Transitioning from a decade-long corporate career to being a stay-at-home mom opened up a new world of challenges and joys for the creator of *Musings of A Stay-At-Home Mom*. Inspired by her mother’s resilience and the bond with her own daughter, she found a way to embrace the beauty in daily life while navigating the ups and downs of motherhood. Through this blog, she seeks to uplift and connect with other mothers, creating a space where their shared experiences can inspire strength and empower them to pursue their passions while celebrating the unique journey of being a stay-at-home mom.
What inspired you to start ‘Musings of A Stay-At-Home Mom,’ and how did your daughter and the mothers around you influence this project?
1) Musings of a Stay-at-Home Mom was born out of my transition from a decade-long corporate career to the unfamiliar world of being at home full-time. This shift brought new challenges as I adjusted to the rhythms of family life while raising my daughter. Initially, it was tough; I missed the structure and engagement of office life. However, this period also deepened the bond between my daughter and me. My greatest inspiration came from my own mother, who raised my brother and me with minimal support, embodying strength and resilience. Her experience guided me through this journey, helping me see the beauty in the small moments—my daughter’s first steps, her first solid meal, and the joy of shopping for tiny clothes. Most of all, the happiness on my daughter’s face made every day at home more than worthwhile. This project became a way to cherish and share those precious moments that define motherhood.
Can you share a personal story that has deeply impacted your writing or your perspective as a stay-at-home mom?
2) I was born a left-hander, and as you know, left-handers are quite rare. This uniqueness often made it difficult for me to connect with others, as my way of thinking and doing things didn’t always align with societal norms. This is how my love for books and writing began. Every night before bed, I would journal my day—my thoughts, feelings, tears, heartbreaks, and happy moments. Over time, this habit helped my writing evolve. Musings of a Stay-at-Home Mom is a reflection of my personal journey, one that I believe many moms will resonate with. I wanted to capture these experiences, not just for myself, but for all mothers who can relate, creating a lasting memory for us all.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a stay-at-home mom, and how have they shaped your journey?
3) The biggest challenge I faced was adjusting to being at home. I’ve always been an outgoing person, so suddenly staying indoors felt restrictive. There were moments when I found myself discovering corners of my house I’d never noticed before (a little humor there). On a more serious note, living with my entire family during that time was challenging. Adapting to different opinions and thought processes, especially since I felt so different, made it hard for me to fit in. However, as I navigated these challenges, I realized I was stronger than I had imagined. I started embracing life, evolving, and gaining a deeper understanding of the diverse perspectives around me.
How do you find balance between caring for your family and pursuing your creative interests?
4) There’s a saying, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” and I found this to be true in my own life. Despite the challenges, I often managed to balance it all, driven by my strong desire to write and share my voice. Many nights, I sacrificed sleep to pursue my passion for writing. I’m proud to say that this dedication has led me to publish two more books and contribute various articles to The Pioneer—one of India’s oldest newspapers, established in 1865. I continue to pursue my writing with unwavering passion and zeal.
What role has writing played in your mental health and emotional well-being?
5) Writing, for me, is a way to release my emotions and feelings. Even today, I struggle to express myself fully to my loved ones, but writing comes naturally to me. I pour whatever I’m feeling—good, bad, or anything in between—onto the page. After writing it all down, I feel a sense of relief, as if a heavy weight has been lifted, allowing me to return to my usual self.
Have there been moments when you doubted your path? How did you overcome those feelings?
6) When we pursue something with passion, there often comes a moment when others make us doubt our abilities. Unfortunately, these doubts usually come from those closest to us—family, close friends. I experienced this firsthand, questioning whether I was truly a good writer, especially when my inner circle would ask, “What are you getting out of it?” or “Is anyone even reading?” Instead of fighting back, I chose to ignore the doubts and stay true to my passion. It wasn’t easy, but today, I’ve reached a place where I’m proud of my journey. After all, it’s our own happiness that truly matters.
What advice would you give to other mothers who are struggling to find their voice or pursue their passions?
7) To all the moms out there, trust me—you’re doing an incredible job, and we’re all proud of you. Stay true to your passions, carve out your me-time, and keep working toward your goals. Success will follow—you deserve it.
How do you handle the societal pressures and expectations placed on stay-at-home moms?
