Motherhood has a way of teaching lessons quietly.
Not all at once.
Not neatly.
But deeply.

As I look back on 2025, I can say this with honesty: it wasn’t easy, but it was still so meaningful.

There were moments of joy, moments of growth, and moments that stretched me more than I expected. And somehow, all of it belonged.

Guilt Still Showed Up and I Learned to Sit With It

Even in a year filled with growth, guilt still found its way in.

Guilt about time.
About balance.
About feeling behind, even when I was doing my best.

I learned that guilt doesn’t disappear just because you’re more experienced or more confident. Sometimes it simply changes shape. And instead of fighting it, I practiced noticing it with a little more compassion.

Rest Changed Everything

One of the biggest shifts this year was sleep.. real, restorative sleep slowly returning.

With it came clarity.
A calmer mind.
And a familiar spark I hadn’t realized I’d been missing.

Creativity came back online.
Ideas flowed more easily.
Motivation returned without force.

I found myself dreaming again.. about my work, my growth, and the future I’m still becoming.

Growth in Partnership

This year also deepened my relationship with my partner in ways that felt hard and healing all at once.

We had difficult conversations.
We listened more carefully.
We chose alignment over avoidance.

Those moments weren’t always comfortable, but they brought us closer. They reminded me that connection isn’t built by skipping the hard parts, it’s built by showing up for them.

Choosing What Nourishes My Nervous System

With more energy available, I became more intentional about where it went.

I started choosing what truly nourishes me:

sunlight on my face
movement that feels good
getting lost in a book
quiet moments that help my nervous system settle

These weren’t grand changes. They were small, steady choices that mattered.

Softening and Stretching at the Same Time

This season of motherhood stretched me.
And it softened me too.

I learned that growth doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful.
That joy can exist alongside challenge.
That motherhood can be both demanding and deeply fulfilling, sometimes in the very same moment.

Carrying This Forward

As I close out this year, I feel proud of how I showed up.
Not perfectly, but honestly.

I’m grateful for what this year gave me.
For the lessons, the light, and even the hard days that shaped me.

Motherhood continues to evolve.
And so do I.

Disclaimer: The content shared on this website and blog is meant to offer education, encouragement, and support, but it is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or therapeutic care. Everyone’s journey is unique, and it’s always best to consult with a qualified healthcare or mental health professional about your specific needs or concerns. Reading this blog or connecting through franciswellness.com does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you are in crisis or need immediate help, please reach out to your local emergency services or contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) for free and confidential support 24/7.

What 2025 Taught Me About Motherhood