From Motherhood to Muse: Finding Joy in Creating Again
There’s something sacred about creating just for the joy of it. Just for you. But if you’re a mom, chances are that sacred space has been crowded out by overflowing laundry, an endless sink full of dishes, deadlines and the low consistent hum of mental overload.
Somewhere between midnight feedings and morning routines, the part of you that once painted, wrote, sang, or dreamed began to fade. Not disappear—just dim. You traded your paintbrush for a pacifier. Your poems for permission slips. Your studio space for a toy-strewn living room.
And yet, she’s still in there—your inner muse. Waiting. Watching. Whispering.
I know this because I’ve been there.
When the Creativity Slows to a Whisper
After becoming mothers, many tell themselves that motherhood was a full-enough identity. That their creativity could wait until the kids were older…until things settled…until you have more time. But “more time” can be elusive. The to-do list only grew. The guilt got louder. And the part of you that used to feel lit up by creating? She got quieter.
A while back, I went through a strange season in my writing. I became ill with a dry spell, a writing dry spell. I would walk past my journal and feel a pang of sadness. A pang of emptiness and want. I’d see a half-finished project and think, What’s the point? But the truth is, when we stop creating, we start slowly disappearing. And we moms? We are not meant to disappear.
We’re meant to express.
To inspire.
To create—not just meals or memories, but art. Voice. Beauty. Vision.
It took me a long time to say that without feeling selfish. But reclaiming my creativity didn’t take anything away from my kids—it gave them a fuller, more whole version of me.
The Turning Point: A Quiet Craving
My turning point wasn’t dramatic at all. It was subtle—a craving for something more. Not more stuff or more productivity. Just more me. How easily we erase our own selves when creativity withers.
I started small. A notebook left open on the counter. A half-finished idea whispered into the Notes app while I stirred pasta or when I was driving. A dance in the kitchen when no one was watching. Tiny creative moments that reminded me I was still here.
And then something beautiful happened: joy started trickling back in. Not the fleeting kind that comes from checking things off a list, but the deep, soul-filling kind that bubbles up when you’re aligned with who you truly are.
Why Moms Need Creativity (More Than Ever)
Motherhood can be all-consuming. But when we deny ourselves the things that make us feel alive, everyone loses. Our kids do not only need a present mom—they need a lit-up one. One who shows them what it looks like to honor your gifts, chase your dreams, and make space for joy that isn’t tied to someone else’s needs.
Creative expression is more than a hobby. It’s healing. It’s identity. It’s how we process, imagine, and find ourselves again. Research even shows that creative activities reduce stress, improve mood, and boost cognitive function—something every mom could use more of.
Recently, I vacationed to Montreal and Quebec. Both are excellent destinations for sightseeing and experiencing rich culture. After returning home, I started to feel ill. That lead to a full blown, can’t get out of bed, type of illness. But the worse part was the brain fog. It was debilitating. My mind was cloudy beyond comprehension. I felt stuck, my thoughts were jumbled and I truly never wish to go through this again.
I felt pushed to return to my creative outlets. Slowly, my mind started to clear and it was like the curtain of fog that once spread to the crevices of my mind, started to lift. Many of us say, “I’m not creative” or “that’s not my thing” and the truth is, we all have creative juices within us.
And here’s the kicker: you don’t have to be a professional creator to create. You just have to create.
Common Creative Blocks Moms Face (And How to Move Through Them)
1. “I don’t have time.”
You don’t need a whole afternoon—you need 15 minutes. Carve out a creative pocket of time once or twice a week and protect it like you would any appointment. Be sure to put it in your calendar. Even a quick voice note or sketch can reconnect you to yourself.
2. “I’m not good enough anymore.”
Perfectionism is creativity’s eventual demise. Your creativity doesn’t need to be polished—it needs to be felt. Focus on the process, not the product.
3. “It feels selfish.”
Let’s flip that. What if it’s self-honoring? Your kids benefit from seeing you prioritize joy. Modeling creative living is one of the most powerful legacies you can pass down. Remember, in a world where schedules are packed to the brim, you’re teaching your kids to prioritize self-care.
4. “I don’t know where to start.”
Start with what used to make you feel alive. Music, words, movement, images—there’s no right way. Follow your curiosity. It knows the way home.
Three Simple Ways to Reignite Your Creative Spark
1. Create a “Muse Shelf”
Dedicate a small space—a shelf, a drawer, a journal—to your creative tools. Seeing them daily keeps the invitation open.
2. Set a 15-Minute Focus Block
Use a timer and give yourself 15 distraction-free minutes to write, doodle, play music, or brainstorm. You’ll be amazed what flows when you let go of expectations.
3. Join a Creative Community
Find a writing group, take an online art class, or follow other creative moms on social media. Community reduces isolation and increases momentum.
Your Creativity Still Lives Here
The muse never leaves. She waits—patiently, quietly—until we’re ready to let her speak again.
So here’s your permission slip:
Create. Not because you should.
Not to impress anyone.
But because it brings you back to life.
Your creativity is a lifeline back to your truest self. And when you feel alive, everything else gets better—motherhood included.
Mom Take Center Stage is a call to modern moms to stop shrinking, start dreaming, and lead their lives from the front row—not the sidelines.
If you’re a NetGalley reviewer, bookstore chain, librarian or bibliophile, sign up to review an early copy of Mom Take Center Stage. Here’s how to do it; Sign up for a reader account on NetGalley (if you haven’t procured one as yet), search my book title or input the ASIN (unique Amazon identification number). Then request to review. Each sign up is vetted to match specific criteria for book reviewing in my genre and pertaining to the book. Once approved, you will have the unique opportunity to read my work prior to publishing in exchange for an honest review. Good luck!
💬 Let’s keep this going:
What’s one creative part of you you’d love to bring back? Comment below—I’d love to cheer you on.
