

Because I know that feeling.

Trying to choose between ten worthwhile things until somehow none of them happen.

Lately, I’ve been leaning into more simplicity.

Instead of asking,

“What else should I be doing?”

I’ve been asking,

“What deserves my full attention right now?”

Sometimes it’s writing.

Sometimes it’s strength training.

Sometimes it’s sitting outside while one of my girls tells me a story that has absolutely nowhere to go.

Sometimes it’s folding towels without rushing to the next thing.

Oddly enough, I feel more productive now than when I was constantly chasing productivity.

Not because I’m accomplishing more…

…but because I’m actually present for the life I’m creating.

And I think that’s a different kind of success.✨

We’re wrapping up Flow this week inside ​Vibrant Mom Life​, and I can’t wait to reveal our next book club pick.

Let’s just say…if you’ve been longing to feel more grounded, more connected to yourself, and more at home in your own life, I have a feeling you’re going to love where we’re heading next. 😉

If you’ve been thinking about joining us, this is such a beautiful time to come in. You’ll find thoughtful conversations, gentle encouragement, yoga and meditation practices, powerful coaching, and a community of women who are learning that caring for themselves isn’t selfish, it’s part of creating the life they want to live.

I’d love to welcome you.

👉 ​Join us inside Vibrant Mom Life​

With So Much Love,

Catherine 💖

🌸 P.S. Haven’t unwrapped your FREE Kickstart Your Calm Morning Guide yet?
It’s a simple and beautiful way to start even your busiest days.

👉 Get your gift here.

💖 Join the conversation...

Let us know… What deserves your full attention right now?

👇 Drop your reflections in the comments, or hit reply and share. I would love to hear from you!

Love Notes From Soul Care Moms…💌

“I’m really glad I found this community. The wisdom you share and the support and shared experiences of everyone here are so helpful to being a better mom and individual.” -Valerie H.

“You probably do not hear this enough but thank you for cultivating such an encouraging, uplifting space. It is truly a joy to be a part of this community!” - Stacie A.

“I love that you allow space for every feeling and truly show that every emotion is valid! Thank you for holding this space to remind us of self love!!! You always know just what to say to fill my soul!!” - Faith D.

“I cannot say enough how thankful I am for this community of strong, brave, empowering women!” - Tina W.

If you’re ready to step into more ease, joy & confidence on your motherhood journey click the button below to subscribe or upgrade!! Become a paid member to get access to Sparkle Audio Coaching Notes and Compassionate Motherhood, a transformational course that will help you to release mom guilt, say “yes” to self care, and deepen your self-compassion.💖

Subscribe now

Posts may contain affiliate links. Please see our full disclosures for more information.

Everything shared is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. I share in the hope that it will help you feel empowered and inspired. Always seek the guidance of a trusted health professional for your unique journey.

You are loved. 💖

If you’re enjoying the Soul Care Mom Substack I’d be delighted if you’d consider upgrading to a paid subscription (an incredible value at less than a cup of coffee ☕️).

When you upgrade, you’ll get access to Sparkle Coaching, audio coaching notes that will help you step into your most Vibrant self. Plus, get access to the transformational course, Compassionate Motherhood, that’ll help you release mom guilt, lean into deeper self-compassion, and create a life infused with self care. 💖

Subscribe now

Hi Love,

I’ve been thinking lately about the phrase romanticize your life.

To me, this means intentionally creating little moments that make ordinary days feel beautiful.

Lighting a candle before you journal. 🕯️

Taking your tea outside instead of drinking it while standing at the counter.

Reading a chapter while waiting at swim lessons. 📖

Packing nourishing snacks you’ll actually enjoy instead of grabbing whatever is easiest.

Using a beautiful water bottle that reminds you to drink more water.

​Listening to an audiobook​ while folding laundry. 🧺🎧

These tiny moments don’t change our lives overnight...

But they do change how it feels to live them.

I’ve realized that many of ​the things I use every single day​ aren’t expensive or extravagant.

They’re simply things that make caring for myself feel easier... and a little more joyful.

So I thought it would be fun to invite you into my world.

I gathered some of ​my favorite self care essentials​... little things that help me slow down and enjoy this season.

💖​Browse all my favorites here ​👀⬅️

​Many of these​ I’ve slowly collected because they genuinely make my days feel softer, calmer, and more nourishing. Because self care isn’t something we earn after we’ve finished everything else.

It’s woven into the ordinary moments.

One cup of tea. ☕️

One good book.

One walk outside. 🌿

One nourishing snack.

One tiny ritual at a time.

I’d love to know... what’s one little thing you own that makes everyday life feel just a bit more magical? I always love ​discovering favorites​ through friends. ✨

With So Much Love,

Catherine 🌼

💝 P.S. Haven’t unwrapped your FREE Kickstart Your Calm Morning Guide yet?
It’s a simple and beautiful way to start even your busiest days.

