Calming the Chaos: Navigating Purpose, Conquering Postpartum Anxiety, and Thriving as a Super Mama Coach

Hi Lovelies!

If you’ve felt trapped in anxiety and chaos, and needed an escape…you’re not alone! I’ve been there too, on my own roller coaster journey as I pivoted from TV Host/Designer to Creative Calalyst Coach. In this post, my hope is to empower and heal those who are going through a similar experience and to help ignite the start of a creative transformation in your life!

Picture this: You’re a busy working mom, juggling a million things at once, trying to find your purpose and follow your passion amidst the chaos of motherhood. Sound familiar? Well, I’ve been there too, and I want you to know that you’re not alone. That’s why today, I’m finally ready to share a topic that’s close to my heart: overcoming postpartum anxiety and depression.

Bringing a new life into this world is nothing short of magical. The tiny toes, the first smiles, the unconditional love — it’s a journey filled with indescribable joy. But let’s be real for a moment, shall we? Motherhood can also be overwhelming. The sleepless nights, the constant demands, the pressure to do it all. It’s no wonder that many of us find ourselves battling with postpartum anxiety and depression.

Prior to having my daughter, I had no problem staying up late, working 24-7 as a TV Host, taking on wayyyyy more projects than I could handle, have time for socializing, being a wife, friend, etc. and somehow I was able to still be at the top of my game! But add a tiny human to the mix, my brain could not comprehend why I couldn’t do it all? Why can’t I be a successful entrepreneur and be a good Mama at the same time?

As an interior designer and performance coach, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the incredible impact our surroundings can have on our well-being. I’ve seen how a simple change in our environment can uplift our spirits, heal our hearts, and restore our sense of serenity. And that’s what I want to share with you today — how finding your purpose and creating a nurturing environment can help you conquer postpartum anxiety and depression, allowing you to reclaim your inner strength and joy.

Let’s start with PURPOSE.

Yes, being a mother is an incredible purpose in itself, but it’s equally important to find your personal purpose beyond the realm of diapers and sleepless nights. Take a moment to explore your passions and talents, and rediscover what truly ignites your soul. Is there a career you’ve always dreamed of pursuing? A creative hobby that brings you pure bliss? Or maybe a cause you believe in, where you can make a difference? Whatever it may be, finding your “why” will bring a sense of fulfillment and help you regain your identity outside of motherhood. Because let’s face it, you are more than just a superhero Mama!

Now, let’s talk about the power of design, lovelies. Our environment has the amazing ability to shape our emotions and well-being. Obviously, that has been stamped into my designer mind since the beginning. But I’ll be honest with you.

The sleepless nights, the clutter, all of it combined created a huge impact on my home and my mind. What’s the saying? A cluttered home is a representation of what’s going on inside your head. Well, what you’re seeing is literally my office which stayed this way for 4 years. OMG 4 years. That’s ridiculous, and shameful, and sad…that’s what I told myself over and over again, but I would never say that to any of my friends or a client. I would jump right in and say, how can I help you?

I would keep the door closed when guests came over. I would find the time periodically to finally tidy up, which only took about an hour. But this was a constant rollercoaster of complete chaos, clean up, stuff things in closets, closets bursting at the seams, clutter cycle continues. And somehow, I managed to continue to work sitting at a desk covered in papers and toys. As a designer and someone who lovessssssss organized spaces, I could not find the solution to help myself. I would 100% help everyone else and their dog, before finding a way for me to get UNSTUCK.

And what I finally realized was that I was looking at it all wrong. I had to look at myself and how I would approach any of my clients. Find a way to give myself the love and attention that each client deserved.

So, I started to look at my spaces in a different way. I wanted my home to feel like it was wrapped in tranquility and joy. I started by decluttering your office and closet (we all know how those papers and toys seem to multiply overnight!). I organized my belongings and created designated areas for inspired desk work and self-care. And I still wanted to find space for my daughter Reyna to play in the office but in a more organized and intentional way. I infused soothing colors, brought in natural elements, feng shui principles, sculptural plants and added personal touches that made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Trust me, a well-designed environment can work wonders for your mood and overall well-being. Your space should be a sanctuary that energizes, heals, and calms your soul.

Here’s just a sneak peek of what I started to envision…going from CHAOS TO CALM.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH SUPPORT:

Remember, Super Mama, you don’t have to do it all alone. Building a supportive network is crucial. Surround yourself with fellow moms, friends, and family who understand what you’re going through. Share your experiences, seek advice, and let others lend a helping hand when you need it. You are not weak for asking for help; it’s a testament to your strength and a reminder that you deserve to prioritize your well-being too. Together, we can navigate the highs and lows of motherhood with love, laughter, and a whole lot of support.

PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE:

Amidst the hustle and bustle of motherhood, it’s easy to put yourself last on the list. But Mama, self-care is not a luxury, it’s an absolute necessity! Carve out dedicated time each day for activities that nourish your soul. I’ve started timeboxing and making sure it’s in my schedule so that I don’t miss this important step in my day. Take a long, luxurious shower to wash away the stress. Practice some gentle yoga to find your center. Escape into a good book that takes you on a journey of self-discovery. Or indulge in a hobby you adore, whether it’s painting, cooking, or gardening. Prioritizing self-care is like recharging your superpowers, allowing you to handle the challenges of motherhood with grace and resilience. So whatever time you need to recharge, for me it’s actually immediately after dropping my daughter off at school every morning. I now schedule that time to get energized, do something fun (for me!) and then I’m set for the day.

PRACTICE MINDFULNESS AND SELF-COMPASSION:

Postpartum anxiety and depression often come with a side of self-critical thoughts and overwhelming guilt. Let’s combat those negative emotions together, shall we? As I learned how to become a Certified Business Coach by Mindvalley, I also had to look in the mirror and understand how I would talk to myself on a daily basis. I don’t think I own a journal thick enough to write down all the negative thoughts I had, even though I’m normally known as being a fun and positive person. Treat yourself with kindness and remind yourself that you’re doing the best that you can in every situation. Celebrate even the smallest of victories (like writing this blog post) and be gentle with yourself as you navigate this transformative phase of life. You are doing an amazing job Mama! Now repeat that 10 times 🙂

SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP:

Growing up, the thought of seeing a psychiatrist or psychotherapist did not have the same meaning that it does now. But when I hit a wall, and the anxiety just was overwhelming and almost crippling at times where I could not function, I had to seek help. I totally felt ashamed and guilty, that I was not built to be a Super Mama, or an Entrepreneur. But 8 years later, I can honestly say that there is absolutely no shame in reaching out for support if your symptoms persist or worsen. Don’t hesitate to consult your healthcare provider or a therapist specializing in postpartum mental health. They can provide invaluable guidance, support, and tailored treatment options to help you through this challenging phase. Seeking help is a courageous step towards healing and reclaiming your well-being. And you deserve all the support you need lovely.

So I started off in 2016 (see pic) as Superrrrrr Anxious, and I so desperately wanted to become at least “Anxious but Courageous”.

By understanding the tools that I needed, and all the support and guidance needed to step out of my chaotic mind, it was only then when I realized that I am courageous. Anxiety doesn’t define me, and instead I’d like to be labeled as the Courageous Coach, the Creative Catalyst that will help YOU and the rest of the world live and feel empowered to create the Healing Spaces of your dreams.

I invite you to connect with me by Booking a Discovery call with me to see how we can Create more Calm in your life! Check out my services and follow me on Instagram for Coaching Tips & Tricks.