Lucky Mom Syndrome: Manifesting the Magic in Motherhood

Oh, it’s been such a glorious day with my babies. Yes, I still call them babies, even though I have a full-blown 2-year-old toddler and a newly 4-year-old (preschooler? How did we get here?). I’m in denial. I digress.

Today has been lovely. We played on the new tree swing Santa brought, strolled around the block, colored pictures, and tinkered with kinetic sand. It felt like one of those picture-perfect days. That is, until naptime brought a big ol’ wrench into all of it. A sleepy snafu courtesy of my spicy, young lady. Moms of littles, you get it. No need to explain the details.

I tell ya, my girl is going to change the world one day. Let’s just say we had a “moment.” There were sniffles, a good talk, some sweet smooches, and a tearful apology. I wiped her face, gave her a hug, sang her a bedtime lullaby, and now she’s peacefully sleeping like none of it ever happened. Kids are remarkable, huh?

Even after the drama, as I sit here alone in a now eerily quiet house, I can’t help but think about how lucky I am. Lucky to live this life with these kiddos. Lucky to be their mom. I’m the one who gets to make their lives radiant, full of laughter, and even a bit magical. Sure, it’s my job to teach them practical things, like brushing their teeth and tying their shoes, but it’s also my privilege to show them how to walk through life with kindness, sincerity, and gratitude.

Lucky Mom Syndrome: My Version

Have you ever heard the term “lucky mom syndrome”? Maybe you’ve seen it featured in a podcast or printed on a cute T-shirt. The more popular or well-known version of “lucky girl syndrome” is the belief that maintaining a positive mindset and genuinely expecting good things to happen will attract opportunities and favorable outcomes. Think of it as always holding onto that “can-do attitude.”

While I didn’t coin the phrase, to me, being a “lucky mom” is about more than finding the sunshine in every day. It’s about truly believing that good things are always around the corner. It’s about manifesting and visualizing a joyful, fulfilling life. And here’s the important part: not just for me, but for my kids and family as well. I picture how good life already is because I get to be Madilyn and Pierson’s mommy.

The Sweet, Wild Ride of Motherhood

Don’t get me wrong. Motherhood isn’t all smooth sailing and giggles. There are tantrums (theirs and sometimes mine, yes we’re all guilty of it at any age), laundry piles that could double as mountain ranges, and the occasional existential crisis while cutting sandwiches into perfect triangles — or when we’re trying to take turns putting groceries into the cart (you should’ve seen, or heard, me yesterday walking out of Publix).

Take today’s naptime meltdown, for example. It was frustrating in the moment, and I did my best to stay calm and work through it for the two of us. I allow myself to feel upset and angry, especially after the fact as I’m calming down on my own, but I can’t waste time on that type of energy. Now I’m smiling because I know it’s all part of the journey. Toddlers can be category 5 hurricanes of emotion, but they’re also the most loving and hilarious tiny humans I’ve ever met.

It’s the unexpected moments that leave you laughing or shaking your head that make motherhood so uniquely wonderful. Like when my daughter insists she doesn’t want to nap because her “nap days are over” only to fall asleep mid-sentence five minutes later. How about when my son comes out of nowhere running full speed, arms open wide, yelling “Pierson power” and slams into me for a hug? I mean, cue the happy tears.

I’ve said this before, but I mean it. I’ve learned that being a mom is about finding joy in the chaos, even when the day doesn’t go as planned. It’s about savoring the giggles when mommy monster is hunting for tickles, the sticky handprints left on a newly cleaned car window, and the proud smiles when they master something new.

Manifesting the Motherhood You Want

So, “lucky mom syndrome,” eh? I’m no expert (truly, I’m just figuring this out as I go), but I faithfully believe in the power of mindset. Park closed? Let’s have a race to the pond to feed the ducks instead! Rainy day? Guess it’s time to use those rain boots and jump in some puddles! Nap time struggle? Hey, at least we get some extra cuddles today!

For me, being a “lucky mom” is about keeping a positive perspective, even on the tough days, and finding the good in what might seem like the not-so-good. It’s about showing my kids that we can choose joy, no matter the circumstances.

Here’s how I try to do that:

1. Visualize the good. I start each day by picturing the kind of energy I want to bring. Whether it’s patience, creativity, or just a little extra grace, setting that intention from the get-go helps me stay grounded.

2. Embrace the chaos. Life with kids is messy, and that’s okay. When things go sideways (which they often do), I try to find the humor in it. And yes, I also always plan for those messes by storing a change of clothes, paper towels, and wipes in my car. Now that I’m thinking of it, maybe I should pack an extra outfit in there for me, too. Don’t take yourself (or your kids) too seriously. Laugh it off and move on.

3. Celebrate the little wins. Did everyone make it through the day with smiles? Did a tantrum end with a hug? These small moments are the big moments when you really think about it. Our family has a small section on our wall calendar in the kitchen to write down these victories, so we can look back and celebrate. You deserve to pat yourself on the back!

4. Believe in the good. Manifesting isn’t about wishing for a perfect life. That just isn’t realistic. It’s about having a firm belief that good things are already on their way, even when the path ahead seems a tad bumpy or unknown. It’s about trusting that despite any hiccups or roadblocks, the universe is always working in your favor. Know that good things are always possible and that everything happens for a reason.

At the end of the day, I don’t think any of us have it all figured out. (If you do, I’d love to see the manual!) Understand that your journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. That’s probably the most extraordinary thing about it all. We’re ALL learning — one nap debacle, one crayon masterpiece, one snuggle session at a time.

Now if you’ll excuse me, my daughter just woke up. I can’t wait another minute to run into her bedroom to remind her (and myself) how lucky I am to be her mom.