2025/7/23 Edited to

... Read moreMotherhood often demands an incredible amount of strength, both physical and emotional. Many mothers feel the weight of responsibility to always be strong for their families, which can lead to a sense of exhaustion. The phrase from the article’s OCR content, "sometimes you mourn the version of you that didn't have to be this strong," captures a common, poignant truth for many moms. It reflects the complex emotions involved in embracing the role of motherhood while grieving the loss of a more carefree version of themselves. This emotional journey is not uncommon and is a major topic within online communities such as #momtok and #motherhoodunplugged, where mothers candidly share their unfiltered experiences. These platforms highlight the realities of motherhood beyond the idealized portrayals, fostering authentic support and understanding. Recognizing this struggle is an important step toward self-compassion. Mothers are encouraged to acknowledge their own resilience without feeling guilty for the moments they wish for a different path. The process of mourning the 'previous self' while celebrating the strength gained is a form of emotional healing and growth. Motherhood is also a continuous journey of learning and adapting. Support networks, whether online or in-person, offer invaluable resources for coping strategies, self-care ideas, and emotional support. Engaging with communities tagged under #motherhoodjourney and #momsoftiktok can provide inspiration and reassurance that one is not alone in their feelings. In summary, the strength demanded by motherhood is both a challenge and a testament to personal growth. Embracing this duality helps mothers build resilience and find empowerment in their unique journey.

1 comment

Polecat 0418's images
Polecat 0418

Wow... yep

Related posts

Caregiving can feel overwhelming,exhausting
And lonely Sometimes.But small habits and simple preparation can make everyday feel a little calmer and more manageable.After 44+ years as a caregiver and CNA,I’ve learned that Organization,Self-care and preparation matters more than people realize.That’s why I created CareNest Living to help famil
CareNest Living

CareNest Living

19 likes

A cozy, dimly lit living room with a fireplace, window, and bookshelf, featuring text: "People don't talk about how exhausting it is to be the strong one all the time... If you're tired but still trying, I see you. And I'm proud of you." The Lemon8 logo and username are at the bottom.
People don’t talk about how exhausting it is to be
Read that again. #MentalHealthMatters #YouAreNotAlone #RelatableContent #motivation
Christalene Doe

Christalene Doe

11 likes

Exhausting version of adhd day
#adhd #adhdtips #relatable
myADHDJourney

myADHDJourney

82 likes

Living A Double Life Is Exhausting, I cant wait ti
Living A Double Life Is Exhausting, I cant wait till i get the things I’m hustling for🪎! #fyp #viral #foryou #repost #fy
BeauteousBenita

BeauteousBenita

473 likes

Getting unready is just exhausting as getting ipo
#lemon8dairy
Ella Langley

Ella Langley

9 likes

Healthcare burnout culture is exhausting
Being a soft nurse doesn’t make someone a bad nurse. Healthcare burnout culture is exhausting. #nursesoftiktok #softnurse #nurselife #nurseburnout
Your Soft Nurse Bestie

Your Soft Nurse Bestie

1 like

Nobody talks about how exhausting it is to keep trying things that go nowhere.
Saving idea after idea. Watching people say “just start.” Trying to figure out what actually works. Feeling like everyone else got the secret except you. I genuinely thought I needed followers, to show my face, or be some kind of expert to make money online. Turns out… a lot of people are maki
QuietIncomeWithLily🌸

QuietIncomeWithLily🌸

1 like

Pretending is Exhausting
Pretending is tiring. Honesty is lighter. #AlignedIncome #GenXWomen #QuietStrength #MidlifeReality #NoMorePretending
Aligned Income With Amy 🩵🩷

Aligned Income With Amy 🩵🩷

4 likes

Living paycheck to paycheck is exhausting.
Be honest… Living paycheck to paycheck is exhausting. Working all week just to watch your money disappear the same day? Yeah… that’s not freedom. At some point, you have to stop relying on one check… and start building something outside of it. Because one income is not security an
Mara | Side Hustle Strategist

Mara | Side Hustle Strategist

0 likes

No one talks about how exhausting it is to be a strong person.
https://beacons.ai/roshawnburrell #boldwoman #faith #powerfulwoman
Roshawn Burrell

Roshawn Burrell

1 like

Playing It Safe is Exhausting and Boring 👀
You weren’t born to sit quietly, shrink politely, or wait around for a sign from the universe that it’s finally your turn. This is the sign. This is the post you save for the days you’re spiraling in self-doubt and need a little main character energy to slap you across the face. Feeling darin
Mental Health, Unfiltered

