Finding Your Passion as a Mom

Rediscovering Your Identity and Passion After Motherhood

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Motherhood changes everything. Your priorities shift, and it’s easy for your own hobbies and interests to take a backseat to other areas of your life. But being a mom doesn’t mean you should lose sight of the things that make you feel like you. In fact, it’s more important than ever to hold onto those passions that keep you grounded.

That’s what I realized early on in my journey as a new mom. I found myself searching for something that didn’t seem to exist—a place to connect with other local moms, both in-person and virtually. As a stay-at-home mom, I was looking for weekday events or activities to attend, moms in the same season of motherhood, and a support network of local moms. I’d scour the internet for events or groups in our area but kept coming up short.

That’s when I discovered national community websites, offering what I was looking for, and eventually stumbled upon Madison Mom (now Madison Family). It got me thinking, “Why not create that space myself?” With my marketing and social media background, it felt like a natural fit. It was a daunting idea, but the more I thought about it, the more it felt right.

But this article isn’t just about my journey. It’s about helping you connect with your authentic self and find what truly brings you joy. Whether it’s rediscovering a long-lost hobby, exploring new experiences, or setting bigger goals, let’s dive into how you can pursue your own happiness while still being the amazing mom you are at the end of the day.

Building My Passion Project

Building my passion

After speaking with a couple of friends about the idea, they affirmed that a community website/group was missing in our area (one of them had moved here recently and looked for a resource like this) and encouraged me to do it!

I didn’t dive in headfirst. I spent many hours researching other community websites—reading their articles, about their founders, and analyzing their content calendars & events to understand what made them successful.

The next step was learning about website design. My experience was in content creation, not web development, and the idea of starting a site from scratch was out of my comfort zone. I eventually found a Facebook group filled with valuable, free resources on how to create a blog. I even enrolled in their free course called Blogging Foundations, which came with video modules and worksheets to guide me through the process. The course was incredibly helpful, and the Facebook group that came with it allowed me to ask questions and get support as I built my site.

Slowly but surely, I began to build what would become the Sauk County Mom Collective. Was it easy? Not exactly. But with every step, I realized just how passionate I was about creating this space. This wasn’t just about starting a blog or growing a Facebook group; it was about filling a void in our community and giving back in a way that felt authentic to who I was.

Moms from all over our area began connecting, sharing their own experiences, and building relationships which, in turn, gave me a sense of fulfillment. It became clear that this wasn’t just something I needed; it was something our entire community could benefit from.

Why Finding Your Passion as a Mom Matters

My journey showed me that finding and following your passion can profoundly impact not just your life but the lives of those around you. As moms, it’s easy to get caught up in daily routines, but discovering what truly lights you up can be transformative.

Steps to Uncover Your Passion

  1. Reflect on What You Enjoy Doing: Think about the moments that make you feel most alive. Is it a creative project? Helping others? Learning something new? These are the breadcrumbs leading you to your passion.
  2. Identify Your Unique Strengths: Just like I used my marketing skills, your unique talents can be the key to unlocking your passion. Often, our passions align with things that feel natural or come easily to us. Maybe you’re great at organizing, teaching, or creating—whatever it is, it’s worth exploring.
  3. Explore New Hobbies: If you’re not sure where your passions lie, give yourself permission to try new things. Take a class, join a group, or start a new project. Sometimes, your new passion finds you when you least expect it.
  4. Set Aside Time for Yourself: Finding your passion requires time and space to reflect and explore. Carve out moments of free time in your week that are just for you. It doesn’t have to be long, but it should be intentional.
  5. Start Small, But Start: You don’t need to quit your day job or completely overhaul your life to pursue your passion. Start with a small project, a side hustle, or even just dedicating 30 minutes a day to something you love.
  6. Connect With Like-Minded Individuals: Surround yourself with others with similar passions. Whether it’s a Facebook group, a local meetup, or an online forum, having a support system can make all the difference.
  7. Embrace the Journey: Finding your passion isn’t always a straight path. There will be challenges, pivots, and doubts, but remember—every step forward is progress. And the journey itself is just as important as the destination.
Gardening passion

Common Challenges in Finding Passion

Finding and pursuing a passion as a mom comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some common obstacles and ways to overcome them:

  1. Time Constraints: The daily responsibilities of motherhood can leave little time for personal pursuits. To combat this, prioritize your passion by carving out small, dedicated time slots in your routine.
  2. Mom Guilt: Many moms feel guilty taking time away from their families to focus on their personal interests. It’s important to remember that pursuing your passion isn’t selfish—it’s a way to recharge and bring your best self to your family. Think of it as self-care that ultimately benefits everyone.
  3. Societal Expectations: Society often pressures moms to put everyone else’s needs first, making it difficult to justify personal time. Challenge this mindset by reminding yourself that pursuing your passion sets a positive example for your children, teaching them the importance of following their own interests.
  4. Lack of Support: Not everyone may understand or support your need to pursue a passion. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your interests and can offer encouragement. This could be through online communities, local groups, or even a close circle of friends.
  5. Fear of Failure: Starting something new can be intimidating, especially if you fear you won’t succeed. Overcome this by setting small, achievable goals and focusing on the progress rather than perfection. Remember, every action is a step forward in your personal growth journey.