👉 Get your gift here.

💖 Join the conversation...

I’d love to know... what’s one little thing you own that makes everyday life feel just a bit more magical? I always love ​discovering favorites​ through friends. ✨

👇 Drop your reflections in the comments, or hit reply and share. I would love to hear from you!

Love Notes From Soul Care Moms…💌

“This gives me feel good vibes. I just love these little nuggets you share…it makes you think and I love that!” - Kaitlin S.

“Love this note, I sure can relate.” - Paula A.

“Reading this felt like a nice exhale 🫶” - Kaitlyn R.

If you’re ready to step into more ease, joy & confidence on your motherhood journey click the button below to subscribe or upgrade!! Become a paid member to get access to monthly Sparkle Audio Coaching Notes and Compassionate Motherhood, a transformational course that will help you to release mom guilt, say “yes” to self care, and deepen your self-compassion.💖

Subscribe now

Posts may contain affiliate links. Please see our full disclosures for more information.

Everything shared is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. I share in the hope that it will help you feel empowered and inspired. Always seek the guidance of a trusted health professional for your unique journey.

You are loved. 💖

If you’re enjoying the Soul Care Mom Substack I’d be delighted if you’d consider upgrading to a paid subscription (an incredible value at less than a cup of coffee ☕️).

When you upgrade, you’ll get access to Sparkle Coaching, audio coaching notes that will help you step into your most Vibrant self. Plus, get access to the transformational course, Compassionate Motherhood, that’ll help you release mom guilt, lean into deeper self-compassion, and create a life infused with self care. 💖

Subscribe now

Hi Love,

The other evening, we were all gathered on the couch before bed.

Books open. Feet tucked underneath blankets. The familiar rustle of pages turning.

Just five people sharing the same room at the end of an ordinary day.

Then my husband looked up.

“Does that say love?”

We all paused and followed his gaze.

The setting sun was shining through the windows, casting shadows and light across the wall above us. The shapes lined up in a way that looked remarkably like the word love.

Like a whisper.

The kind of thing you might miss if you weren’t paying attention.

We sat there for a moment just looking at it.

And smiling.

Because sometimes life feels generous like that.

A little wink.

A little reminder.

A little there you are.

What makes me laugh now is what sits directly beneath it.

If you zoom in on the wall, you’ll see a dark smudge.

Months ago, my youngest was playing with one of those sticky hand toys. The kind attached to a stretchy string that children seem biologically programmed to fling as high and hard as possible.

At some point she let go.

The sticky hand flew across the room and landed near the ceiling.

The mark never completely came off.

So there it remains.

A permanent souvenir of childhood.

And there, right above it, was the word love.

Honestly, that feels about right.

Because love rarely appears in pristine spaces.

It shows up in the middle of fingerprints and unfinished projects.

In laundry baskets waiting to be folded.

In books scattered across the couch.

In walls that bear the evidence of children who lived fully and playfully inside a home.

For years I thought love would feel more dramatic.

More obvious.

But increasingly, it seems to arrive as sunlight on a wall.

As a room full of people reading quietly together.

As the realization that the mess and the beauty were never separate things.

The sun shifted.

The letters disappeared.

The books were closed.

Everyone headed upstairs.

And the wall returned to being just a wall.

Except somehow it wasn’t.

Because now every time I see that smudge near the ceiling, I’ll remember the evening when the light spelled love.

And how, for a few minutes, we all stopped long enough to see it.

I’d love to know… what’s a little “love on the wall” moment you’ve noticed lately? Where have you spotted unexpected beauty in the middle of ordinary life?

With So Much Love,

Catherine 💖

🌸 P.S. Haven’t unwrapped your FREE Kickstart Your Calm Morning Guide yet?
It’s a simple and beautiful way to start even your busiest days.

👉 Get your gift here.

💖 Join the conversation...

What's a little "love on the wall" moment you've noticed lately? Where have you spotted unexpected beauty in the middle of ordinary life?

👇 Drop your reflections in the comments, or hit reply and share. I would love to hear from you!

Love Notes From Soul Care Moms…💌

“This gives me feel good vibes. I just love these little nuggets you share…it makes you think and I love that!” - Kaitlin S.

“Love this note, I sure can relate.” - Paula A.

“Reading this felt like a nice exhale 🫶” - Kaitlyn R.

If you’re ready to step into more ease, joy & confidence on your motherhood journey click the button below to subscribe or upgrade!! Become a paid member to get access to monthly Sparkle Audio Coaching Notes and Compassionate Motherhood, a transformational course that will help you to release mom guilt, say “yes” to self care, and deepen your self-compassion.💖

Subscribe now

Posts may contain affiliate links. Please see our full disclosures for more information.