8) That’s a great question. I don’t let societal pressure or others’ expectations weigh me down. We’re all unique in our own ways, so I don’t concern myself with what society says or does. I’m the mom in denim, outgoing, enjoying nature, pursuing my passion for writing, balancing it all, and taking life one day at a time. Societal pressures and the expectations of people I don’t know have no impact on me.
Can you share a moment when you felt particularly empowered or proud as a mother and writer?
9) I have been proud of my daughter from the moment she was born—she is my world, and my life revolves around her. She has been the guiding force behind all of my writing. Her unique perspective, her mischief, and her love have inspired me to write as much as I can. Being a mom has always empowered me, and I take pride in how my writing has evolved. As I mentioned earlier, I have now published two more books, and my articles are being published in one of India’s oldest newspapers, The Pioneer. For me, the sky is not the limit.
What are some common misconceptions about stay-at-home moms that you wish more people understood?
10) A common misconception is that “women are supposed to be at home,” and there’s often an assumption that it’s solely a mother’s responsibility to manage everything. This puts unnecessary pressure on all moms. In reality, being a mom or a stay-at-home mom is incredibly challenging. Balancing home duties, caring for children, managing routines, and handling work responsibilities is no easy feat. To those who doubt the efforts of moms, I say: step back and help make the world a more supportive place for everyone.
How do you stay motivated and inspired in your daily life, especially during difficult times?
11) My motivation comes from within—my passion for writing and my daughter are what keep me going. I’ve faced many challenges in life, but I’ve learned to navigate through them. As I mentioned earlier, my pen and diary are my closest companions, my secret keepers, and my sources of inspiration.
In what ways has your daughter influenced your writing and the themes you explore in your work?
12) My daughter has always inspired me with her unique approach to things and her insightful opinions. Her creative brilliance influences my thought process and writing style. For instance, I often write about the contrast between shopping alone in a supermarket and shopping with a child. While it’s challenging, it’s an experience that adds depth and value to my writing.
What message do you hope to convey to other mothers through your writings?
13) My writings aim to show that finding motivation from within, embracing one’s passions, and drawing inspiration from personal experiences—like the joys and challenges of motherhood—can lead to meaningful and fulfilling outcomes. I want mothers to know that their efforts, though often unseen, are significant and that their stories can inspire and resonate with others. Ultimately, I hope to empower mothers to embrace their unique paths, continue pursuing their passions, and recognize their own strength and value.
How has your connection with other mothers impacted your journey, both personally and creatively?
14) Personally, connecting with other mothers has offered me a deeper understanding of the diverse perspectives and struggles we all face. It has validated my own experiences and encouraged me to embrace my unique journey. These interactions have also provided me with a support system that helps me navigate the complexities of motherhood while pursuing my passions. Creatively, my connection with other mothers has enriched my writing by offering a broader range of experiences and viewpoints. It has influenced my thought process and writing style, allowing me to explore themes and topics that resonate with a wider audience. For example, contrasting experiences like shopping alone versus with a child has been inspired by real-life interactions and shared stories with other mothers. Overall, these connections have been a source of inspiration and motivation, driving me to create work that reflects and celebrates the diverse experiences of motherhood.
What are your future goals for ‘Musings of A Stay-At-Home Mom,’ and how do you plan to continue inspiring others?
15) My future goals for Musings of a Stay-at-Home Mom involve expanding its reach and continuing to inspire other mothers through relatable and empowering content. I aim to further explore and document the diverse experiences of motherhood, capturing both the challenges and joys that come with it. By sharing these stories, I hope to create a platform where mothers feel seen, validated, and motivated.
To achieve this, I plan to:
- Expand My Writing: I will continue to write and publish new books and articles that delve into various aspects of motherhood and personal growth. My goal is to provide content that resonates with a broad audience and reflects the real-life experiences of mothers.
- Engage with the Community: I will actively engage with the community of mothers by participating in discussions, hosting events, and collaborating with other writers and influencers. This will help build a supportive network and create opportunities for shared experiences and insights.
- Share Personal Stories: By sharing my own journey and the lessons learned from my connection with other mothers, I aim to offer inspiration and practical advice. My writing will continue to be a source of motivation, emphasizing the strength and resilience that come with being a mother.
- Promote Dialogue: I plan to foster open conversations about the realities of motherhood, encouraging others to share their stories and perspectives. This dialogue will help to build a sense of solidarity and understanding among mothers.
Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that Musings of a Stay-at-Home Mom remains a meaningful resource for mothers, offering encouragement and celebrating their unique journeys.