Mom Guilt Is Real — But So Is Your Purpose: Navigating Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
How do you chase your purpose and still be the mom your kids need? This conversation is for every woman trying to hold both.
Let’s be honest—being a mom is the most beautiful, stretching, soul-refining role we’ll ever hold. But it’s not the only role we were created for.
In this deeply heartfelt episode of The Freq Show, Jaclyn Steele Thurmond sits down with her friend (and fellow powerhouse mama) Lyubov Nixon to unpack what it really looks like to balance motherhood and entrepreneurship. And not in a Pinterest-perfect way. In a real, raw, we’re-all-doing-our-best kind of way.
Because here’s the truth: both Jaclyn and Lyubov are moms and business owners. They’ve both had days where the overwhelm hits hard. Days where mom guilt creeps in. Days where it feels impossible to show up fully for the kids and the dream.
And yet—they keep going. Not because it’s easy. But because they’ve learned to live in alignment with their purpose, not just their responsibilities.
How to Deal With Mom Guilt While Pursuing Your Purpose
Jaclyn and Lyubov don’t sugarcoat it—mom guilt is real. It sneaks in quietly and says, “You should be doing more.” “You missed that moment.” “You’re not present enough.”
But what if we reframed that guilt?
What if, instead of seeing it as proof that we’re failing, we saw it as evidence that we care deeply?
In the episode, they talk about how guilt can actually be a signal. Not a sign to stop, but a nudge to pause, to check in, to recalibrate. (If you’re in that space right now, you might love this blog about how to vibe check yourself—especially when life feels out of alignment.)
Because when you’re living on purpose, you start to notice what’s yours to carry—and what you need to lay down.
Embracing the Both-And Life
One of the most powerful takeaways from Jaclyn and Lyubov’s conversation is this:
“You don’t have to choose between being an incredible mother and a powerful, purpose-led woman. You can be both.”
Jaclyn shares how motherhood has made her more intuitive, more compassionate, and more focused in her business. Lyubov echoes that—it’s not about balance so much as alignment. Letting your priorities ebb and flow with the seasons of your life.
It’s about permission. To be messy. To be passionate. To take up space as a mom and a creative.
It’s also about creating space for who you’re becoming—which Jaclyn explores deeply in this reflection.
How to Actually Navigate Motherhood and Entrepreneurship (Without Losing Yourself)
If you’re in the thick of it, here are a few of the grounding practices Jaclyn and Lyubov live by:
1. Honor the Season You’re In
Some seasons are about sprinting. Others are about slowing down. Learn to recognize which one you're in so you can stop fighting it.
2. Let Go of the Perfect Ideal
There’s no gold medal for doing it all. Release the pressure to be “on” all the time. You’re a human being, not a machine.
3. Create Anchors, Not Rigid Schedules
Time-blocking is great, but only if it’s flexible. Instead, create “anchors” in your day—moments that ground you. A walk, a deep breath, a midday check-in.
4. Stay Connected to Your Why
Jaclyn talks about this all the time: Purpose gives your work weight. When you remember why you started your business in the first place, it gets easier to let go of guilt. And if insecurity is part of what’s holding you back, check out this blog on how to deal with insecurity—it’s one of the most honest convos Jaclyn’s ever shared.
Final Thought: You’re Not Falling Behind—You’re Becoming
Whether you’re deep in diapers or leading a team of ten, your purpose still matters.
This episode is a gentle nudge, a warm reminder, and a soul hug from two women walking the same road. You’re not alone. You’re not behind. You’re in process—and it’s sacred.
So take a deep breath. Hold your baby. Then take that next step toward your dream.
You’re doing better than you think.
Live on purpose. Live on frequency.
Ien Araneta - editor of The Freq Show & The Beckon Times
