Motherhood is hard. Relationships are hard. Balancing life is hard. Self-care is hard. Juggling all the important aspects of life every day is no easy feat. So, for the sake of those who are working tirelessly behind the scenes, please stop telling us we’re “lucky.” We’re working hard.
I get it. There are times when things that once seemed essential get pushed aside. In the moment, they might feel less important, but that doesn’t mean they’ve lost their value. So, when you see someone thriving in areas you once held dear, don’t chalk it up to luck. It’s a result of conscious choice, effort, and hard work.
The Truth About a Tidy Home: It’s Not Luck, It’s Effort
A clean and tidy house is important to me. Starting my day by making the bed sets a positive tone, and walking into the kitchen to an empty sink—because I took 20 minutes to do the dishes the night before—helps my mind feel clear from the moment I wake up. Picking up throughout the day ensures our home feels inviting, and sticking to a rotating cleaning schedule gives me peace of mind. It prevents chores from piling up, making them less overwhelming and more manageable. So when you walk into my home and see things in order, know this: I am not lucky. I work hard.
The Foundation of a Strong Marriage: It’s Not Luck, It’s Communication
I value the relationship I have with my husband on so many levels. We’re far from perfect, but we’re perfect for each other. We don’t fight often, but we make time to communicate openly and put our feelings on the table. We may not always see eye to eye, but we listen, respect, and work through our differences. We learn each other’s love languages, discover what fills each other’s cup, and even understand what makes the other tick. So when you hear about how happily in love we are, know this: we are not lucky. We work hard.
Family Bonds: It’s Not Luck, It’s Continuous Effort
The bond I share with my family and close friends is priceless. The relationship I’ve built with my siblings is irreplaceable. Like any relationship, it takes constant effort, and we’ve had our share of ups and downs. But those “shitheads” are my best friends, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. I’m forever grateful that my parents are my backbone. It takes work to stay in tune with each other’s lives as we grow older and our needs evolve, but putting in that effort strengthens our family bonds. So when you see us laughing and enjoying time together, please know: we are not lucky. We work hard.
Raising Respectful Kids: It’s Not Luck, It’s Teaching
And then there are my kids, the greatest joy of my life. Boy, do they take me on a rollercoaster ride every day—if you know, you know! But when you see them behaving in public with manners, it’s not by chance. They’ve been taught. When you see them cleaning up after themselves, it’s because we’ve spent countless hours on the floor teaching them how. When they help with regular household chores, it’s because we’ve instilled in them the importance of responsibility and teamwork. You don’t see the tantrums, the meltdowns, or the emotional breakdowns we encounter regularly because let’s be real, childhood. So when you see my happy, polite, well-mannered kids, know this: we are not lucky. We work hard.
Health & Wellness: It’s Not Luck, It’s Prioritization
Taking care of my health is a top priority. Being active has always been a cornerstone of my mental and physical well-being. Nutrition is a constant balancing act, but I try my best to be mindful and consistent. You might see me fitting into my pre-pregnancy jeans or confidently rocking a semi-crop top, but what you don’t see are the 4:30 AM alarms that get me up for the gym before a long workday, or the workout sessions with two toddlers hanging all over me, knowing that it will give me a mental boost for the day. You don’t see the meal planning and prepping I do to make sure our week is filled with balanced meals that fuel us for success. So when you see me fit, healthy, and happy, please know: I am not lucky. I work hard.
Making Dreams Reality: Hard Work Over Luck
I know not everyone’s life aligns perfectly with their dreams, and that’s okay. But I do know this: through prioritizing, dedication, thoughtful choices, and relentless effort, you can turn at least part of your vision into reality. The best part? Once you get started, it becomes a habit. It may take work, but it becomes a part of who you are—and it will make you feel better in ways you didn’t expect.
XO,
A Realistic Mom
A Mom’s Reality 