Every week, our community of mamas receive one question in their inbox.

The answers aren’t advice, they’re lived experiences. Honest reflections from women navigating motherhood in all its beauty, complexity and contradiction.

This week we asked: What are you proud of yourself for that no one else sees?

The responses below have been shared by members of the Pass It On Mamas community. Some are anonymous, some are signed. Together, they become part of our growing archive of maternal wisdom.

“As I sit here reflecting, I realise there is actually an abundance of things I’m proud of that I haven’t yet taken the time to celebrate. I’m proud of the widening of my capacity. I’m proud of my determination and my softness. I’m proud of my integrity. But perhaps the thing that is least visible is my self-compassion. The grace I’ve given myself as I navigate this new season of life and all that it has asked me to learn. As well as the willingness to surrender to the unknown and to trust that I don’t need to have it all figured out yet, which is something pre-baby I struggled with.”

– Brianna, Brisbane, mother of newborn

“I look back at where I came from and then consider the woman and mother I am today and feel immensely proud of what I’ve overcome. My children will have a totally different youth to what I had and to protect them from that I’ve had to do a lot of self work.”

– Anonymous

“I’m incredibly proud of myself for having the courage to stand up for both my children and myself. At times, that has meant setting difficult boundaries with close family members and choosing to distance myself and my children from people whose presence is toxic or harmful. It hasn’t always been easy, especially when others don’t agree with my decisions or choose to make excuses for the words and actions of those who have hurt us. But I’m proud that I have remained steadfast in my choices and haven’t allowed the opinions or pressures of others to make me question what I know is right. Ultimately, I know my children deserve a life surrounded by love, respect, safety and healthy relationships — and I deserve that too. Choosing to protect our peace isn’t selfish; it’s one of the strongest and most loving things I can do for myself and for my children.”

– Anonymous

“That I’ve maintained my mental health this postpartum (I have a 4 month old and a 22 month old). My first postpartum I had PPD and PPA (and a very unsettled baby which definitely contributed). This postpartum I know it all passes quickly (and I’m lucky enough to have a very settled easy baby this time) so I feel like I’ve been really able to soak in the alone time I get with my baby, when I do get that time. I also still prioritise myself by going to the gym and walking daily, and I’m proud of making that the essential part of my day and something my kids enjoy too with the creche!”

– Laura, Matcham, mother of 2 under 2

“Sticking to my truth and what works for me. Not what the world says, not what social media says, not what other mums say.. but allowing myself to be 100% myself and doing what works and what’s best for me and my family 🤍”

– Kayla, Sunshine Coast, mother of toddler

“I remain calm when my son throws a tantrum.”

– Anonymous

“For me, I’m proud of myself for choosing a different path for my family. Some of those choices have been hard choices, but, like I always say: choose your hard. Since becoming a mother four years ago, motherhood has made me confront things I might otherwise have avoided and challenged my perspective in so many ways. At times, that has meant going against the grain and trusting myself enough to take a different path. Motherhood has brought me to my knees, but I’m proud that I’m still standing – and that I continue to choose to live authentically.”

– Sheri, Sunshine Coast, mother of 2

“The sacrifices I made to give them the life they deserved.”

– Kath, Mid North Coast, grandmother

Pass It On Mamas exists to preserve, honour and share maternal wisdom of mothers from all seasons.