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In conversation with Ange Miller
Rediscovering Myself in the Beautiful Mess of Motherhood: A Conversation with Ange Miller
Motherhood: It’s a journey that comes with no map, no guidebook, and—let’s be honest—no return policy. One minute, you’re full of dreams, creativity, and purpose. The next, you’re lost somewhere between meal planning and laundry mountains, feeling like you’re just going through the motions. But what if there was a way back to yourself? What if you could feel vibrant and alive again, without dropping any of the plates you’re spinning?
In my latest podcast episode, I sat down with artist and mother of four, Ange Miller, who shared her journey from feeling utterly depleted to finding a powerful, creative spark in her life. Ange’s story is real, raw, and incredibly relatable. She didn’t just survive motherhood’s chaos; she thrived in it. And by reconnecting with herself, she found more joy, calm, and meaning than she ever expected.
Here’s what we explored together and why it matters.
The Myth of the “Happy” Mother
It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the idea that we need to be happy to be successful as mothers. But happiness isn’t the goal. As Ange and I discussed, trying to chase happiness in every moment can be exhausting—and unrealistic. Instead, Ange reminded me that finding meaning in motherhood is what grounds us. Meaning is there when we’re exhausted, and it’s there when we’re delighted. It’s about knowing why we do this every day, even when it’s tough.
Ange hit rock bottom, and that’s when her journey to finding meaning, rather than happiness, began. She didn’t need to be more; she needed to be herself.
The Power of Creativity (and Why It’s Not Just for Artists)
We often think creativity is for “creative types” or something you do if you have extra time (ha!). But Ange shared that creativity is essential for all of us—it’s how we feel alive. Creativity, in any form, is a way of expressing the parts of ourselves that get buried under life’s responsibilities. For Ange, painting became her outlet, a place to feel her way back to herself. And for me? It’s writing, it’s dreaming, it’s cooking a meal just because it feels good to do it.
Whether it’s journaling, doodling with your kids, or even planting a garden, creative expression lets you remember that there’s a “you” beyond the endless to-dos.
Being Present Without Losing Yourself
Motherhood is relentless. And when you’re “on” all the time, it’s easy to lose sight of who you are beyond the role. But Ange believes (and I wholeheartedly agree) that reconnecting to your inner self, and practicing little moments of presence, is the secret to finding joy again. She explained that sometimes, reconnecting is as simple as grounding yourself—whether that’s through journaling, taking a barefoot walk, or just watching the waves. It doesn’t have to be grand. Small moments can spark that sense of presence and help you feel more you.
Ange calls this a “return to self.” It’s when you’re not pushing yourself to be more or better, but just to be. It’s where calm lives, even amidst the chaos.
From Function to Fulfillment
So many of us slip into a purely functional mode—keeping everyone fed, bathed, and more or less on schedule. But, as Ange reminded me, motherhood isn’t just about function. It’s about connection, spontaneity, and play. Yes, even when you feel stretched thin, making room for a little play (even if it’s silly) can bring everyone closer and fill you up in ways you didn’t know you needed. Ange talks about wrestling with her kids, playing games, and just letting go—even when it means embarrassing her teens!
Play isn’t just for them; it’s for us too. It’s the part of mothering that feels less like a task and more like a gift.
The Art of Reconnection: Simple Steps to Get Back to You
One of the most beautiful parts of our conversation was hearing Ange’s practices for staying connected to herself, even when motherhood feels like a marathon. Here are some takeaways:
Create a Daily Ritual: Find one small act you can commit to every morning—something that makes you feel you. For Ange, it was journaling. For you, it might be a quiet cup of tea, a walk, or a few deep breaths. It doesn’t have to be long; it just needs to be yours.
Embrace Spontaneity: Allow yourself to say “yes” to moments of joy, even if they don’t fit neatly into the schedule. Creativity doesn’t follow the clock, and sometimes a little spontaneity brings a fresh spark into a long day.
See Progress, However Small: When you’re in a cycle that seems endless, find a way to mark your progress. Ange’s advice? Track the small wins, even if it’s something as mundane as laundry. Yes, even laundry! Small wins are still wins, and they remind you that you’re moving forward.
Connect with the Bigger Picture: Remember that you’re not alone on this journey. Motherhood is a collective experience, and connecting with others—whether through community, friendship, or online spaces—can help you feel seen, supported, and understood.
Ready to Find More Meaning in Your Motherhood?
If this resonates, you’re not alone. Ange’s story is proof that you can find meaning, joy, and connection even when life feels stretched. You don’t need to be a perfect mother; you just need to be you, and show up in a way that fills you.
Join us in The Village—a community for mothers who want more than just survival. Here, we’re reclaiming our joy, our creativity, and our connection to what truly matters.