Everything shared is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. I share in the hope that it will help you feel empowered and inspired. Always seek the guidance of a trusted health professional for your unique journey.

You are loved. 💖

If you’re enjoying the Soul Care Mom Substack I’d be delighted if you’d consider upgrading to a paid subscription (an incredible value at less than a cup of coffee ☕️).

When you upgrade, you’ll get access to Sparkle Coaching, audio coaching notes that will help you step into your most Vibrant self. Plus, get access to the transformational course, Compassionate Motherhood, that’ll help you release mom guilt, lean into deeper self-compassion, and create a life infused with self care. 💖

Subscribe now

Hi Love,

My daughter dragged a stool across the kitchen tile the other day with the kind of determination only children have.

I almost told her not to climb.

Instead, I kept unloading groceries while she reached one arm over the top of the refrigerator and said,

“Mom… what even is all this stuff up here?”

And first came the dust. 😂

Thick enough to make both of us laugh.

But underneath the dust…

there were old magnets. Paper hearts. Tiny drawings in crooked marker. Little pieces of artwork that had somehow slid all the way to the back and been forgotten.

Most of them belonged to my oldest daughter.

Back when her handwriting was still uneven and oversized. Back before she became taller than me seemingly overnight. Back when she handed me drawings almost daily like tiny offerings from her inner world.

I stood there holding one of them longer than I expected to.

The kitchen smelled faintly like grocery bags and strawberries. The dishwasher hummed in the background. One child was asking for a snack while another was still balancing precariously on the stool above me.

Life was continuing normally.

And yet for a moment, it felt like time bent a little.

Like pieces of the past had quietly been waiting above the fridge this whole time.

Not lost. Just unnoticed.

I think motherhood is full of moments like that.

Tiny things hiding inside ordinary days.

A sentence your child says that suddenly catches in your chest. An old photo tucked into a drawer. Hearing laughter from another room and realizing how different the sound is now than it used to be. A version of yourself you thought disappeared… slowly finding her way back.

I spend so much of life moving quickly these days.

Answering questions. Cleaning counters. Remembering appointments. Trying to hold all the invisible pieces together.

And sometimes I forget how much beauty exists quietly alongside all of it.

The kind of beauty waiting in dusty corners. The kind you almost miss entirely.

Maybe that’s part of why I’ve been craving slower conversations lately. Not more noise. Not more content.

Just spaces where we can pause long enough to notice our own lives again.

So, I’ve created a space for us to chat by virutal candlelight. Mini chats to help us find the treasures in the ordinary. This week inside our Candlelight Chat, I’d love to ask:

✨ Have you experienced any hidden gifts lately?

A memory. A realization. A tiny moment of beauty. Something unexpectedly meaningful hiding in plain sight.

No perfect words needed. Just come as you are.

The candle is lit whenever you’re ready. Hop in and join the conversation. 🕯️

With So Much Love,

Catherine 💖

🌸 P.S. Haven’t unwrapped your FREE Kickstart Your Calm Morning Guide yet?
It’s a simple and beautiful way to start even your busiest days.

👉 Get your gift here.

💖 Join the conversation...

Have you experienced any hidden gifts lately?

👇 Drop your reflections in the comments, or hit reply and share. I would love to hear from you!

Love Notes From Soul Care Moms…💌

“This gives me feel good vibes. I just love these little nuggets you share…it makes you think and I love that!” - Kaitlin S.

“Love this note, I sure can relate.” - Paula A.

“Reading this felt like a nice exhale 🫶” - Kaitlyn R.

If you’re ready to step into more ease, joy & confidence on your motherhood journey click the button below to subscribe or upgrade!! Become a paid member to get access to monthly Sparkle Audio Coaching Notes and Compassionate Motherhood, a transformational course that will help you to release mom guilt, say “yes” to self care, and deepen your self-compassion.💖

Subscribe now

Posts may contain affiliate links. Please see our full disclosures for more information.

Everything shared is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. I share in the hope that it will help you feel empowered and inspired. Always seek the guidance of a trusted health professional for your unique journey.

You are loved. 💖

If you’re enjoying the Soul Care Mom Substack I’d be delighted if you’d consider upgrading to a paid subscription (an incredible value at less than a cup of coffee ☕️).

When you upgrade, you’ll get access to Sparkle Coaching, audio coaching notes that will help you step into your most Vibrant self. Plus, get access to the transformational course, Compassionate Motherhood, that’ll help you release mom guilt, lean into deeper self-compassion, and create a life infused with self care. 💖

Subscribe now

Hi Love,

One morning, I walked into the kitchen expecting the usual morning rush.

You know the one...

