Jill and Linda peel back the layers of what it truly means to be vulnerable while trying to maintain self-care as a mother. From managing household chaos to handling hormonal challenges, they share their personal struggles with the constant pressure to "keep it all together." Their conversation reveals what many moms experience but rarely voice: those moments when everything feels like it's falling apart, and finding time for self-care seems impossible.

Hear about:

The Mental Load Runs Deep

Behind every simple task like changing sheets lies an intricate web of mental labor - from remembering when they were last changed to knowing each family member's preferences. This invisible work often goes unrecognized but significantly impacts a mother's capacity for self-care.

Hormonal Cycles Impact Vulnerability

Both hosts openly discuss how their menstrual cycles affect their emotional resilience, particularly in high-pressure situations like managing children's behavior in public spaces. Recognizing these patterns helps in planning and managing self-care needs during challenging times.

Team Effort Makes a Difference

Linda shares a powerful example of how her children pitched in during an overwhelming moment, demonstrating that involving the whole family in household management can create beautiful moments of connection and support. However, one negative comment can quickly unravel that progress.

Communication Challenges

The discussion highlights how tone and delivery when asking for help can create tension in relationships, affecting both partnerships and parent-child interactions. This communication struggle often leads to mothers taking on more responsibility rather than continuing to ask for support.

Your journey through motherhood's vulnerable moments isn't meant to be walked alone. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by the mental load or struggling to find moments for self-care, remember that these experiences are shared by mothers worldwide. Join our community by following us on social media or sharing your own vulnerability story. Tune in next week as we continue these important conversations about motherhood and self-care.

Connect with us:

Jill at www.mamaoutspoken.com and Linda at www.lindabonney.com.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Jill and Bobby's Mama Outspoken Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mama-outspoken-podcast/id1576913893

Linda's Substack article about care and mental load: https://www.conversationsforgrowth.com/p/reimagining-care-in-a-world-that?r=19nixh

Until next week – we hope you can unstuck your muck!