Celebrity Moms Share Tips on Getting Past Mom Guilt to Pursue Your Dreams

This post was supposed to go live last Monday. And I find it so timely that the reason it didn’t is because I ended up getting pretty sick all of last week. So I tucked the laptop away and took and break to take care of myself. And I’m so excited to share what’s within this post because I know so many moms need to hear it. These celebrity moms share tips on how they push past mom guilt in order to pursue their dreams.

A few weeks back I was at Walt Disney World for the ninth annual Disney Dreamers Academy hosted by Steve Harvey and Essence Communications. It was truly an honor to be there and witness this life changing weekend.

As I sat through some of the parent programming and listened to many of the amazing speakers, I couldn’t help but notice the moms who were holding it down: going after their goals and dreams and finding success in their careers and in motherhood. When I first started Moms ‘N Charge®, my mission for starting it was to set the example to other moms that it can be done. I wanted to also set the example for my children in showing them that I, too, was following my dreams in the same manner I talk to them and encourage them to dream as well.

And one of the speakers told the parents: while you’re here with your children watching them live out their dream, don’t forget to live out yours too. So often we pour everything into our children that we often times forget about ourselves.

So when given the opportunity, I asked Lisa Nichols, Mikki Taylor, Sonia Myles Jackson and Tamera Mowry-Housley this question: How do you work past mom guilt in order to go after your goals and dreams?

Here’s what these power moms had to say about the importance of dreaming as a mom, and taking care of yourself in the process:

Lisa Nichols Christine St.Vil

Lisa Nichols: Author, Speaker, Transformational Coach

While you’re supporting your children and their dreams, are you still dreaming? Don’t put your dream to bed.

It’s almost like when you birth a child, you see for the first time your heart outside of yourself. I’ll do whatever, whenever, however to protect my child. That’s that agape love and then you still have to have a life. Everything you say, your children will here. But everything you do is what’s teaching them.

There were some days I felt like a strong and mighty mama. And there were days I felt, I dare me to get on a plane, dare me live my dreams. Then I realized, that it’s our responsibility. I can’t teach you a conversation I’m not having. I can’t show you something I’m not doing. I can’t speak about something I don’t have the courage to take on. I needed to give myself permission to not have either or. God is not a God of either or. God is a God of Abundance.

What if you can have your dream, AND be a phenomenal parent, AND show your child how to live their dreams?

I’ll never forget an interview question my son was asked by a reporter: ‘Your mom is on the road 266 days out of the year last year. How does that hurt you?’

I remember my 15-year-old son stood next to me and I just held my breath. I knew if he answered the question directly, he was going to speak to what hurt him about me being on the road all of the time. I just started praying, please don’t start crying in front of this camera.

And I remember my son stood next to me and he was six feet at the time. He said: well sir, the amount of time my mom is on the road is about 66% of the time. But the 34% that she’s at home is better than some parents’ 100%. It’s not about the amount of time my mom is home, it’s about the quality of the time my mom gives me when she is.

I realized in that moment, he wasn’t keeping score so why should I be?

Mikki Taylor Christine St.Vil

Mikki Taylor: Editor-at-Large, Essence Magazine

My advice for moms who are struggling with basically owning their lives and capturing their dreams is to start at a pace that you can keep. In the beginning its getting used to seeing your name on your own scheduling. We add everyone else to our calendars and not ourselves.

You can only give from a full and open heart. If not, you’re not giving your best. As a working parent who doesn’t hesitate to dream and seizes every dream I want to know, you’re equip to do so. I don’t think God ever ordered anything He didn’t intend to use. So if you have a dream, if you’re gifted to do something — being fruitful and multiplying also applies to the gift as well. It doesn’t just apply to your children and creations. So you must, this is the thing you must do.

It ignites something in you to push past the challenges of time or people who tell you “you can’t”. You even have to question what you’re really tired from  — is it physical or mental fatigue. Is it from giving from a place of lack? That tells you that there’s a need for some time for self. You have to count it all important and know that you are worthy.

Sonia Myles Jackson Christine St.Vil

Sonia Jackson Myles: Inspirational Speaker, Author

I make sure that I schedule time for my personal spa time, the things I like to do. Sometimes I’ll steal away and go to a movie or write in a journal. I know I have to renew my energy if I’m going to get to my 1 billion girls and women. I don’t get as much sleep as I should, that’s the area I’m working on right now. But taking care of myself and

One of the things I often talk about is the importance of making time for those relationships with your girlfriends. They are really important, not just calling when you need something, but calling to check in.

What are some things you can do that cost nothing but you know will rejuvenate your spirit? Maybe it’s sitting outside and reading a nice book, maybe it’s just sitting with a girlfriend. At any social economic level [that’s why the Sister Accord is so powerful]: whether you were educated at Harvard or educated on 17th street, you matter! We need each other. We were created to love and be loved. Don’t believe the hype.

Tamera Mowry-Housley Christine St.Vil #ddaDisney

Tamera Mowry-Housley: Actress, Talk Show Host, Author, Producer

Moms: we are amazing aren’t we?! I try each and every day. I have to remind myself to pour love into myself and then I can pour love into my children. Sometimes I forget  and I run on empty and ask myself why? Then I remember: Oh, you know what Tamera? You forgot to love on yourself today.

