A Balance & Bloom Co. Story on motherhood, growth, and learning to be proud of yourself.
The other day, my little minion walked up to me with the confidence of someone who has never paid bills, never cooked dinner under pressure, and never understood the emotional complexity of laundry.
And he said, very casually: “You look different.”
Now, the grown woman in me knew exactly what to do. Nod politely. Smile. Move on. Do not engage. This particular child is known for delivering sarcasm like it is an Olympic sport.
But the mother in me? Oh no. The mother in me said, “Explain yourself immediately.”
So I asked, “What do you mean?”
He looked at me like he was giving a professional health assessment and said, “You don’t look as tired anymore, and your stomach is not as big as before.”
Deep breath.
Because nothing prepares you for a full wellness report from someone who still thinks toothpaste is optional and bedtime is a suggestion.
So I responded calmly, like I had not just been professionally evaluated:
“Yeah, that’s true. I’ve been trying to eat better and spend more time outside.”
He nodded like a tiny nutrition coach and added: “I see why you always want us outside. All that tea and water also must really be helping.”
First of all, I would like to thank herbal tea and hydration for their ongoing support in this journey.
I told him yes, it helps, but I also try to keep up with my hikes and walks.
And then came the moment. He looked at me and said: “I am proud you are my mom. You should be proud mom.”
And just like that, my entire nervous system paused. Not because he said he was proud of me. But because he said something even deeper without even realizing it:
That pride is not just something we receive… it is something we also owe ourselves. That line hit differently.
Because I am always telling them how proud I am of them. Proud of their effort. Proud of their growth. Proud of the little things they don’t think I notice.
But somewhere in between motherhood, responsibilities, and life doing what life does, I forget that the same rule applies to me too.
I am allowed to be proud of myself. Not just when everything is perfect. Not just when the scale moves. Not just when life looks “together.” But in the everyday effort.
The walks when I don’t feel like it. The tea instead of chaos-snacking. The trying again after starting over (again… and again). The quiet work no one claps for.
And somehow, my little “minion” reminded me of that in one sentence. Kids really do that thing where they reflect back the truth you didn’t know you needed to hear.
So here I am, sitting with that moment. Still a mom. Still figuring life out. Still balancing everything the best I can. But also remembering this: I should be proud of me too.
Not later. Not eventually. Not when everything is “fixed.” NOW!
A Simple Takeaway
Sometimes the most powerful reminders don’t come from books, podcasts, or motivational speeches.
Sometimes they come from a small voice at home saying something so simple it shakes something awake in you.
So if you needed a reminder today: BE PROUD OF YOU!
From Balance & Bloom Co.
This space is for real life. The messy, funny, exhausting, growing parts of it.
Because balance isn’t perfection, it’s noticing yourself in the middle of it all and still choosing to bloom.
If this story made you smile, reflect, or exhale a little… you’ll probably enjoy what’s coming next.
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Disclaimer: This blog reflects personal experiences and reflections and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice.
