Motherhood begins the moment you realize you’re pregnant. Whether you notice the subtle changes or see your body transform, your body is nurturing another soul—by choice, design, or chance. That’s when the sacred journey of motherhood starts. But not every mother gets the chance to meet or parent their child, and that’s a grief many carry silently.
As a teenager growing up in Nigeria, I dreamed of a big, bustling family—seven children, two maids, and a chef to keep it all together! At 13, I was already open to adoption if fertility challenges arose, determined to create a loving home for as many children as possible. Even now, I hold onto that hope, trusting God to connect me with children who need a mother and a home, whether I give birth to them or not.
But then adulthood hit—hard. Living in the UK, my dream of a large family met the harsh realities of “adulting.” After my first pregnancy, I realized my vision of seven kids was, frankly, wild. As a stay-at-home mum of three, the responsibilities and bills were overwhelming. I used to think it was just about poor financial planning or not having enough help—after 20 years in the UK, surely I could afford a nanny or a weekend cleaner, right? But the truth ran deeper. It wasn’t just about help or wealth. I didn’t know I had permission to rest, to step away, to heal, and to rejuvenate.
I fell into the trap of believing motherhood was a 24/7 job with no breaks. “Let the kids sleep when they’re tired,” they said. “Motherhood is endless,” they told us. Those words, as empowering as they sound, left me running on empty, teetering on mental burnout. Unlike God, who neither slumbers nor sleeps, we humans need rest to thrive.
In the absence of help most days, like so many mothers, I juggled everything while trying to chase big dreams and shine my light in the world. I wish someone had told my younger self that caring for my family and caring for myself aren’t mutually exclusive. They’re not competing priorities—except in rare, temporary moments, like breastfeeding a newborn through sleepless nights.
I’ve met mothers with nannies, cleaners, and kids in afterschool clubs who are still drowning in anxiety, stress, and overstretched schedules. That’s when I realized the issue wasn’t just about time management (I was great at that!) or lack of resources. It was about not understanding God’s heart for caring for my body and soul. Blaming “adulting” is easy, but there’s nothing godly about neglecting ourselves or living in a cycle of exhaustion.
That’s why I created an 10-minutes video on meditation and mental rest for busy Christian mums as part of my Wellness for Living series. It’s packed with practical tips to help you care for your mind and find peace amid the chaos.
Watch the video here—it’s my gift to every mother struggling to find rest. And it’s not just for mums! A man commented on the video, saying it’s for everyone, and he’s absolutely right.
We all need mental rest and moments to reconnect with ourselves and God. If you know a mother—or anyone—who could use this encouragement, please share the video with them.
With love,
Your Wellness Buddy,
Adaeze
