💛 Things I’ve Stopped Doing as a 37-Year-Old Mom (And I’m Happier For It)
There’s something about 37.
It’s not old.
It’s not young.
It’s this in-between space where you’ve lived enough to know better — but you’re still figuring things out.
I’m not the brand-new mom I was ten years ago.
I’m not the overwhelmed 30-year-old trying to prove something.
I’m just… clearer.
And honestly? Lighter.
Here are a few things I’ve stopped doing — and I’m happier because of it.
1. I’ve Stopped Trying to Be Good at Everything
I used to think being a “good mom” meant:
Showing up everywhere
Volunteering for everything
Saying yes to every opportunity
Keeping the house spotless
Being fit, organized, patient, stylish, calm, and thriving
Exhausting.
Now? I focus on what matters most to our family in this season.
I don’t have to be exceptional at everything.
I just have to be intentional about something.
2. I’ve Stopped Apologizing for Rest
Rest used to feel lazy.
Now it feels wise.
I don’t owe productivity to anyone.
I don’t have to earn sitting down.
I don’t have to explain why I need quiet.
Sometimes the most productive thing I can do is protect my nervous system.
3. I’ve Stopped Comparing My Life to the Highlight Reels
Comparison used to sneak in quietly.
Their house.
Their body.
Their vacations.
Their business growth.
Their parenting wins.
But here’s what 37 has taught me:
You can admire someone without measuring yourself against them.
Social media is curated.
Real life is layered.
And I actually love our layered life.
4. I’ve Stopped Buying Things Just Because They’re Trending
This one surprised me.
I used to chase trends — clothes, home decor, gadgets.
Now I ask:
Do I actually like this?
Will I use it?
Does it simplify my life?
If the answer isn’t yes, it stays in the cart.
Peace > impulse.
These are the items I’ve actually reordered or used for years — not just what’s trending this week.
I’ve shared more about the everyday items I actually use in this post here → Amazon Must-Haves for Busy Moms
5. I’ve Stopped Explaining Myself to Everyone
Not everyone needs to understand your decisions.
Why we said no.
Why we left.
Why we changed direction.
Why we’re protecting our time.
Why we’re building what we’re building.
Clarity doesn’t require universal approval.
And that realization is freeing.
6. I’ve Stopped Trying to Control Everything
Motherhood has a funny way of humbling you.
You can plan.
You can organize.
You can try.
But you cannot control outcomes.
Releasing that pressure has softened me in ways I didn’t expect.
What 37 Has Given Me
Confidence without noise
Boundaries without guilt
Ambition without burnout
Gratitude without comparison
I don’t have it all figured out.
But I know this:
Peace feels better than proving.
Presence feels better than perfection.
And this version of me? I like her.
If You’re in This Season Too…
Maybe you’re 32.
Maybe you’re 41.
Maybe you’re just tired of performing.
You’re allowed to grow.
You’re allowed to change.
You’re allowed to outgrow things — and people — and expectations.
And you don’t need permission.
If this resonated, share it with another mom who might need it.
— Mallory
Mom of War 💛
If you're in a simplifying season too, these are a few things that genuinely make my everyday life easier:
• My go-to planner
• The jeans I wear weekly
• My favorite neutral slip ons