Mental Health, Unfiltered

3 likes

Grief Is Exhausting
Grief is exhausting. It takes all you have, just to get through the day. The loss of a loved one can leave you feeling scared and alone. It helped me to know I wasn’t “going crazy.” This is just how our bodies respond to the loss of a loved one. It’s a long journey through grief and you don’
Grief Coaching

Grief Coaching

12 likes

Pretending You Don’t Want More Is Exhausting.
How exhausting it must be to pretend that you don’t want more. More peace. More growth. More freedom. More purpose. Sometimes you’re not confused… you’re just tired of living a life that no longer fits the person you’re becoming. The moment you stop minimizing your desires to stay comfortabl
Mujer_de_Alto_Perfil

Mujer_de_Alto_Perfil

1 like

The job market right now is exhausting.
POV: You’ve applied to 100+ jobs and barely heard back. The job market is honestly rough right now, so I’m starting affordable resume + job search help for people trying to get more interviews and better opportunities. I help with: ✔ resume reviews ✔ ATS optimization ✔ LinkedIn cleanup ✔
Glow Up Resumes

Glow Up Resumes

0 likes

Traveling is exhausting
On the bus. On the 1st plane and then on plane number 2. It might not seem like it but Wayne is loving his vacation so far! Seriously!! #seattlemermaiden #30thweddinganniversary #alaskacruise #leavingonajetplane #naptime
RachelleH

RachelleH

0 likes

The Exhausting Side of Being Introverted
There’s a part of being introverted that no one really talks about. It’s not the quiet. It’s the exhaustion. Not because you don’t like people. But because you absorb everything. The tone shifts. The small expressions. The energy in the room. And somehow… you carry it home with you.
HappyNegatives

HappyNegatives

10 likes

Cardio doesn’t have to be exhausting 💦✨
Here’s how I spent an hour moving my body and burning ~400 calories without feeling drained: 🟡 15 min walk to warm up 🔵 30 min on the elliptical (steady pace, good vibes) 🟢 15 min incline walk to finish strong Sometimes the best cardio is the kind that feels good. No sprinting, no pressure
The_Pretty Effect

The_Pretty Effect

6 likes

A tired-looking Black woman with curly blonde hair, wearing a grey blazer, sits at a desk holding a pink landline phone. Her desk is cluttered with papers, a laptop, and other items, reflecting a busy and demanding life, aligning with the article's theme of exhaustion.
Strength is beautiful, but it’s also exhausting!
There’s this idea floating around about the “soft girl era”—a season of life where women embrace ease, luxury, and rest, letting someone else take the weight off their shoulders. But truth is, I’ve never had that luxury. Never had that choice. I’ve always been the one who had to make ends meet,
Teaonsha Lundy

Teaonsha Lundy

6 likes

A top-down view of a freshly baked loaf of bread in a dark pan, held by a hand in an oven mitt, with the text "I'm a perfectionist with my integrity."
A freshly baked loaf of bread in a pan, held by a hand in an oven mitt, overlaid with text about holding oneself to an extremely high ethical standard, which is exhausting.
A baked loaf of bread in a pan, held by a hand in an oven mitt, with text expressing a desire for grace but fear of disappointing oneself.
Moral Perfectionism is Exhausting
I’ve realized I have perfectionistic thoughts and behaviors before, but I could never make sense of it because overall I am THE OPPOSITE of a perfectionist. Actually I’m a chaotic, Type B, hurricane of a person who really doesn’t care to do a damn thing “right.” But of course, like most thin
Courtney

Courtney

4 likes

Exhausting
#genx #fire #savetiktok
Lemon8er

Lemon8er

41 likes

Being an adult is exhausting!
Being an adult is not always easy. Do you ever long for the days of childhood? If so, you are not alone! Simple ways to enjoy life: 1️⃣ Take it in strides. 2️⃣ Don’t dwell on past mistakes. 3️⃣ Seek out supportive and emotionally intelligent people. These are just a few tips that I recommen
Modern Femme Psychology

Modern Femme Psychology

25 likes

Healthy doesn’t need to be exhausting.
Save this & share it — help someone else feel better today 🤍 Healthy doesn't need to be perfect. Healthy doesn't need to be exhausting. Healthy lifestyle can fit into time that you have. Sweat Therapy helps you move, reset, and find calm 👉 https://mysweattherapy.com/link 👈 exactly whe
Asia Zuk

Asia Zuk

7 likes

Groceries experience exhausting?
If grocery shopping feels more expensive every single week, you're not imagining it. I got tired of watching prices go up while my paycheck stayed the same. That's why I started looking for a way to create extra income from home. Now I have a little breathing room when life gets expensive
Amber ~ Digital Mentor

Amber ~ Digital Mentor

0 likes

This is exhausting
#dermreacts #skincare #dermatologist #dermangelo #reactionvideo
DermAngelo