-Cabinets opening and closing. Someone asking where their water bottle is even though it’s always in the same place.

-The dog pacing dramatically for breakfast.

-A child wandering through, still in pajamas, even though we need to be in the car in 20 minutes.

But instead, I found my oldest already making breakfast.

The cutting board out. Yogurt parfaits lined the counter. Fruit was being sliced with careful precision.

And the younger two were helping in their own unique ways.

One carried spoons back and forth with the utmost concentration and pride. One took the liberty of taste-testing the strawberries while she washed them. 🍓😉

I stood there for a moment longer than usual...

Because somewhere along the way, something had shifted.

This home no longer depended entirely on me holding every thread together at all times.

Sometimes we hear the word “productivity” and immediately picture hustle culture.

🙃 Optimization. 🙃 Color-coded burnout. 🙃 Doing more in less time.

But, the most meaningful systems in our family are the ones that help us slow down enough to be present inside our actual lives.

The ones that create breathing room. The ones that protect our energy. The ones that make space for connection instead of constant scrambling.

Lately I’ve been realizing that rhythms often gather over time.

And maybe that’s what I’m learning in this season — that ease isn’t necessarily found in finally “getting everything under control.”

Sometimes it’s built through tiny rituals that make everyday life feel a little more gentle to move through.

I’d love to know — what’s one small thing lately that has made your daily life feel a little lighter?

With So Much Love,

Catherine 💖

🌸 P.S. Haven’t grabbed your FREE Kickstart Your Calm Morning Guide yet?
It’s a simple and beautiful way to start even your busiest days.

👉 Get your gift here.

💖 Join the conversation...

What’s one small thing lately that has made your daily life feel a little lighter?

👇 Drop your reflections in the comments, or hit reply and share. I would love to hear from you!

Love Notes From Soul Care Moms…💌

“This gives me feel good vibes. I just love these little nuggets you share…it makes you think and I love that!” - Kaitlin S.

“Love this note, I sure can relate.” - Paula A.

“Reading this felt like a nice exhale 🫶” - Kaitlyn R.

If you’re ready to step into more ease, joy & confidence on your motherhood journey click the button below to subscribe or upgrade!! Become a paid member to get access to monthly Sparkle Audio Coaching Notes and Compassionate Motherhood, a transformational course that will help you to release mom guilt, say “yes” to self care, and deepen your self-compassion.💖

Subscribe now

Posts may contain affiliate links. Please see our full disclosures for more information.

Everything shared is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. I share in the hope that it will help you feel empowered and inspired. Always seek the guidance of a trusted health professional for your unique journey.

You are loved. 💖

If you’re enjoying the Soul Care Mom Substack I’d be delighted if you’d consider upgrading to a paid subscription (an incredible value at less than a cup of coffee ☕️).

When you upgrade, you’ll get access to Sparkle Coaching, audio coaching notes that will help you step into your most Vibrant self. Plus, get access to the transformational course, Compassionate Motherhood, that’ll help you release mom guilt, lean into deeper self-compassion, and create a life infused with self care. 💖

Subscribe now

Hi Love,

A few nights ago, I walked into the kitchen after everyone had finally drifted toward bed.

The counters still smelled faintly like toasted sourdough and garlic from dinner.

Someone had left one sock near the pantry.

There were colored pencils scattered across the table beside an unfinished drawing of a dolphin wearing sunglasses. 😎

Real life.

...but the dishwasher was already running.

And I cannot explain how much calmer that made my nervous system feel.

Not because the kitchen was perfect.

It absolutely wasn’t.

But because years ago, we made one tiny family agreement: 💦 the dishwasher gets loaded every night.

Such a small thing. Almost laughably small.

And yet somehow, it changed our mornings.

No piles in the sink.

No guessing whether dishes are clean or dirty.

No starting the day already feeling behind.

I think for a long time, I misunderstood productivity.

I thought it meant doing more. Moving faster. Keeping up.

But the older I get — and honestly, the more I want to actually enjoy my life — the more I realize the best systems are the ones that create spaciousness.

💗 The ones that make room for lingering over breakfast.

💗 For silly conversations.

💗 For dancing in the kitchen while someone burns the oatmeal a little.

The goal was never to become a machine.

The goal was to support the humans living inside the home.

I’ve been thinking lately about how often peace is built through tiny rhythms over time.

✨ A dishwasher humming softly after dark.

✨ A child learning how to make oatmeal.

✨A morning that begins with just a little more breathing room.

I would love to know…what’s one tiny rhythm in your home that makes life feel a little calmer?

With so much Love,

Catherine 💖

🌸 P.S. Haven’t grabbed your FREE Kickstart Your Calm Morning Guide yet?
It’s a simple and beautiful way to start even your busiest days.

👉 Get your gift here.

💖 Join the conversation...

