Hey there, Mama,
We have completed the second full week of 2026, and I want to say something out loud that many of us may quietly feel: sometimes a fresh start doesn’t feel fresh at all.
Sometimes it feels heavy.
Uncomfortable.
Stretching.
If you’re a working mom trying to grow, heal, and walk more confidently in your God-given purpose, you may have entered this year hopeful—but also tired. And I want you to know right from the start: you’re not doing this new year wrong.
Growth often feels hardest at the beginning, especially when it requires us to release old patterns and step into something unfamiliar. This this week's newsletter is for the mama who is trying, praying, showing up—and still feeling the weight of change.
Devotion: When Growth Feels Heavy
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
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Romans 12:2 (NIV)
We love the idea of transformation—but the process can feel awkward, emotional, and even painful.
Think back to childhood growing pains. Our bodies ached as we stretched, and someone would say, “It's just growing pains.” That phrase didn’t take away the discomfort, but it gave it meaning.
Adulthood—and motherhood—comes with growing pains too.
As moms, we don’t stop growing once our children arrive. In many ways, growth intensifies. We’re learning how to say no without over-explaining, rest without guilt, prioritize our mental and emotional health, and how to stop people-pleasing and start honoring our capacity.
And when we grow out of old patterns—hustling, over-functioning, always saying yes—our minds often push back.
What will people think?
Am I being selfish?
Should this feel easier if it’s God-ordained?
But Scripture never promised comfort—it promised transformation. And transformation requires renewal. Something old being replaced with something new. That process can feel heavy, but discomfort doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. Often, it means God is doing something new.
Take a Moment to Reflect
Take a quiet moment and reflect:
- Where does growth feel uncomfortable for me right now?
- Am I mistaking stretching for harm?
- What old pattern might God be gently asking me to release?
- How can I invite Him into this process instead of rushing through it?
Pray: Father, thank you for giving me clarity of how to grow in grace. Give me wisdom to know the difference between growing pains and things that are meant to harm me. I lean on you as I transform into the woman of God you have created me to be in this season. In Jesus name. Amen.
Faith-Filled Affirmation For the Week
"I am not behind. I am not failing. I am growing. Even when it feels uncomfortable, God is at work in me. I give myself permission to grow slowly, rest intentionally, and trust the process."
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Read More In the blog:For the Christian Mom: When Fresh Starts Feel Heavy
Fresh starts don’t always feel light. For many working moms, growth comes with discomfort, emotional fatigue, and the challenge of unlearning survival patterns. This reflection encourages moms to give themselves grace, trust God in the process, and remember that discomfort doesn’t mean failure—it often means growth.
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Mom Tips for Navigating Heavy Fresh Starts
- Don’t rush the process. Growth is a steady walk, not a sprint.
- Honor your capacity. What helped you survive one season may not help you thrive in this one.
- Name what you’re shedding. Letting go of unrealistic expectations is part of growth.
- Ask for support. You were never meant to carry everything alone.
Closing Encouragement
Mama, if this fresh start feels heavier than you expected, take a deep breath. You’re not doing motherhood wrong. You’re not weak. You’re not alone.
You’re growing.
And growth—especially God-led growth—takes courage.
Keep going. Even when it feels heavy.
Because uncomfortable growth is still a sign that God is working in you.
God is faithful to complete the work He began in you (Philippians 5:6)—even when it feels hard.
With grace and encouragement,
— Karen 🤎
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Additional Resource: Check out the Restored & Renewed Course from my Wellness Coach, Janetta Olaseni RN, HN-BC, CHHP, CHC, CCM
