Mindful Parenting and Self-Care: Why Your Dreams Aren’t Selfish

A few nights ago, something unexpected happened. I had set a goal for my children’s book to reach 100 orders in a month. By the last day, only 23 had come through. And yet—I felt full. Grateful. One book reaching a child is a win in my eyes. But before bed, I checked again. Thirty more had come through! Fifty-three in total. I sat in quiet awe and knew: this journey, this dream, this soul calling, was never about numbers. It’s about alignment, trust, and showing up. For myself. For my kids. For something bigger.

You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup: Why Following Your Dreams Is a Gift to Your Children

And yet so many of us try. As parents, we give and give—emotionally, mentally, physically—until there’s nothing left for ourselves. But here’s the truth I’ve come to know deeply: our children don’t just need our presence… they need us to be present with ourselves.

When we have a dream, a calling, a tug in our heart—it’s not a distraction from parenting. It’s a divine nudge. A reminder that we, too, are still growing, still becoming. And when we show up for that part of ourselves, we’re not taking away from our children—we’re modeling what it means to live fully and mindfully.

The Parenting Myth: That You Must Always Come Last

We’ve been conditioned to believe that parenting means self-sacrifice. That putting our dreams on the back burner is noble. But the truth is, our children benefit when we feel whole. When we’re creatively, emotionally, and spiritually fulfilled, we parent with more presence, patience, and joy.

Why Your Dreams Are Part of Mindful Parenting

Mindfulness isn’t just about breathing exercises or quiet moments. It’s about awareness—of ourselves, our needs, and our purpose. Your dream isn’t a distraction from parenting. It’s a mirror of the lessons you want your children to learn. Resilience. Self-trust. Belief. Courage.

The Ripple Effect of Taking One Small Step

Even one tiny step—a thought, a sketch, a single order, a moment of bravery—is sacred. These baby steps lead to fulfillment. And a fulfilled parent is a grounded, present parent. One who listens more deeply, reacts more calmly, and radiates a quiet confidence that our kids can feel.

That one post you shared, that first page you wrote, that single book sale—it matters. No dream is too small. No action is wasted. When you move with intention, the Universe moves with you. You’re not behind. You’re aligning.

You’re Being Guided—Even When It Doesn’t Feel Like It

Not every chapter of your story will make sense right away. But the lows, the doubts, the waiting—it’s all part of the path. I no longer believe things happen to me. I believe they happen for me. And I know that if a dream has been placed on your heart, it’s there for a reason.

A Mindful Reminder for the Journey Ahead

So if you’re holding onto a dream, don’t wait for the perfect time. Take a step. Then another. Let your children see what it looks like to believe in something, to nurture it, and to keep going even when it’s hard.

You matter. Your dreams matter. And the more you honor them, the more magic you pass on to your children.

Whether you're building a business, writing a book, getting healthy, creating something meaningful, or simply trying to figure out your next step—let your kids see you do it. Let them witness you honoring yourself. Because that’s what gives them permission to honor themselves too.

Free Resources to Support Your Mindful Parenting Journey

I’ve created a collection of free printables designed to support your mindfulness journey with your kids—affirmations, calming activities, and heart-centered tools that make connection easier.[Explore the free printables here »]

And if you’re looking for a book that nurtures connection, kindness, and calm through poetry, you can find my children’s poetry book [right here on Amazon]