Mother’s Day can feel like both a warm hug and a gut punch. ( I know I am not alone here)

As a mom, I genuinely love this day most years have been a challange though— But, I have learned to I love the way my boys celebrate me (most of the day, lol) , the handwritten notes, the hugs, and the moments that make motherhood feel sacred. I also love honoring the women who walk alongside me—my friends, mentors, and the women who’ve poured into me in the seasons when I felt empty.

But I will share, this day also holds weight.
My mom, Cristy passed in 2011. Alcohol disease took her long before she physically left this world. I started grieving before I fully understood that I was grieving. There were years where the ache showed up quietly, other times when it came in full waves.

Now, as a mother myself, I feel the absence in new ways.
When I’m overwhelmed. When I’m unsure. When I wish I had a safe place to land and hear, “You’re doing great.”
Motherhood can feel lonely—especially on the hard days. As a therapist and mom, I’ve learned: Emotional regulation isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

Why Emotional Regulation Is the Real Lifeline

Motherhood encompasses more than just managing schedules and meals; it involves navigating emotional highs and lows, overstimulation, decision fatigue, and the quiet guilt of trying to keep everything together. Emotional regulation becomes essential—not to suppress feelings, but to stay connected to oneself amidst the chaos.

Emotional regulation isn’t just about keeping your cool—it’s about protecting the connection you’re working so hard to build with your kids. Research from the Journal of Family Psychology found that moms who manage their emotions well are less likely to fall into reactive or inconsistent discipline patterns—and that means a more calm, connected home environment. When you’re able to pause, name what you’re feeling, and respond with intention (instead of from burnout), you create space for healthier interactions—both for you and your child. These findings emphasize that emotional regulation is not merely a personal skill but a foundational aspect of effective parenting. By cultivating the ability to manage one’s emotional responses, mothers can create a more stable and supportive environment for their children, especially during challenging moments.
Read the research

Tools to Navigating the Emotional Landscape

If you find yourself experiencing a mix of emotions this Mother’s Day, know that you’re not alone. Here are a few gentle practices to support you:

• Acknowledge Your Feelings: Give yourself permission to feel whatever arises—joy, sadness, gratitude, or longing. Then don’t sit too long in the emotions that don’t feel good to you. Don’t judge just get curious.
• Create a Ritual or find a purpose in the day, make it yours: Light a candle, write a letter, tap into your higher power, look through photos to honor your mother or maternal figures, volunteer, schedule something for YOU or get out in nature.
• Connect with Supportive People: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups who understand and can offer comfort.

Upcoming: Summit to Healing; Beyond the Trauma Podcast Episode

This Friday 5/9, I’ll be releasing a special episode of the Summit to Healing Podcast, where I delve into the complexities of Motherhood, sharing personal stories and insights on navigating motherhood and the importance of connection.

Summit to Healing: Beyond the Trauma Podcast on YouTube or Spotify

Something to look forward to: Starting May 19th I Created the 5-Day Emotional Reset Challenge

As a trauma-informed therapist and founder of Mental Summit, I’ve seen firsthand how many people live in survival mode—not because they don’t care, but because they don’t know how to regulate what’s happening inside them.

I have decided to give a 5-day challenge for anyone who feels emotionally drained, disconnected from their needs, or tired of pretending everything’s fine. This is space to create for you with the support from me!

Here’s What You’ll Get:

• 5 days of easy, supportive practices (each takes less than 10 minutes)
• A printable workbook to track your insights and growth
• Daily regulation tools to calm your mind and reconnect with your body
• Prompts to help you clear emotional clutter and regain clarity
• No pressure, no therapy speak—just guidance to reset your emotional baseline

How to Join:

It’s totally free. You’ll get the workbook, daily guidance, and access to bonus prompts in your inbox.
Sign up here and get a free download or DM me RESET on Instagram to be the first to know when it drops.