What’s one tiny rhythm in your home that makes life feel a little calmer? 💖

👇 Drop your reflections in the comments, or hit reply and share. I would love to hear from you!

Love Notes From Soul Care Moms…💌

“This gives me feel good vibes. I just love these little nuggets you share…it makes you think and I love that!” - Kaitlin S.

“Love this note, I sure can relate.” - Paula A.

“Reading this felt like a nice exhale 🫶” - Kaitlyn R.

If you’re ready to step into more ease, joy & confidence on your motherhood journey click the button below to subscribe or upgrade!! Become a paid member to get access to monthly Sparkle Audio Coaching Notes and Compassionate Motherhood, a transformational course that will help you to release mom guilt, say “yes” to self care, and deepen your self-compassion.💖

Subscribe now

Posts may contain affiliate links. Please see our full disclosures for more information.

Everything shared is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. I share in the hope that it will help you feel empowered and inspired. Always seek the guidance of a trusted health professional for your unique journey.

You are loved. 💖

There are moments in motherhood that stay with us…

The decisions we question The “what ifs” that echo later The quiet weight of wondering if we got it wrong

This is mom guilt.

And if you’ve felt it… you’re not alone.

In this gentle video, I walk you through a soft, compassionate shift— one that helps you move out of self-blame and back into trust.

We explore: ✨ Why guilt often comes from hindsight, not truth ✨ How your past experiences shape the way you parent ✨ A simple, powerful way to meet yourself with compassion

This isn’t about becoming a “perfect mom.”

It’s about remembering…

💛 You were loving in the moment you chose

💛 You made the best decision you could with what you knew

💛 And you’re allowed to trust yourself again

Press play when you’re ready… and take this as your invitation to exhale. 🤍

Get more from Catherine Wilde - SoulCareMom in the Substack app

Available for iOS and Android

Get the app

If this season has felt full… if you’ve been holding a lot… or moving through your days without a moment to truly pause… this is for you.

I created this gentle space as a place to land.

Not to fix anything. Not to figure everything out.

But to soften… to breathe… and to come back to yourself.

In this Soul Reset, we move slowly through:

✨ grounding your body and nervous system

✨ releasing some of the weight you’ve been carrying

✨ reconnecting with your inner voice

✨ choosing one small, supportive step forward

This is your permission to slow down.

This is your reminder that you don’t have to carry everything alone.

Press play whenever you’re ready… and let this be your exhale.🤍

With Love,

Catherine

Get more from Catherine Wilde - SoulCareMom in the Substack app

Available for iOS and Android

Get the app

If you’re enjoying the Soul Care Mom Substack I’d be delighted if you’d consider upgrading to a paid subscription (an incredible value at less than a cup of coffee ☕️).

When you upgrade, you’ll get access to monthly Sparkle Coaching, audio coaching notes that will help you step into your most Vibrant self. Plus, get access to the transformational course, Compassionate Motherhood, that’ll help you release mom guilt, lean into deeper self-compassion, and create a life infused with self care. 💖

Subscribe now

Hi Love,

There’s a version of you who doesn’t wake up already behind.

She doesn’t reach for her phone before her breath.

She doesn’t start the day feeling like she’s catching up to her own life.

She starts… with herself.

And I know—your brain might already be saying:

“That sounds nice, but I don’t have time for that.”

But here’s the truth most advice skips over:

It’s not about time.

It’s about devotion.

Even five minutes—when it’s intentional—can shift your entire nervous system.

It can turn:

☕ your coffee into a grounding moment

💭 your thoughts into something chosen instead of reactive

💗 your morning into something that actually fills you instead of drains you

I created a simple self-love morning ritual for moms who are living real, full, beautiful, chaotic lives.

Not aesthetic mornings.

Not perfect routines.

Just something you can come back to—again and again—no matter how messy the day begins.

Because your kids don’t need a perfect mom.

They need a mom who feels alive.

If you’ve been craving a way to feel calmer, more present, and more like yourself again… this is for you.

Read it here:

👉 https://www.soulcaremom.com/self-love-morning-ritual/

And there’s a free guide inside to help you turn these five minutes into something that actually sticks.

Let this be the morning you come back to yourself.

Not someday.

Today.

With so much Love,

Catherine 💖

🌸 P.S. Haven’t grabbed your FREE Kickstart Your Calm Morning Guide yet?
It’s a simple and beautiful way to start even your busiest days.

👉 Get your gift here.

💖 Join the conversation...

What’s your biggest struggle or favorite way to start your morning?

👇 Drop your reflections in the comments, or hit reply and share. I would love to hear from you!

Love Notes From Soul Care Moms…💌

“This gives me feel good vibes. I just love these little nuggets you share…it makes you think and I love that!” - Kaitlin S.

