Beyond ‘Mommy Juice’ – Finding Real Relief Through Breathwork
How Shifting My Words (and My Breath) Changed My Parenting
As I continue building the brand of HEN Mindfulness and creating in-person breathwork events, I’m often met with a familiar response when I share what I’m doing. People nod and say things like, “Just got my toddler to bed after a 3-hour bedtime saga. Pretty sure I need a PhD in breathwork now.” Or, “Nothing says ‘I could use some breathwork’ like realizing my only ‘me time’ today was hiding in the bathroom.”
These comments come out like classic “mommy-isms”—the kinds of phrases we use to laugh off the daily chaos, like, “This mommy juice? It’s to wash down today’s mess,” or, “Welcome to the ‘Mom Cleaning Service’—we specialize in endless laundry and mystery stains.” They’re memes, jokes, and quick quips that capture the everyday chaos and exhaustion of parenting. And as a parent, I’ve made many of these comments myself—I’m definitely not throwing shade here!
But it got me thinking about the intention and awareness behind our words. The jokes are cute; I watch the reels and laugh along. But it makes me wonder: Is it really just a joke, or is there something deeper here?
When I used to spend time with one of my teachers, I’d often make sarcastic comments for a laugh, but he would stop me mid-sentence. He’d break down what I’d just said, taking my words at face value. I’d end up backtracking, explaining that it was only a joke, but those moments made me think deeply about my words and the impact they carry. What was my intention? What was underneath those words?
Here’s what I’ve come to realize:
Words shape our reality.
Words build relationships.
Words reflect and create identity.
Words inspire action.
Words heal or harm.
Words are catalysts—they can inspire, they can limit, they can connect, or they can divide.
And while I still have a sense of humor, I’ve found more intention in how I talk about my struggles—and how I meet them.
So, if you “really need that breathwork,” maybe it’s time to make space for it. If you don’t know where to start, try one of my free guided breathwork sessions. You don’t need a full hour—5-10 minutes of self-regulated mindfulness each day can be a powerful gift to yourself.
Breathwork changed my life, as did mindfulness and awareness practices. My goal is to support and serve the community of parents who choose to engage with me, sharing this work in the hopes that it will impact your life as it has mine.
