Mom Guilt Is Holding You Back-And It's Costing You More Than You ThinK
“Mom Guilt Is Holding You Back-And It's Costing You More Than You Think!" - Misty Creaghe
Mom Guilt Is Holding You Back-And It's Costing you More Than You Think
Mom guilt. We all feel it. It creeps in when we take time for ourselves, when we say no, when we prioritize anything that isn’t directly for our kids. It’s an invisible weight we carry, convinced that every sacrifice makes us a better mom.
But here’s what no one tells you: Mom guilt isn’t the real reason moms don’t take care of themselves.
I know because I did it too.
I was the mom who didn’t sleep in the hospital after my son was born, just so I could make sure he ate every 15 to 30 minutes. I was the mom who wouldn’t shower unless he was sleeping, who never took time for herself unless it was a bathroom break. If something took time away from my son and didn’t financially benefit our family, I didn’t do it.
That meant no gym membership, no investing in healthier foods, no prioritizing my own well-being.
I put my health on the back burner, thinking I was doing what was best for my son. But in reality? I was guaranteeing that I would leave him sooner.
The Hidden Cost of Mom Guilt
Let’s talk about the uncomfortable truth.
When I refused to take care of myself, my health started to decline fast. My family history of heart disease is extensive—so extensive that I grew up believing it wasn’t a matter of if but when.
My dad only made it to 33 years old before a massive heart attack took him.
I was 38 when my son was born. And by that time, I already had five specialists monitoring my health, with two more added after his birth.
Every time I ignored my own well-being, I was setting myself up for the same fate. I was showing my son that taking care of others meant neglecting yourself. That it was okay to run yourself into the ground for the people you love.
I thought my sacrifices made me a better mom.
In reality, they were making me a mom who wouldn’t be around as long as she could be.
How We Justify Mom Guilt
Moms are experts at justifying why we don’t take care of ourselves. We say things like:
“I don’t have time.”
“I’ll start when things calm down.”
“I can’t justify spending money on myself.”
“It’s selfish to take time away from my family.”
“My kids need me more than I need a workout, a healthy meal, or sleep.”
I told myself all of these things. I believed them.
Even when my health was failing, even when I was stacking on chronic disease diagnoses, even when my energy was gone, and my body was breaking down—I still justified putting myself last.
And then, I had a wake-up call.
The Mindset Shift That Changed Everything
At first, when I invested in coaching, it was only because I thought it would help build my business. I told myself it was okay because it would make money for my family in the future.
What I didn’t realize was that this investment came with mindset coaching.
And that mindset coaching? It was the missing piece.
I started to see how my mom guilt wasn’t just holding me back from taking care of myself—it was setting a dangerous example for my son.
What was I teaching him?
That his mom should sacrifice everything, even her health, to take care of others?
That it’s normal to neglect yourself because you’re “too busy” taking care of everyone else?
That the people you love should run themselves into the ground just to make sure everyone else is okay?
That’s not what I wanted for him.
I wanted to show him that taking care of yourself is not selfish. That prioritizing your health means you get to be there longer, stronger, and happier for the people you love.
So I started making changes.
It Starts With a Step
Overcoming mom guilt isn’t an overnight transformation. It’s a process of making small, intentional choices.
Think about it like this:
Imagine you have a huge job interview for a promotion that will change everything for your family. Would you wear something that makes you feel underprepared? Would you rush through getting ready because you didn’t want to take time away from your kids?
No—you’d do what was necessary to show up as your best self. Because getting that job is what’s best for your family.
Your health is the same way.
When you eat better, move more, and take time to recharge, you don’t just improve your own life—you improve theirs.
When you learn how to eat healthier, you feed your family healthier.
When you have more energy, you engage more with your kids.
When you’re mentally and physically strong, you show up better for your partner, your career, your life.
You can’t pour from an empty cup. But if you fill your cup first? You overflow. And when you overflow, everyone wins.
Practical Steps to Overcome Mom Guilt
If you’re ready to break free from the guilt and start prioritizing yourself, here’s where you can begin:
1️⃣ Reframe Self-Care as an Investment – Taking care of yourself isn’t taking away from your family—it’s making sure you can show up better and longer for them.
2️⃣ Start Small – You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Start with 20 minutes a day—a walk, a workout, journaling, a healthy meal.
3️⃣ Make Self-Care Non-Negotiable – Block off time on your calendar just like you would for your kid’s activities. If it’s scheduled, it happens.
4️⃣ Ask Yourself, “What Would I Want My Kids to Do?” – Would you want your child to burn out for their family one day? Or would you want them to take care of themselves? Lead by example.
5️⃣ Find a Support System – Surround yourself with people who remind you that you’re worthy of care. This is exactly why I created my Ultimate Work-Life Rebalance Solution—to help moms find their balance without the guilt.
It’s Time to Rekindle Your Spark
I know how hard it is to break the cycle. I’ve been there. But I promise you—it’s worth it.
You are worth the time. You are worth the effort. You are worth feeling good again.
💡 That’s why I’m inviting you to 14 Days FREE inside my Ultimate Work-Life Rebalance Solution.
It’s time to let go of the guilt. It’s time to take care of you.
🔗 Join now for free: RekindleYourSpark
You deserve this. Your family deserves you—at your best, healthiest, and happiest.
Let’s break the cycle together.