“Love this note, I sure can relate.” - Paula A.

“Reading this felt like a nice exhale 🫶” - Kaitlyn R.

If you’re ready to step into more ease, joy & confidence on your motherhood journey click the button below to subscribe or upgrade!! Become a paid member to get access to monthly Sparkle Audio Coaching Notes and Compassionate Motherhood, a transformational course that will help you to release mom guilt, say “yes” to self care, and deepen your self-compassion.💖

Subscribe now

Posts may contain affiliate links. Please see our full disclosures for more information.

Everything shared is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. I share in the hope that it will help you feel empowered and inspired. Always seek the guidance of a trusted health professional for your unique journey.

You are loved. 💖

If you’re enjoying the Soul Care Mom Substack I’d be delighted if you’d consider upgrading to a paid subscription (an incredible value at less than a cup of coffee ☕️).

When you upgrade, you’ll get access to monthly Sparkle Coaching, audio coaching notes that will help you step into your most Vibrant self. Plus, get access to the transformational course, Compassionate Motherhood, that’ll help you release mom guilt, lean into deeper self-compassion, and create a life infused with self care. 💖

Subscribe now

Hi Love,

How often do we tell ourselves:
“I’ll rest once everything’s done.”
“I shouldn’t need help with this.”
“Other people have it harder.”

We build resilience like a fortress—strong, steady, self-reliant.
And yet… something aches beneath all that holding.

What if receiving is not a weakness, but a return?
What if letting yourself be supported is the bravest, most tender kind of strength?

Take a deep breath. Let’s explore this together.

🌸 In This S.O.U.L. Spark…

🍂 S – Softening Your Grip
Where could you loosen your hold and allow more ease in? A gentle nudge to release the need to hold everything together.

🔥 O – Opening the Circle
An invitation to our next Fireside Chat on Thursday, March 12 at 2pm CT. Come cozy up in community, share your season, and feel the power of being truly heard.
👉 Save Your Spot Here

💫 U – Undoing the Urge to “Do It All”
Explore how you might gently unhook from the belief that your worth is measured by how much you carry.

🌙 L – Let’s Reflect
A journal prompt to help you step into deeper freedom and ease.

🌸 S – Softening Your Grip

There’s a difference between letting go and giving up.
Softening doesn’t mean surrendering your values or dropping every ball.
It means loosening the white-knuckled grip of self-pressure just enough…
to exhale.
To feel.
To receive.

You don’t have to be the one holding it all, all the time.
Not here. Not now.

💗 O – Opening to Be Held

There’s a space waiting for you—a gentle circle where masks come off and motherhood feels less lonely.

Join us for the Soul Care Mom Fireside Chat
🗓 Thursday, March 12 @ 3pm CT
💬 A free text-and-voice gathering inside the Soul Care Mom Village

Come as you are (messy bun, unwashed dishes, and all).
There’s no prep, no pressure—just real connection with women who get it.

We’ll explore:
✨ What season of life you’re in
✨ How to support yourself through it
✨ And whatever else is on your heart

You don’t have to say the perfect thing. You don’t even have to show your face.
Just bring your soul

👉 Save Your Spot

This isn’t a formal workshop or Zoom call.

It’s a soulful pause—a cozy, no-pressure space where we gather in real time (through text and voice messages) to reflect, breathe, and connect.

Bring your thoughts, your tea, your toddler, or your quiet.

Bring your truth—messy or magical.

However you arrive, there’s space for you here.

Come be held in a circle of women who get it.

Reserve Your Spot Here

🌿 U – Undoing the Urge to Do It All

When we’re praised for being “so capable,” we start to believe that needing help is failure.
But what if the opposite is true?

What if your worth doesn’t increase with how much you juggle?
What if receiving help is an act of wisdom—not weakness?

Undoing the “do-it-all” mindset takes practice.
But your nervous system will thank you.
Your inner child will feel safer.
And your present self will finally feel the softness she’s been craving.

🌙 L – Let’s Reflect

Take a quiet moment with this prompt:

Where am I resisting support—even though I secretly long for it?
What would it look like to let myself be held in that area of life?

Journal it.
Voice-note it.
Or simply whisper it to yourself as a prayer.

You are worthy of being supported, Love.
You are not a burden.
You’re a human being with needs, dreams, and limits—and all of that is allowed here.

With so much Love,

Catherine 💝

Love Notes From Soul Care Moms…💌

“This gives me feel good vibes. I just love these little nuggets you share…it makes you think and I love that!” - Kaitlin S.

“Love this note, I sure can relate.” - Paula A.

“Reading this felt like a nice exhale 🫶” - Kaitlyn R.

