Shifting in Seasons: What Working from Home Taught Me About Motherhood
I recently transitioned to working full-time from home, offering online counseling to clients across the state of Texas. And let me tell you—this shift has taught me a lot.
It wasn’t just about setting up a new workspace or adjusting my schedule. It required a deeper kind of shift—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. From the standing desk I had to buy for my back (because my chiropractor and my spine were both saying “no, ma’am”), to being more mindful of my eating habits so I don’t fall into the “telehealth trap” of snacking all day, every part of my daily rhythm had to be reconsidered.
And as I’ve been navigating these changes, something clicked for me: this feels just like motherhood.
Shifting Isn’t Just for Kids—It’s for Moms, Too
As moms, we are so good at recognizing when our kids are changing. We adjust their routines, buy the next size up in shoes, learn their new favorite snacks, help with harder homework, and stay up praying when they’re facing challenges. We show them grace at every stage—because we understand that growth brings change.
But when it comes to our own shifts, especially in the seasons of motherhood, we don’t always offer ourselves that same grace.
Why is that?
Why do we expect ourselves to stay the same—keep the same routines, same energy, same mindset—when everything around us is evolving?
The truth is, just like our children need new things in different seasons, SO DO WE!
Grace in the Shift
This season of working from home has forced me to re-evaluate so many things. I realized quickly that I couldn’t just “do things the way I always have.” I had to shift if I wanted to show up well for my clients, my kids, and myself.
Here are a few shifts that made a big difference:
A standing desk to support my posture and keep my body feeling strong.
A real office chair because that fold-up one was not the will of God. (LOL!)
Better food choices to fuel me through long days without the fog or fatigue.
Movement between sessions because sitting still all day just wasn’t it.
And most importantly, I had to shift my mindset. I had to stop expecting myself to operate at “peak performance” all the time. I had to realize a new season meant a place I’d never been before. I was walking into unfamiliar territory, and trying to keep up with old routines and perfectionist standards just wasn’t fair. Instead of questioning myself with, “Why can’t I keep up?” I’ve started asking more grace-filled questions:
What does my body, mind, and soul need right now?
Is this what my family needs from me, or is it my expectations?
Where do I need to create margin and rest?
What boundaries need to shift to support where I am now?
What is God trying to teach or grow in me through this transition?
As my children grow and change, I’m reminded that I am growing, too.
They need different parts of me in each stage.
I need to learn different lessons in each season.
And just like I offer them grace as they grow, I’m learning to offer that same grace to myself.
A Faith-Filled Reminder
Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Mama, that includes you.
There is a season for slowing down.
A season for stretching.
A season for asking for help.
A season for new beginnings.
And guess what? God is with you in all of them.
Just like you pour grace into your children as they grow, God is pouring grace into you. And it’s time to start receiving it.
Final Thoughts: Shift with Grace
Shifting isn’t always easy. I’m still learning, still adjusting, and still figuring out how to balance all the things. But I’ve come to see these shifts as invitations—moments where God is gently reminding me to lean on Him, let go of old expectations, and grow into the woman and mom He’s calling me to be.
Sure, I’ve had to change some habits to make this work-from-home life sustainable. But more importantly, I’ve had to learn to show myself grace in the everyday moments, like:
Asking my 13-year-old for just 10 minutes to breathe before she gives me the full tea on her day. Working from home doesn’t mean I have to sacrifice those small moments to reset.
Being okay with more than just “Free Day Friday” dinners. Some weeks, “Free Day Tuesday” or “Free Day Saturday” happens—and that’s okay. (Though I will say, being home gives me more margin to throw dinner in the Instant Pot earlier!)
Celebrating every win—big or small—because building a private practice, running a home, and loving my family well takes real work. It’s not always easy, but it’s absolutely worth it!
So, whether you’re shifting into a new routine, a new career, or a new stage of motherhood, know this: you’re not alone. God sees you, He’s equipping you, and He’s walking with you through every shift.
Give yourself grace. You're growing too.
Feeling Stretched & Overwhelmed in This Season of Motherhood? You’re Not Alone.
If the constant shifting in motherhood has left you feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or unsure of how to care for yourself while caring for everyone else—you don’t have to navigate it alone.
I help moms just like you process the changes, release the guilt, and find peace in the midst of the chaos. Together, we can create space for your growth while still showing up for your family with grace and purpose.
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About the Author
Karen Lanxon is a Christian therapist, wife, and mom of three with a heart for helping women and families thrive. With over 20 years of experience serving youth and families through education, foster care, and ministry—and now more than two years in private practice—Karen brings both wisdom and warmth to her counseling work. Known by colleagues and clients as “the laughing therapist,” she creates a welcoming space rooted in compassion, authenticity, and acceptance. Her mission is to help others rediscover purpose, embrace grace, and walk confidently in every season of life.