Overcoming Fear and Doubt

Pursuing your passion is exciting, but it’s also normal to feel fear and doubt along the way. These feelings can be paralyzing, holding you back from taking the necessary steps toward your goals. However, it’s important to recognize that fear and doubt are natural parts of the process, and they can be overcome.

Strategies to Overcome Fear and Doubt

  • Acknowledge Your Fears: The first step in overcoming fear is acknowledging it. Don’t try to push it away or ignore it. Instead, recognize what you’re afraid of and why. Often, simply naming your fear can reduce its power over you.
  • Reframe Your Thoughts: Fear often stems from negative thinking. Challenge these thoughts by reframing them in a positive light. For example, instead of thinking, “I’m not good enough to start this project,” reframe it to, “I’m capable of learning and growing as I go”.
  • Take Small Steps: When fear feels overwhelming, break down your goals into smaller, more manageable steps. Taking actionable steps, no matter how small, builds momentum and helps diminish fear over time.
  • Seek Support: Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your vision. Share your fears with trusted friends, family, or a mentor. Sometimes, just having someone to talk to can make a world of difference.
  • Visualize Success: Visualization is a powerful tool for overcoming fear. Spend time imagining yourself achieving your goals. Picture the steps you’ll take and how you’ll feel once you’ve succeeded. This positive mental rehearsal can boost your confidence and reduce fear. See below for guidance on how to create a vision board.

Remember, everyone experiences fear and doubt. The key is not to let these feelings stop you. Instead, use them as fuel to push you in the right direction.

Using a Vision Board to Discover and Define Your Passions

Vision board

A vision board can be a powerful tool in the process of discovering and defining your passions. It’s not just about creating a pretty collage—it’s about visualizing what truly excites and inspires you, helping to bring your passions into focus. Here’s how you can use a vision board to explore your interests and identify what really lights you up:

Step 1: Reflect on What Inspires You: Before you start gathering images and words for your vision board, spend some time reflecting on what truly inspires you. Think about moments when you’ve felt most alive, activities that make you lose track of time, and experiences that have brought you joy. Consider these questions:

  • What hobbies or activities do you find yourself naturally drawn to?
  • When do you feel most fulfilled or energized?
  • What topics do you enjoy learning about or discussing?

Step 2: Gather Visual Inspiration: Once you’ve reflected on your inspirations, start gathering materials that represent these passions. Look for images, quotes, and words that resonate with what you’ve identified. These can come from magazines, online sources, or even your own photos and drawings. As you collect these items, think about how they connect to your potential passions.

Step 3: Organize and Create: Begin arranging your images and words on your vision board. There’s no right or wrong way to do this—just go with what feels natural. As you place each item, consider why it resonates with you and how it represents your passions. This process can help you see patterns and connections that might not have been obvious before.

Step 4: Analyze and Reflect: Once your vision board is complete, take a step back and look at the bigger picture. What themes emerge? Are there certain activities, ideas, or goals that stand out? Use your vision board as a tool to analyze and reflect on what it reveals about your passions. Ask yourself:

  • What common threads do I see in the images and words I chose?
  • How do these items align with my strengths and interests?
  • What new passions or interests might I want to explore further?

Step 5: Use Your Vision Board as a Guide: Your vision board is more than just a one-time project; it’s a living guide that you can return to as you continue exploring your passions. Display it somewhere you’ll see it regularly, and let it inspire you to take action toward pursuing the interests and goals it represents. As your passions evolve, feel free to update your vision board to reflect your growing aspirations.

By using a vision board in this way, you’re not only clarifying what you’re passionate about, but you’re also setting the stage for turning those passions into actionable goals. This visual and creative process can be a significant first step in discovering what truly matters to you and how you can incorporate those passions into your life.


My Vision Moving Forward

The Sauk County Mom Collective has grown into something I’m incredibly proud of. But this is just the beginning. I dream of expanding our reach, bringing on other writers to share their voices, and creating even more opportunities for moms to connect—whether through online content, in-person events, or new initiatives.

That’s where my latest project, Moms, Minis, and Must-Haves, comes in. This Facebook page is all about sharing the best deals and product recommendations for families, kids, and beyond. From trusted baby gear to must-have toys and family-friendly finds, it’s a new way for me to combine my love for connecting moms with practical, budget-friendly resources.

And as for you? I hope this post inspires you in some way—whether it’s launching a new project, rediscovering a long-lost passion, or simply taking that first step toward something that feels like you. You have everything you need to make it happen.

Final Thoughts

Finding your own passions as a mom isn’t just about your own needs—it’s about creating a ripple effect that touches everyone around you. It’s a great way to show your kids what it means to pursue what you love and, in turn, inspiring them to do the same. Whether it becomes another income stream for your family, a fulfilling hobby, or a way to give back and serve others, your passion has the power to enrich your life and the lives of those you care about.

Your journey is yours alone, but you don’t have to walk it alone. I’m here, cheering you on every step of the way, ready to support and celebrate the incredible things you’ll achieve.

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