A short but reflective take on maternity leave, motherhood, and finding happiness in the little things – sunshine, newborn naps, and some self-care.
This morning, I woke up to the sun peeking through the blinds and the house was quiet until my eldest woke up. I lay still for a few minutes and couldn’t help but think: “How lucky am I to not have to worry about going to the office or work today?”
And just like that, I felt a wave of positivity that today was going to be a good day. These are the kinds of days that make maternity leave feel good.
I’m sat in the garden now. The sun is shining, the breeze is passing through the washing on the line, and Jack (my newborn) is snoozing in his pram, staying cool inside the house. It’s such a simple moment, but it makes everything feel so calm.
These little moments? They’re everything right now.
Embracing the slow moments
This maternity leave feels different from my first in the best ways. I’m more aware and dare I say it more gentle with myself or trying to be. There’s no rush. No pressure to “do it all.”
Today, I went for a walk – nothing too long, just a little trip to the shops to breathe, enjoy some fresh air and stretch my legs. I’ve made walking a bigger part of this second postpartum experience, and I feel so much better for it.
And here’s something else that’s made me smile: I’ve lost a fair bit of weight since the early postpartum weeks. I didn’t chase it, but it’s a sign that my body is finding its way again and that feels really encouraging although I think I’m telling myself that I’ve got to get lower each time I weigh myself – those damn scales!
Finding happiness in every day
Not every day is like this. Some days are chaotic, messy, or emotionally heavy. But then there are days like today – sunny, calm, and happy in the most ordinary way.
These are the little things with a bit of sunshine and right now, they’re filling me up in all the right ways.
What about you?
Are you in the thick of maternity leave or just coming out the other side? What are the little things that help you to stay positive right now?
You might also like… Looking After Your Mental Health as a Parent
The Mama Perspective | Mum Blog 
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