50 Weeks of Showing Up: A Year of Trying, Learning, and Growing.

You’re reading Modern Motherhood Musings, a weekly newsletter written from one mom to another. Each week I share an honest reflection on motherhood, and a collection of things bringing me joy. I’m passionate about community, and I hope that by sharing our stories, we all feel a little less alone. Some links in this newsletter are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Fifty weeks ago, I hit “send” on the very first Modern Motherhood Musings newsletter. I didn’t have a plan—just a goal to write something honest, creative, and relatable. No newsletter experience, no roadmap—just a love for writing and a hope to build a space where women like me could feel seen.

At the start of last year, I set two goals: publish 50 newsletters and reach 100 subscribers. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if either of those would happen. I’m a mom, and like most moms, my time and energy are already stretched thin. But I decided not to overthink it. I didn’t wait for the “perfect time” or try to learn everything upfront. I just started somewhere and adjusted as I went.

And here we are: 50 newsletters, 100+ subscribers, and a year’s worth of connection and reflection later.

As I was reflecting on 2024, I realized that last year turned out to be about a lot more than newsletters. It was a year of trying new things. I didn’t just stick with my comfort zone—I volunteered for a political campaign, walked into events alone where I didn’t know a soul, and said “yes” to things that scared me. It wasn’t always easy, but it reminded me that I’m capable of more than I think—and that trying something new isn’t about being perfect; it’s about starting.

It also made me think: why do we, as adults, stop chasing curiosity? We tell our kids to explore, to follow their passions, to try things just because they’re interesting or fun. But when we grow up, we forget. Cooking becomes functional. Sports become fitness. Passions become paychecks. Everything we do feels like it has to serve a purpose, and joy often gets pushed to the side.

What if it didn’t?

What if we gave ourselves permission to try something new this year? Not because we’re trying to be the best, but because we’re simply curious—or because it makes us happy.

I think about how freeing that mindset could be. You don’t have to be an expert to start something. You don’t even have to be good at it to enjoy it. You just have to give yourself the chance to try.

So as we kick off this new year, I want to encourage you to think about the thing you’ve been putting off. The thing you’re curious about. The thing you loved as a kid or have always wanted to try. And then—go for it.

What’s your “something new” this year? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to cheer you on.

And thank you for being here—for reading, sharing, and encouraging me along the way. YOU are the reason I do this. This little newsletter started as an idea, but it’s grown into something so much more. Here’s to showing up, trying new things, and seeing where they take us. 🎉

👁️ These caffeine eye masks have kept me looking like I’ve gotten my full 8 hours of sleep over the holidays!

🤸🏻‍♂️ We bought this for our boys for Christmas and I love it! It’s a great way for them to be active indoors, work on their gross motor skills, and stacks to store easily.

📩 Speaking of newsletters, I have loved using Beehiiv. It’s user friendly and doesn’t require a lot of tech skills to get started. If starting a newsletter in 2025 is one of your goals, feel free to reach out to me with any questions!

Happy Friday, friends! I’m so thankful for every single one of you, and wish you a wonderful start to 2025!

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