If you’re ready to step into more ease, joy & confidence on your motherhood journey click the button below to subscribe or upgrade!! Become a paid member to get access to monthly Sparkle Audio Coaching Notes and Compassionate Motherhood, a transformational course that will help you to release mom guilt, say “yes” to self care, and deepen your self-compassion.💖

Subscribe now

Posts may contain affiliate links. Please see our full disclosures for more information.

Everything shared is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. I share in the hope that it will help you feel empowered and inspired. Always seek the guidance of a trusted health professional for your unique journey.

You are loved. 💖

If you’re enjoying the Soul Care Mom Substack I’d be delighted if you’d consider upgrading to a paid subscription (an incredible value at less than a cup of coffee ☕️).

When you upgrade, you’ll get access to monthly Sparkle Coaching, audio coaching notes that will help you step into your most Vibrant self. Plus, get access to the transformational course, Compassionate Motherhood, that’ll help you release mom guilt, lean into deeper self-compassion, and create a life infused with self care. 💖

Subscribe now

Hi Love,

February tends to be full of reminders to love others—
but what if this year, you let it be a reminder to love yourself, too?

Not in a big, showy way...
but in the small, meaningful choices you make to care for you.

Maybe that means turning your phone off early.
Maybe it’s saying “no” to one thing and “yes” to rest.
Maybe it’s ordering yourself flowers—just because. 💐

This is your invitation to tend the glow within.
To remember that your worth isn’t something you have to earn.
And you don’t have to wait for someone else to remind you that you matter.

You get to choose that.
You get to receive that.
You get to care for yourself with the same tenderness you offer to everyone else.

✨A gentle practice for the week:
Write a love note to yourself.
Yes—really.
Even just a few lines in your journal.
Try beginning with:
“Dear Me, I love you because…”

And if you’d like a little inspiration...

💗 Valentine’s Self-Love Shopping List

You don’t need anything to be worthy of love—but sometimes a few cozy, nurturing touches can brighten your day.
Here’s a sweet little Amazon list to spark ideas:

👉 My Self-Love Amazon List

🧺 Or explore my Self Care Gift Basket Ideas—perfect for treating yourself or a fellow mama.

With so much Love,

Catherine 💖

🌸 P.S. Haven’t grabbed your Self Love Affirmation Cards yet?
They’re still free, and they’re a beautiful daily reminder of your inherent worth.

👉 Get your cards here.

💖 Join the conversation...

How are you showing yourself love this Valentine’s Day?

👇 Drop your reflections in the comments, or hit reply and share. I would love to hear from you!

Love Notes From Soul Care Moms…💌

“This gives me feel good vibes. I just love these little nuggets you share…it makes you think and I love that!” - Kaitlin S.

“Love this note, I sure can relate.” - Paula A.

“Reading this felt like a nice exhale 🫶” - Kaitlyn R.

If you’re ready to step into more ease, joy & confidence on your motherhood journey click the button below to subscribe or upgrade!! Become a paid member to get access to monthly Sparkle Audio Coaching Notes and Compassionate Motherhood, a transformational course that will help you to release mom guilt, say “yes” to self care, and deepen your self-compassion.💖

Subscribe now

Posts may contain affiliate links. Please see our full disclosures for more information.

Everything shared is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. I share in the hope that it will help you feel empowered and inspired. Always seek the guidance of a trusted health professional for your unique journey.

You are loved. 💖

If you’re enjoying the Soul Care Mom Substack I’d be delighted if you’d consider upgrading to a paid subscription (an incredible value at less than a cup of coffee ☕️).

When you upgrade, you’ll get access to monthly Sparkle Coaching, audio coaching notes that will help you step into your most Vibrant self. Plus, get access to the transformational course, Compassionate Motherhood, that’ll help you release mom guilt, lean into deeper self-compassion, and create a life infused with self care. 💖

Subscribe now

Hi Love,

Let’s start with the voice you hear the most.

Not the voice of your partner or your kids.
Not the voice of the experts or the internet.
But the voice inside your own head.

The one that whispers, reacts, comments, questions, critiques.
The one that fills the quiet moments.

The one that’s with you while you’re brushing your teeth, folding laundry, reaching for your phone again.

That voice… has power.
And often, we don’t even notice what it’s saying.

Lately, I’ve been paying closer attention to the way I speak to me.
And oh, love… it’s humbling.

Because even with all the work I’ve done—
there are still moments when the voice inside sounds more like a tired critic than a trusted friend.

It says things like:
“Why can’t you just keep up?”
“You should’ve handled that better.”
“Other moms don’t struggle with this.”

But here’s the thing:
I would never speak that way to someone I love.
Not to my daughters. Not to my friends. Not to you.

So why have I let it slide when the voice speaks to me like that?

This is where we begin shifting the inner voice
from criticism to compassion.
From pressure to partnership.
From fixing to befriending.

