I thought becoming a mom would come with built-in community. Playdates, mom groups, shared understanding. But no one warned me about the loneliness—the kind that creeps in even when the house is full of noise.

It’s not that I’m alone. I’m surrounded by little hands and constant needs. But somewhere between the diaper changes, meal prep, and emotional labor, I started missing me—and missing the easy connections I used to have with friends who now feel far away.

What I’ve learned is that this loneliness doesn’t mean I’m doing something wrong. It just means I’m human, craving adult conversation, connection, and the kind of laughter that doesn’t involve potty jokes.

So I’m learning to reach out—even when it feels awkward. I’m learning to text first, to ask for help, to say, “Hey, want to talk?” Because connection isn’t always automatic. Sometimes, it’s something we build—brick by brave brick.

And to any mom who feels the same: I see you. You are not invisible. You are worthy of deep, nourishing connection. Let’s not do this alone.