Reframing “I can’t” to “how can I?”

How many times have you told yourself "I can't because....."

“I can't exercise because I have no one to watch the kids”

“I can't catch up with friends - it's too hard to take the kids with me”

“I can't afford to join a gym”

“I can't work on my own business or go back to work - it’s impossible to juggle childcare”

These thoughts are valid. They come from a place of overwhelm, exhaustion, and a deep desire for support that’s not always available. When our needs go unmet—when we feel invisible, disconnected, or stretched too thin—it’s easy to feel stuck.

I’ve been there, many times, in different seasons of motherhood.

It’s not always about mindset. Sometimes it’s about capacity. But when we’re in a place to explore possibilities, a small shift in language can open up new ways of thinking.

What if instead of “I can’t,” we gently asked: “How can I?”

It’s a soft reframe—not to push ourselves harder, but to explore small, compassionate ways forward.

How can I move my body with the kids around?

Maybe a walk with the pram. Kicking a ball in the backyard. Joining a mums & bubs class. Free online yoga during nap time. Nothing perfect, just something gentle.

How can I connect with my friends?

A playground catch-up. A walk-and-talk. Takeaway coffee on a park bench while the kids play. Connection doesn’t need to be fancy—just real.

How can I honour my own goals or creative energy alongside mothering?

Perhaps one small step at a time. A single focused goal. Asking for help. Swapping care with a friend. Saying yes to the village when it’s offered—or slowly starting to build one.

These aren't solutions for every situation, but gentle invitations to explore new ways of meeting your own needs—for movement, connection, purpose, or rest. Tiny shifts that refill your emotional cup, bit by bit.