When motherhood asks you to let go

Jennifer Celeste Briggs always dreamed of being a mom. But when her daughter Sarah was born with special needs, that dream became something entirely different –and far more meaningful. Through years of guilt, love, and growth, Jennifer found her way to a new kind of connection.

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Jennifer spent years trying to fix what wasn’t broken. In this conversation, she shares the life-altering moment she gave herself permission to stop striving and simply love her daughter exactly as she is. What started as an act of surrender became a powerful reimagining of motherhood – and of her own self-worth.

Her story is a reminder that the path we’re handed may not be easy, but it might be exactly the one that teaches us how to show up with presence, grace, and love.

Three things to think about

• The guilt we carry often says more about our expectations than our reality.

• Asking for help is not weakness—it’s a way to expand love.

• You don’t have to wait for transformation to begin before offering yourself compassion.

Two things to ask yourself

• What unspoken “bricks” am I still carrying that I could set down today?

• How can I show up for someone in my life without needing to fix their situation?

One thing to try this week

Write a short note or text to someone who has supported you in a quiet but meaningful way. Tell them what it meant to you.

If Jennifer’s story resonated with you, I’d love to hear what stood out. Just hit reply or share this email with someone who needs to hear it.

With care,

Matt

PS: During a recent long weekend trip, I created a short-form podcast, “It’s Okay If…” Each episode is under three minutes long and provides a permission slip to simply be human. I’d be honored if you subscribed to the show. New episodes are released every Wednesday at noon ET.

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