by ALYSIA LYONS
I used to think mindfulness meant sitting cross-legged on the floor, eyes closed, chanting “om” while trying not to think about anything. Honestly, that sounded impossible—and not very practical for a busy mom like me.
My days were filled with school drop-offs, client calls, cooking, laundry, and all the invisible tasks that keep a household running. Where was I supposed to fit in mindfulness?
What I didn't realize at the time was that the truth is, mindfulness is not about clearing your mind—it's about noticing. It's about presence. And sometimes, it sneaks up on you in the smallest, most ordinary moments.
I remember one evening after dinner, walking with my son around our neighborhood. Normally, I'd be replaying my to-do list in my head, but this time I noticed the way his laughter rang out as he described his day, the way the air smelled faintly of jasmine, and the crunch of gravel under our shoes. For the first time all day, I felt my shoulders drop. I felt alive, right there, in that exact moment. That was mindfulness.
Life is busy. Stress is real. And for years, I carried guilt about never doing “enough.” But practicing mindfulness—even imperfectly—taught me that peace doesn't wait until the dishes are done or the inbox is empty. Peace can be found in the pause between breaths, in the softness of your child's hand slipping into yours, in the quiet sip of tea before the day begins.
Mindfulness has also shifted how I respond to challenges. Instead of reacting with the immediate from old wounds or stress, I pause. I breathe. Sometimes, that pause is only two seconds long, but within those two seconds, I find space to choose compassion—both for myself and for others.
The truth is, mindfulness is not another task on the to-do list. It's a gift we give ourselves in the middle of all the tasks. It's the reminder that life is happening right now—not someday when everything is perfect.
If you're curious where to start, try this: the next time you're overwhelmed, take one deep breath and notice three things around you. The sound of a bird, the color of the sky, the rhythm of your heartbeat. That's mindfulness—simple, grounding, and available in every moment.
For me, it's no longer about chasing peace. It's about letting peace find me—right here, in the life I'm already living.
Alysia Lyons is a mom, support coach, and writer. Learn more about Alysia at alysialyons.com