That drawing is proof I’m doing something right.
This is what I refuse to miss and this is what I work for!
Today at pickup, my daughter handed me a drawing she made at aftercare. I was mid-conversation with her teacher, smiled, said thank you…and tucked it away without really looking.
In the hallway, I remembered it. I unfolded the paper. It was me and her, holding hands, jumping on a trampoline. My heart filled with pride and joy, to be honest I nearly cried.
She gave herself blonde hair and blue eyes.
Me, brown hair and blue eyes. Such attention to detail!
She added a butterfly and a ladybug, two of my favorite things and neatly wrote “Mommy” and her name at the bottom.
I hugged her instantly and told her she made my day.
She beamed.
And later…it hit me.
This isn’t just a drawing.
This is how she experiences me.
Present.
Playful.
Available.
Because kids don’t see job titles or to-do lists.
They don’t see how busy we are.
They see:
• Are you here?
• Are you happy?
• Are you with me?
That drawing wasn’t just something sweet she made. It was a reflection of the life I’m building.
I didn’t choose this work because I wanted “more money.” I chose it because I wanted more moments like this and fewer ones I almost miss.
I’m still working full time while building this on the side and that’s exactly why moments like this matter so much to me.
This isn’t about quitting your job.
It’s about protecting your time.
Your presence.
Your people.
That drawing is proof I’m doing something right.
If you’re building a life that looks good on paper but feels rushed in real life… you’re not alone.
This is what freedom looks like to me.
This is the why behind everything I do.
#momtips #workingmom #onlinebusinessowner #entrepreneurmindset #momsoflemon8
There’s something incredibly powerful about small gestures that reveal so much about our relationships, especially between parents and children. When my daughter handed me a drawing just like the one in this story, it wasn’t just a piece of paper — it was a window into how she sees me and the time we share. The details she included—the blonde hair, blue eyes, the butterfly and ladybug—reminded me that she pays close attention to the moments we spend together. As busy working moms, it’s easy to get caught up in schedules, deadlines, and the endless task lists. But what truly matters to our children isn’t how busy we are; it’s whether we’re emotionally and physically present. This drawing, and others like it, are proof that when we prioritize being with our kids, even in small ways, it makes a lifelong impact. I’ve learned that protecting our time is less about quitting work and more about carving out intentional, quality moments. This might mean putting down the phone during playtime or saying no to extra meetings to be home for bedtime stories. Moments of true connection, like jumping on a trampoline or sharing favorite things, create memories far richer than any professional success. If you’re juggling a full-time job with your own side passions or business ventures, remember that finding balance isn’t about perfection. It’s about cherishing the little everyday interactions that show our children we are there for them—not just physically, but wholeheartedly. Just like the drawing reflected, being present and playful helps build trust and joy. These experiences have also taught me that our kids don’t need a perfect life on paper—they need us to be emotionally available. Freedom for me isn’t just financial independence but the freedom to be truly present with my family. When I can look at a drawing my child made and know it reflects love and attention, I know I’m on the right path. So, to every working mom or parent trying to strike this balance, take heart. Your presence matters more than the most productive day at work or the biggest paycheck. Guard your time and nurture those irreplaceable connections—because those are the moments that children remember and cherish the most.
I almost missed this moment and it reminded me why I protect my time so fiercely 💛 If you’ve ever felt torn between being present and being productive…you’re not alone.