I think the best way to handle mom guilt is to know that when mommy takes care of herself, mommy is a happy mommy and a happy wife. So the entire family benefits. That is what drives me to get past that guilt. I think women innately are servers. We always want to take care of people but then forget about ourselves.

My husband always tells me, ‘Tamera when you allow yourself to just have thirty minutes away, you’re a lot nicer to me’ [laughs]. But not only that, your kids can feel the energy. If mommy is always running on empty, they can sense that.

Comment below and let me know how you push past your own mom guilt in order to pursue your goals and dreams?


This visit to the Disney Dreamers Academy was sponsored by Walt Disney World. As always, the thoughts and opinions are my own.  For more information about Disney Dreamers Academy CLICK HERE

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22 Comments

  • T. Espinoza
    March 23, 2016 at 9:13 AM

    Love it! No matter who you are or what you do, being a mom is a tough gig and I’m glad that these beautiful ladies took a moment to share how they make themselves a priority. Good stuff.
    T. Espinoza would like you to check out…Fashion for a Cause with Runway MomsMy Profile

    • Christine St.Vil
      March 28, 2016 at 11:55 PM

      I agree T! I was hoping to portray exactly that with these interviews. We all have the same thing in common: motherhood.

  • Mimi Green
    March 23, 2016 at 3:19 PM

    I love all of these and they are very necessary reminders. If we aren’t good, then our kids can’t be good. All of these ladies are on different levels but have the same advice. They must be doing something right.
    Mimi Green would like you to check out…Chocolate Bird’s Nest and EggsMy Profile

    • Christine St.Vil
      March 28, 2016 at 11:55 PM

      Exactly Mimi! Sometimes we forget that we are not alone and that our dreams do matter. We have to set the example for our kids.

  • Patrice M Foster
    March 23, 2016 at 4:02 PM

    As a mother we need to make the time to rejuvenate. This does not have to be a costly Spa treatment. Sometime Feelings of guilt surface I am always on the road. Quality time with my daughter when I am home is important.
    This was a interesting an eye opening interview. To read how these ladies take time out for their self an still maintain family life. I don’t feel as guilty it can be done.
    Patrice M Foster would like you to check out…Struggles Life Makes Stronger PersonMy Profile

    • Christine St.Vil
      March 28, 2016 at 11:57 PM

      I agree Patrice. A nice bath at home with some candles for relaxing can do the trick fro me. I’m so happy to hear this took away your guilt, it can definitely be done.

  • Demetra
    March 23, 2016 at 10:51 PM

    Wow the Disney Dreamers Academy sounds like an incredible experience. We certainly must practice self care if we are to care for out loved ones.

  • Holly
    March 24, 2016 at 10:22 AM

    I like Tamera. That is awesome you got to meet her. I think taking a step away from anything to take a break and breathe can make anyone a lot nicer.
    Holly would like you to check out…The Brice – a Kimpton Hotel in Savannah, GeorgiaMy Profile

    • Christine St.Vil
      March 29, 2016 at 12:01 AM

      I really like her too, like for real love her! lol And yes, that is so true – sometimes we have to take a step away.

  • Joanna
    March 24, 2016 at 10:28 AM

    I am firm believer of self care. I can only imagine how hectic life would be if I had kids. Hats down to you ladies.
    Joanna would like you to check out…Staying Productive with Walmart Family MobileMy Profile

    • Christine St.Vil
      March 29, 2016 at 12:09 AM

      LOL the great thing is that you’re already practicing it. Many moms (like myself) don’t realize how important it is until after we have kids and then we have to backtrack.

  • Kim
    March 24, 2016 at 9:50 PM

    This looked like such a fun event. I would have loved to attend. The celebrity moms seemed so down to earth. It sounds like a lot of helpful advice is given.

    • Christine St.Vil
      March 29, 2016 at 12:10 AM

      Yes, the advice shared throughout the weekend was awesome. And these moms were definitely so loving and down to earth.

  • LaShawn
    March 26, 2016 at 7:54 AM

    Love. I’m so guilty of not practicing self care. It’s something that i am determined to start doing…soon. LOL. This looks like such a fun event and experience!

    • Christine St.Vil
      March 29, 2016 at 12:12 AM

      Yes LaShawn! Just start small, and you’ll see how much of a world of difference it can make. This experience was definitely priceless.

  • Styled By OmiOmy
    March 28, 2016 at 5:01 PM

    Wow, what great role models for mompreneurs! Talk about living and loving what you do. It definitely inspires their children.

    • Christine St.Vil
      March 29, 2016 at 12:13 AM

      I totally agree! Our children are definitely watching what we do and not just listening to what we say.

  • Kerri Estella
    March 29, 2016 at 12:59 PM

    I’m not a parent, but I’ve always admired the way my mother continues to look after and improve herself while giving her best to her family. It is so true when they say that your kids are always watching– even as a child, I knew that my mother was valuable as a person, even apart from us.
    Kerri Estella would like you to check out…Target Haul with Champion C9 Power Shape Sports BraMy Profile

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