DermAngelo

862 likes

pretending I have it all together is exhausting💔
I’ve been caught between two mindsets lately: "I need to slow down and enjoy my youth,"and "I need to speed up before I fall behind." It’s like I’m constantly racing against some invisible clock but I don’t even know who set the timer.So here’s me, sitting in the middle of that ch
k.marie

k.marie

15 likes

A woman takes a mirror selfie, with text overlays reading "PUMPING SCHEDULE AS A WORKING MOM 8AM-5PM Motherhood Real Talk." She is wearing a tan shirt and black pants, standing in a room with a large ornate mirror.
A baby sleeps peacefully under a striped blanket, with text overlays stating "GOOD 6:00AM MORNIN' NURSING SESSION." The baby is wearing a striped sleeper and has arms raised.
A hand holds a portable breast pump in a car, with text "7:30am pumping on my way to work." The pump is light-colored, and the background shows a parking lot and buildings.
Pumping/nursing is so exhausting ✨
I am currently 8months into my breastfeeding journey so this may look different for you depending on how much your baby eats and if you need to be pumping every 3 hours due to supply and demand. I just wanted to give a guide on what I do during my work week. My baby usually eats 18 oz while I’m at
Brooke |mama|

Brooke |mama|

8 likes

A page from the "A Course In Miracles" Workbook, titled "LESSON 42: God is my strength. Vision is His gift." It details the lesson's meaning and initial practice instructions, including repeating the idea with eyes open and closed, and reflecting on related thoughts.
A Course In Miracles Lesson 42
God is my strength. Vision is His gift. 🌿This lesson does not ask me to become stronger. It tells me that strength is already established. The Course is unmistakable here: I will see because it is the Will of God. Not because I improve my perception. Not because I manage my fear well. But beca
BenniRaj

BenniRaj

1 like

Its not always exhausting
We’re not meant to run on empty. Chasing a life that doesn’t even feel good. That’s not ambition—it’s burnout. I got tired of pretending “busy” = success. So I built something slower, softer, wilder. Mental clarity. Morning hikes. A business that flows with me—not against me. If you fee
Nayla.page

Nayla.page

1 like

It’s exhausting, isn’t it?
Trying to be everything for everyone. Being the safe place people land when they don’t know where else to go. The one who smooths things over to keep the peace. The strong one. The brave one. The “don’t worry about it, she’ll handle it” one. Somewhere along the way, you stop asking who’s holding
Hagan✨

Hagan✨

5 likes

Digestion shouldn’t feel heavy or exhausting
That full, stuck feeling usually means breakdown is slow not that you “ate too much,” but that your body needs more support moving food along. When meals take too long to digest, energy drops, pressure builds, and bloating becomes a pattern instead of a random flare. This can happen when stomach
Ask Harry

Ask Harry

15 likes

WHEN CHASING AESTHETICS GETS EXHAUSTING 😮‍💨❤️‍🩹
There was a time when I couldn’t tell if I actually liked something or if TikTok told me I was supposed to. Every week it was a new era: 🫧 “Clean girl” (aka me in lip balm and delusion) 👠 “Mob wife” (for 2.5 days until I remembered I hate fur and yelling) 📚 “Bookish introvert baddie” (I didn’
Lushie Club 💖

Lushie Club 💖

29 likes

A flat lay of various self-care items including skincare products, a candle, a mug of tea, and a jade roller, on a desk with a laptop. An overlay asks, "WHEN DID SELF CARE START FEELING LIKE ... work?..."
A rose quartz roller and gua sha tool rest on ice in a coconut shell. Text states, "Self-care used to be something I looked forward to. Now it sometimes feels like another chore... THE PSYCHOLOGY OF IT."
A person in a pink fluffy robe holds a white insulated cup, with a bowl of ice water nearby. Text describes wellness habits like skincare and journaling feeling like a checklist instead of comfort.
Does self-care feel exhausting now? Or is it me??
Self-care used to make me feel better. Lately it feels like something I’m doing out of responsibility instead of comfort. That’s how you know your brain is tired… not you. Sometimes the best self-care is simplifying everything and letting yourself just… be human. What’s the self-care habit
brittany

brittany

8 likes

Getting ready shouldn’t be this exhausting 😮‍💨#eve
Getting ready shouldn’t be this exhausting 😮‍💨 #everywoman #gettingreadystruggles #gettingreadystruggles #newonlemon8 #lemon8
Zi

