I Took a Break—And the Guilt Hit Hard (But Here's What I Learned…)

I went camping for the first time without cell service. Just me, my partner, and some friends.

At first, I felt excited… then the guilt kicked in.

It was the first time, in a long time my daughter stayed with her dad for two full nights. The first time I wouldn’t be able to text, call, or check in.

The drive there was beautiful. Sunrise skies, music blasting, and me pointing out every cow on the way.

But when the sun set and the cold rolled in… the quiet got loud.

I’m a terrible mother.

What if something happens?

How could I leave her and not even know how she’s doing?

My partner wrapped me in reassurance.“Tomorrow we can drive to the gas station. You can

check in.”

I felt relief — but the bigger truth hit me too:

Can we please normalize a mom taking a moment for herself?

You can love your children with your entire soul and still need to breathe. You can show up daily and still take a break.

That doesn’t make you a bad mom. It makes you human.

As we lead up to Mother’s Day, let me remind you…

You deserve space.

You deserve joy.

You deserve to feel like you.

You matter. And you're a damn good mom.

With love,

Jenifer