A Grounded Parent Is A Present Parent….What does that mean for you?
Since giving birth in November 2023, I’ve reflected a lot on the type of parent I want to be. I jumped into podcasts, books and youtube interviews talking about the transition into parenthood and tried to not get overwhelmed by the information overload (key word tried because I still fall in that trap sometimes). One word and visual that keeps coming back to me was that of a tree that is firmly rooted- when storms of life come, it is able to withstand them and still be connected to who they are- GROUNDED. I think in parenthood, this feels especially important. As I worked on creating workshops & curriculum for my new momma group, I realized that “being present” is closely related to being grounded. If anything, I feel like I need to be grounded in order to be present. For me, being grounded gives me more self-compassion and permission to do the things that remind me of who I am, what I care about and what really matters. It gives me the permission to throw away the external and internal expectations that are not aligned with my values as a mom. It encourages me to dig into self-reflection to uncover what is getting in the way of my “grounded-ness” in this season and helps me identify what I need to “re-root.” It helps me value time spent practicing mindfulness, meditations, journaling, deep breathing, soaking in nature and more because I know these practices help me show up as the mom I intend to be, not just the one others expect me to be. So what does being grounded look/feel like for you? I encourage you to reflect on this question and then consider “What does it look/feel like when I’m not grounded?” Lastly, take a few minutes to jot down or journal some of the practices that help you feel grounded + schedule at least 1-2 in the next week. Everyone’s response is unique to their own experience, so I am sharing the results of my own journaling here in case anything resonates. Happy grounding!! <3
“Grounded” for me looks/feels like: present, intentional, balanced, confident, content, connected, healthy, attuned, self-aware, patient, hopeful, compassionate, aligned, sturdy
“Not Grounded” for me looks/feels like: fatigued, burned out, extra irritable, rage-y, annoyed, short-fuse, restless, anxious, overwhelmed, hurried, sick, achey, tense, more yelling, shutting down
Practices that help me feel grounded: journaling, deep breathing, mindfulness & meditation practices, prayer, worship music, affirmations/ gentle reminders, therapy, remembering my values & intentions, community & real authentic connections (husband, family, friends, support/mom group), remembering I’m already enough and perfection is not the goal, taking time to fill my cup (hobby, dancing, singing, bathe, movement, solo store trips) + time in nature, asking for help/receiving help, self-compassion, 5-4-3-2-1 grounding practice & more.
You got this! & Remember that self-care is a necessity to be the type of parent you intent to be.
-J.Lee “MillennialTheraMom” <3