Zi

5 likes

engineering may be exhausting but I love it
#science #fyplemon8 #undergrad #engineeringstudent #stemgirlie
vani

vani

61 likes

A person with a pink face mask and a grey towel on their head, wearing a white robe, drinks from a glass of green liquid. Text overlays read 'POV: Crying in the shower pretending you're fine? Ventally gets it. Join the waitlist,' promoting a mental health app.
Because pretending you’re fine is exhausting…
POV: Crying in the shower, putting on your best face, and pretending you’re fine… all while life feels like it’s falling apart. 💧 We’ve all been there. Sometimes you just need someone to really listen. No judgment. No advice. Just space to vent. That’s exactly why we created Ventally — a 100%
Ventally | Anonymous Venting

Ventally | Anonymous Venting

4 likes

A bright blue sky with the sun shining, featuring the text "REAL TALK" in orange and "It's okay to be vulnerable" in white. The bottom left corner shows "Lemon8" and "@your.new.obsession999" against a dark car interior, conveying a message of open discussion and vulnerability.
Today has been mentally exhausting.
#lemon8diarychallenge #embracevulnerability #unfiltered #letschat I’m exhausted. Work just started and the kids I have are mentally exhausting. I’m tired.
sharqt

sharqt

6 likes

so exhausting 🫠🫠
#catanddog #dogsoflemon8 #catsoflemon8 #dogvideo #catvideo
yulisa 🧚🏼‍♀️

yulisa 🧚🏼‍♀️

12 likes

Exhausting
Anyone here been diagnosed with PAH Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension? #pulmonaryhypertension #PAH #terminal
EKristine

EKristine

3 likes

🩵 Self-improvement doesn’t have to be exhausting
#exhaustfreegrowth #softselfcare #fitnesseasy #healthymeal #mindfullife
syghlj0772

syghlj0772

0 likes

The Summer Body Debate Is Exhausting 😵‍💫🍑
Every summer, the internet has the same fight. 😵‍💫 "Love your body" versus "build your dream body," as if women are not allowed to want both. I can like myself and still want stronger legs. 🍑 I can reject body shame and still enjoy a routine that makes me feel sharper. T
Qedtg

Qedtg

1 like

Traveling is exhausting but worth it
Love a good view #mountains #mountain #mountainlovers #mountainlife #embracevulnerability
JTL

JTL

2 likes

Your resume shouldn’t feel this exhausting
If recruiters can’t quickly find what matters, they won’t see your value. Most job seekers think they need to do more — rewrite everything, add more bullets, tweak wording endlessly. In reality, the problem is usually structure. The great thing about my foundational, ATS-friendly resume te
Glow Up Resumes

Glow Up Resumes

0 likes

Does Managing Money Ever Feel Exhausting?
You’re not lazy. You’re not bad with money. Most people were simply never taught how to make their money work with them instead of against them. So here’s the real question: Is your money creating peace… or pressure? Follow @1kscortez for financial conversations that actually make sens
K.Singleton310

K.Singleton310

0 likes

why modern love feels exhausting
Six packs are common. Self-awareness is not. We keep dating sparks and wondering why it burns out. Discipline shapes bodies. Regulation shapes relationships.
Paula BSN, RN

Paula BSN, RN

1 like

I wanted a clean start for my hair, not an exhausting process
Speaking as a remote worker, I used to postpone wash day more often than I want to admit, especially on normal wash days that are not special but still matter. I like haircare, but I do not want it to feel like a hobby I have to schedule around. I want it to fit after workouts, workdays, and regula
lichtmanfreiseis436

lichtmanfreiseis436

0 likes

Software Engineering is Exhausting
The job has it’s perks and I’m forever grateful but sometimes it feels like you’re giving 200% effort without getting a chance to breath #motivation #softwareengineer #burnout #storytelling #gettoknowme Santa Monica
Mel

Mel

7 likes

People-pleasing is exhausting
Stop chasing approval from those who didn’t create you. Seek to please the One who sees your heart. 💯 You’ll find freedom when God’s “yes” is enough. #GodApprovalOnly #PeoplePleasingIsATrap #WalkInFreedom #IdentityInChrist
France DK

France DK

8 likes

Social Media as an artist is exhausting
Honestly as a person who has to self promote daily, I’m honestly tired of it. When i started dropping music in 2018, everything was way different on social media and i didn’t have to do so much to get attention for my work. Now i don’t even feel like an artist anymore :/ i never intended to be a
SKODI

SKODI

42 likes

peopling is exhausting 😅
#lovepeopleandyourself
Matt rousse

Matt rousse

11 likes

It's exhausting loving someone halfway in
Nobody talks about the exhaustion of loving someone who's halfway in. 👀 You're doing the emotional work for two people. Initiating. Following up. Showing up. While they decide if they feel like it that day. That's not a relationship. That's a part time job with no benefit
Melissa | Torch & Soul

Melissa | Torch & Soul

1 like

See more