"Vocational Maturity: Embracing Growth as a Wife and a Mother"

For the past couple of years, I have been listening to the Abiding Together Podcast, a Catholic podcast primarily tailored for women. Each year, the three hosts choose a “word of the year”—a guiding theme to help them grow and draw closer to God.

As I reflect on my own journey, I realize that my primary vocation at this stage of life is that of a Catholic wife and mother. Having been married for over six years and raising three small children, I want to be intentional about how I navigate this role. This year, I have chosen the phrase "Vocational Maturity" as my guiding theme—learning to embrace my responsibilities with strength, wisdom, and purpose.

Building a Resilient Narrative

Motherhood is filled with unpredictability. Some days begin with a sick child, an unexpected schedule change, or something in the house breaking at the worst possible moment. In those moments, I strive to respond with wisdom and grace, rather than frustration and anger.

One of the key aspects of vocational maturity is developing resilience—reminding myself of the challenges I have already overcome and using them as a source of strength. My immigration journey, three unique birth experiences, and the years of work it took to become a licensed therapist have all shaped me. These experiences remind me that I am capable, adaptable, and equipped to handle what life brings.

Resilience isn’t about ignoring struggles; it’s about choosing a perspective that fosters growth. My thoughts influence my emotions and actions, so instead of reacting impulsively, I want to pause, reflect, and respond in a way that aligns with my values. Maturity means cultivating a positive mindset rather than waiting for one to appear on its own.

Social Media and Self-Worth: A Maturity Check

One of the early realizations in my journey toward vocational maturity is the need to limit social media. Comparison can be a thief of joy, and scrolling through curated glimpses of other moms' lives often leads to feelings of inadequacy.

Maturity means recognizing that my self-worth is intrinsic—it isn’t determined by how the world evaluates my career or motherhood. It is valuable to seek counsel and consider others' perspectives, but at some point, we must take ownership of our decisions and trust our judgment.

I have also come to appreciate the beauty of personal connections over digital ones. Instead of sharing every moment online, I want to prioritize real, meaningful interactions—calling a friend, sending a handwritten note, or sharing a personal update in a more intentional way. Vocational maturity means being present in my own life, rather than constantly seeking validation online.

Embracing the Present Season of Life

Motherhood can sometimes feel like a season of limitations—fewer spontaneous adventures, interrupted sleep, and endless to-do lists. Social media doesn’t help, often making it seem like everyone else is living a more exciting, more fulfilling life.

But who is to say that the pleasure of travel outweighs the joy of watching my children grow? Vocational maturity means recognizing that joy is not found in chasing what others have, but in fully embracing the season I am in.

Rather than allowing comparison to steal my peace, I want to cultivate gratitude for what I have now—the laughter of my children, the small moments of connection, and the privilege of shaping their lives. This season of life is demanding, but it is also profoundly beautiful.

Planning for the Future with Maturity

Another important aspect of vocational maturity is making decisions with my future self in mind. I recently came across a concept shared by Jordan Peterson: envisioning my life decades from now and making choices today that will benefit my future self.

When I imagine myself at 65, I ask: What kind of life do I want to have?

• Do I want to be in good health? Then I need to prioritize rest and movement now.

• Do I want strong relationships? Then I must invest time and care into them today.

• Do I want a deep, unwavering faith? Then I need to nurture my spiritual life consistently.

Maturity means thinking beyond the present moment and making choices that build a future of meaning and fulfillment.

A Year of Growth

As I continue this year of vocational maturity, I want to be intentional about embracing my role as a wife, mother, and therapist with wisdom, strength, and grace. 

This journey is not about perfection but about growth—learning to navigate life with resilience, purpose, and a heart rooted in faith.

If you're seeking support in navigating these roles, I’d be happy to help. Feel free to reach out for a consultation.