Embracing the Messy Middle: Finding Peace in Motherhood’s Chaos

Hey sis, welcome back to The Glow-Up Journal. I’m Ashley Springs—educator, sports mom, and your glow-up bestie—and today, we’re talking about something every mom knows too well: the messy middle.

Dinner’s burning, kids are arguing over who breathed too loud, your inbox is exploding, and somehow you’re expected to be calm, productive, and patient all at once.

🎧The Soundtrack of Motherhood

The real soundtrack of motherhood is a mix of “Mom! Mom! Mom!”, “What’s for dinner?” and sibling drama on repeat. It’s loud, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it’s also where real, unfiltered life actually happens.

The messy middle we try to rush past? That’s where the memories are made. It’s where patience grows, purpose strengthens, and your presence leaves a mark your kids will never forget.

✨Perfection Isn’t the Goal—Presence Is

There was a night I stood in my kitchen—dinner still frozen, kids buzzing around, work emails open—and I felt that “I’m failing” spiral creeping in.

But something clicked: my family didn’t need perfection. They needed me.

So I shut the laptop. Ordered pizza. Sat with my babies. And we laughed in the middle of a mess that could’ve broken me on another day.

Presence will always matter more than perfection.

🌪Anchors in the Chaos

Finding peace doesn’t mean escaping your life—it means creating small moments that ground you inside it. Here are a few anchors that help:

1) The Morning Moment

Steal five minutes before the world wakes up. Sip your coffee, breathe, and remind yourself you get to choose who you want to be today before anyone else needs you.

2) The Pause Point

When the noise gets loud and the overwhelm hits, step away for a moment. A 30-second pause can save a tough evening.

3) The Evening Exhale

Before bed, celebrate the small wins. Nobody cried at dinner. You kept your cool. You found one tiny moment of joy. It all counts.

🌼Celebrate Your Wins—Even the Small Ones

When was the last time you gave yourself credit for simply getting through the day?

You’re not behind. You’re not failing. You’re navigating your season with heart, grit, and grace—even when it feels messy.

Every challenge you face, every meltdown you survive, every moment you show up even when you’re tired… that’s the masterpiece you’re building.

💗Your Mess Is Part of Your Masterpiece

If you’re ready to bring more peace into your days, I created something just for you.

Your mess doesn’t disqualify you—it shapes you. You’re doing better than you think, and I’m proud of you. 💛