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Hi Mom!
As it is said, it is not over until it is over. Even then, it’s still not over.
Today and in this edition- I conclude the series of Pursuing your Life’s Purpose as a Mom. This week, I celebrated my birthday and I had numerous calls and messages from loved ones, family and friends. It then dawned on me what cultivating community over the years is serving purpose in my life. I enjoyed my birthday so much because of the community I belong to.
I hope you have followed the series and it’s impacting your life as a mom. If you missed any of the editions, you can read it here. In this last edition, I am talking on the subject of “Cultivating Community”.
Let’s delve in…
Have you ever felt like you’re carrying the weight of your dreams alone? The struggle to balance motherhood while pursuing your personal goals is real and I totally get it, because I have been there.
The days can feel long and lonely, and sometimes the only “community” I seem to have is my laundry pile, endless to-do lists, and, of course, the kids constantly needing something from me- Mummy, I want….
But what if I told you that you don’t have to be alone on this path? What if I told you that cultivating a strong, supportive community could actually help you not only survive motherhood but thrive while pursuing your own purpose?
As a mom who’s constantly trying to balance my own passions and dreams with the needs of my family, I’ve realized something important: pursuing your purpose doesn’t have to be a solo journey. In fact, having a solid community is one of the most powerful tools you can use to stay grounded, inspired, and motivated.
The Power of Connection: How Real-Life Support Changes Everything
When I first became a mom, I was caught up in the idea that I had to do everything myself. I convinced myself that if I could just manage it all—mom life, work life, and still have time for my own dreams—then I’d be a supermom. But guess what? I burned out. Fast. I became frustrated and it affected my relationship with my husband so much.
It wasn’t until I started opening up and connecting with other moms that I realized how much I needed to lean on others. I joined a local mom’s group, and through casual chats, I met other moms who were juggling similar dreams and struggles. It was like a weight lifted off my shoulders. They weren’t just there to talk about diapers and baby food; they were also discussing their side hustles, passions, and personal goals. Suddenly, I realized I wasn’t alone in this.
One of my friends in the group, Sarah (so I name her here), is a medical doctor and mom of four. She has surrounded herself with other women who through their support, she could set regular time aside for her self, family, and for her work. Watching Sarah reclaim her energy every time reminded me that my purpose doesn’t have to be put on hold, and that having a tribe to support me is essential.
Surrounding Yourself with Like-Minded People
Community isn’t just about “doing life” with anyone—it’s about surrounding yourself with people who get you. People who understand your dreams, your challenges, and your priorities. Having a network of like-minded women can help fuel your purpose.
For example, I’ve been involved in a moms’ networking group for a couple of years now. We meet (virtually or in person) to discuss our goals, celebrate wins, and offer advice. The women in this group aren’t just “mom friends”; they’re fellow entrepreneurs, writers, wellness advocates, and creatives who are working on their own purposes while raising kids. They share resources, give honest feedback, and cheer each other on—without judgment.
I remember one meeting where we were all talking about how to juggle our personal goals with the demands of parenting. Another mom, Emily, shared how she sets specific “me-time” in her calendar every week. That simple idea of intentionally carving out time for herself (even if it’s just an hour) was a game-changer for me. I realized that sometimes pursuing my purpose isn’t about grand gestures, but about consistent, small actions—and having a community to share those little victories makes them so much sweeter.
Balancing Your Roles: Why Non-Mom Relationships Matter
You know, for a long time, I didn’t realize how much I was only identifying as a mom. Of course, being a mother is one of the most important roles I have, but I began to notice that when I wasn’t connecting with people outside of the “mom” role, I was feeling… empty. It was like I had lost touch with the parts of me that were just me—before I was a mom.
That’s when I learned how vital it is to cultivate relationships with people who see me as more than just a mom. Enter my friend, Adwoa. Adwoa and I met before I became a mom. Even after kids came…lol, we keep in touch and make time for our friendship outside of the parenting world. We talk about our dreams, and everything else that reminds me of the woman I am beyond motherhood. I cannot tell you how healing it is to spend a couple of times just talking—not about schedules or snacks, but about our lives, passions, and things that make us tick.
For me, having these friendships have been essential. They give me the space to recharge emotionally, reconnect with passions I had forgotten about, and remind me that my life isn’t just about what I do for my kids. It’s about who I am, too.
It’s also a reminder that your dreams, talents, and ambitions didn’t vanish when you became a mom—they’re still there, waiting for you to embrace them. And surrounding yourself with people who respect and encourage your personal journey will help keep that spark alive. Whether it’s another mom, an old college friend, or a mentor from your pre-mom days, these non-mom relationships can provide a much-needed sense of balance and perspective.
Finding Balance and Strength in Your Village
You know that saying, “It takes a village to raise a child”? Well, let me tell you—sometimes it takes a village to raise a mom, too.
As a mom, I’ve learned that it’s okay to ask for help, lean on others, and let them carry some of the load. This is especially true when pursuing your life’s purpose. My village isn’t just made up of other moms—it includes friends, family, neighbors, and mentors. And honestly, having a network of people who believe in you and your goals is one of the best things you can do for your well-being and for your family.
Take my self, for example. My dream of carving a career path for my life as an Astute Lawyer got me going back to school and still maintaining all aspects of my life. I felt overwhelmed by how much I had to juggle. But then I leaned into my community for support. I reached out to my mom for help with babysitting, connected with a mentor and lecturer in the Law Industry, and joined online learning groups. Slowly but surely, I have built the momentum to take the leap in my aspirations. It isn’t easy, but the support of her community makes a huge difference.
Creating Intentional Connections
Okay, so how do you start cultivating a community that helps you pursue your purpose?
It’s about intentionality.
- Join or Create a Group: Whether it’s a local meetup, a virtual moms’ group, or a professional network, find or create a community where people share similar interests or goals. The women you meet don’t have to be in the exact same phase of life as you, but they should be people who can inspire and uplift you. You can join our community here and also visit our website @www.thelifeofaworkingmom.com to know more.
- Be Vulnerable: It’s easy to hide behind the “I’m fine” mask, but the real magic happens when you’re honest about your challenges, dreams, and needs. Open up to others, and watch how they open up in return. The answer to: How are you?, can’t always be: I am fine.
- Give and Receive: A community isn’t just about receiving support; it’s about giving, too. Offer your time, your resources, and your wisdom to others. When we help others, we often end up helping ourselves in unexpected ways.
Your Purpose Isn’t Meant to Be Lived Alone
As moms, we’re constantly nurturing and giving to others. But don’t forget—you are worthy of receiving that same support. You don’t have to sacrifice your purpose or dreams to be a great mom. In fact, living your purpose with intention will only make you a better, more fulfilled mom.
This week, I encourage you to take a moment and reflect on your community. Are there people in your life who encourage you to pursue your purpose? If not, maybe it’s time to intentionally cultivate those connections. You don’t have to do this alone, Mom. There’s power in community, and together, we can all grow, thrive, and pursue the lives we’ve dreamed of—while being the awesome moms we are.
You’ve got this!
With love,
Mary Nays
P.S. If you’re looking for a community of like-minded moms who are on the journey of pursuing their purpose, come join us in our LinkedIn group or Facebook Group. Let’s support each other!