It’s not about making every thought positive.
It’s about making your inner world safer.
Kinder.
More like a place where you feel held instead of judged.

Because becoming your own best friend?
It starts with how you speak to yourself in the quiet.

✨A gentle practice for the week:
Notice your inner tone.
When you catch a harsh thought, try asking:
What would I say to someone I love in this moment?

Let your voice soften, even just a little.
Speak to yourself like someone worth listening to.
Because you are.

With so much Love,

Catherine 💖

🌸 P.S. Want a simple way to bring more love into your day?
Download your free set of Self Love Affirmation Cards—gentle reminders you can tuck into your planner, mirror, or journal.
Let these cards speak kindness over you… even when you forget to.

👉 Get your Self Love Cards here.

💖 Let us know what you would say...

When you catch a harsh thought, try asking:
What would I say to someone I love in this moment?

👇 Drop your reflections in the comments, or hit reply and share. I would love to hear from you!

Love Notes From Soul Care Moms…💌

“This gives me feel good vibes. I just love these little nuggets you share…it makes you think and I love that!” - Kaitlin S.

“Love this note, I sure can relate.” - Paula A.

“Reading this felt like a nice exhale 🫶” - Kaitlyn R.

If you’re ready to step into more ease, joy & confidence on your motherhood journey click the button below to subscribe or upgrade!! Become a paid member to get access to monthly Sparkle Audio Coaching Notes and Compassionate Motherhood, a transformational course that will help you to release mom guilt, say “yes” to self care, and deepen your self-compassion.💖

Subscribe now

Posts may contain affiliate links. Please see our full disclosures for more information.

Everything shared is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. I share in the hope that it will help you feel empowered and inspired. Always seek the guidance of a trusted health professional for your unique journey.

You are loved. 💖

If you’re enjoying the Soul Care Mom Substack I’d be delighted if you’d consider upgrading to a paid subscription (an incredible value at less than a cup of coffee ☕️).

When you upgrade, you’ll get access to monthly Sparkle Coaching, audio coaching notes that will help you step into your most Vibrant self. Plus, get access to the transformational course, Compassionate Motherhood, that’ll help you release mom guilt, lean into deeper self-compassion, and create a life infused with self care. 💖

Subscribe now

Hi Love,

Let’s take a breath together…

Because the first few days of the new year can be a lot, can’t they?

The pressure to start fresh. The noise of “new year, new you.” The mental checklists that multiply overnight. The quiet guilt of already falling behind.

If your system feels like it’s buzzing, resisting, or just tired... you’re not doing it wrong.

You’re human.

And you’re healing.

The truth is—your best self doesn’t emerge from pressure.

She rises from safety. From softness. From nervous system regulation. From permission to be fully you, even when you’re in-between.

So instead of pushing yourself to sprint toward goals, what if you let yourself drop in first?

💖 What if you gave your body what it needs to feel safe right now?

💖 What if your next level isn’t something you chase—but someone you allow?

That’s why I created this: Becoming Your Best Self | A Future Self Meditation A powerful practice to gently release what’s no longer serving… and activate the version of you who already knows how to lead your life with calm, confidence, and presence.

Not from perfection. From remembrance.

✨ This is how you outgrow old patterns.

✨ This is how you reclaim your power.

✨ This is how you become her—gently, day by day.

And if you’re ready to surround yourself with other women doing this deep, nourishing work together—you’re always welcome inside the Soul Care Mom Village.

We’re not here to hustle into healing. We’re here to rise slow, together.

🌿 Come join us → Soul Care Mom Village

Let’s make this the year of soft power, steady becoming, and unapologetic soul-care. You don’t have to rush into her.

You’re already becoming her.

With Love Always,

Catherine

🤎 Let’s Deepen The Conversation...

What habit or pattern are you ready to bless, release, and leave behind this year?

👇 Drop your reflections in the comments, or hit reply and share. I would love to hear from you!

Love Notes From Soul Care Moms…💌

“This gives me feel good vibes. I just love these little nuggets you share…it makes you think and I love that!” - Kaitlin S.

“Love this note, I sure can relate.” - Paula A.

“Reading this felt like a nice exhale 🫶” - Kaitlyn R.

If you’re ready to step into more ease, joy & confidence on your motherhood journey click the button below to subscribe or upgrade!! Become a paid member to get access to monthly Sparkle Audio Coaching Notes and Compassionate Motherhood, a transformational course that will help you to release mom guilt, say “yes” to self care, and deepen your self-compassion.💖

Subscribe now

Posts may contain affiliate links. Please see our full disclosures for more information.

Everything shared is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. I share in the hope that it will help you feel empowered and inspired. Always seek the guidance of a trusted health professional for your unique journey.

You are loved. 💖