When I left my corporate job to stay home with my first son, I thought it would be a joyful new chapter—and it was, in many ways. But I wasn’t expecting how disorienting it would feel to suddenly not know who I was outside of motherhood. It was lonely at times, and I missed adult conversations and a sense of accomplishment beyond getting the dishes done before bedtime. On top of that, I experienced miscarriages and challenges with breastfeeding, which added to the emotional toll. As the boys grew older, the challenges changed, but the pressure stayed—sports schedules, school needs, navigating friendships and bullying—it’s a constant juggle. I’ve leaned on books, podcasts, articles, and real talks with friends to figure things out, and I’ve become the go-to person for family when they need a sounding board or practical advice.