Daily Deals from a Nerd Mom

Navigating Life 🎮 One Nerdy Adventure at a Time

The Kind of Strength You Don’t Brag About

2–3 minutes

There is a kind of strength that doesn’t look loud or polished.
It looks like showing up anyway.

Showing Up When Life Feels Heavy

It looks like caring for the people you love while juggling your own worries. It looks like finding normal in days that feel anything but. It looks like doing what needs to be done, even when no one is clapping.

This is the kind of strength I’ve been living with lately.

Wearing Many Hats Without a Manual

I am a mom. A caregiver. A wife. A nerd at heart. And like many women, I wear a lot of hats that don’t come with instructions or breaks. Some days feel productive and hopeful. Other days feel heavy and unfinished. Both count.

Life has not been particularly gentle lately, but it has taught me something important. You do not need to have everything figured out to be doing your best.

Photo by Lisa from Pexels

Progress Does Not Always Look Like Forward Motion

I’ve learned that progress does not always look like forward motion. Sometimes it looks like rest. Sometimes it looks like survival. Sometimes it looks like laughing at something ridiculous when everything else feels serious.

And sometimes it looks like sitting down at a keyboard, even when you are tired, because telling your story still matters.

Finding Joy in Small, Nerdy Ways

Being a “nerd mom” means I find joy where I can. In games. In stories. In routines. In small wins that other people might overlook. It means I appreciate the comfort of familiar worlds when real life feels unpredictable. It means I believe curiosity and creativity are not things you grow out of.

They are things that keep you going.

Photo by Mohamed hamdi

What I’m Proud Of Right Now

I am proud of my kids. I am proud of the way they are growing into themselves. I am proud of how much love exists in our family, even when circumstances are hard. I am proud of the fact that we keep adapting.

And I am proud of myself, too, even on the days I forget to say that out loud.

A Reminder for Anyone Who Needs It

This space exists as a reminder. A reminder that real life does not need to be curated to be meaningful. A reminder that showing up imperfectly is still showing up. A reminder that you are allowed to move at your own pace.

If you’re reading this and feeling behind, overwhelmed, or stretched thin, you are not alone. You are not failing. You are living.

And that is more than enough.

Photo by brittany

This space is about real life, quiet strength, and finding meaning in everyday moments.


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16 responses to “The Kind of Strength You Don’t Brag About”

  1. I love this! I am a nerd mom as well. It’s the best. I am also proud of my kids. They are fabulous and thriving in college.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I love that! Being a nerd mom really is the best, and it’s wonderful to hear your kids are thriving in college. You’ve raised some amazing people!

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  2. I consider myself a nerd or geeky mom too. Love my games and technology esp social media. I love connecting with others. This has been a very hard year. But I’m proud that I kept going when it would have been easier to give up. I worked full time one handed for like 3 months. I’m thankful my job accommodated me breaking my arm. As a single mom, I’m dependent on my income. Then I replaced my home ac unit, car battery, alternator and starter. All big expenses but I’m thankful at the end of the day that I was able to pay cash and not rack up debt.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Wow, you’ve handled so much this past year, and it’s inspiring to hear how you kept going despite the challenges. I love that you’re embracing your nerdy side while navigating life’s ups and downs. Being able to handle those big expenses without going into debt is a huge accomplishment – truly a quiet kind of strength.

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  3. Natasha Mairs - Serenity You Avatar
    Natasha Mairs – Serenity You

    Such a great post. Sometimes progress for me, is just getting out of bed and getting dressed.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I hear you. Progress isn’t always dramatic – it often comes in these quiet, everyday victories. You’re doing more than you realize.

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  4. Women wear many hats and it takes a lot out of us. Rest is important, we need to remember this and take time for ourselves.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. So true. Wearing many hats can be exhausting, and rest isn’t a luxury – it’s necessary. I’m glad you highlighted this.

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  5. Great post 💯

    I sincerely wish you a blessed new year. May it be filled with health, hope, love, and success. God bless you. Warmest regards from Spain.
    🎄🎁🫂🌎🇪🇸

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much! Wishing you a blessed and joyful new year as well. Sending warm regards all the way to Spain! 🎄💛

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  6. I like the idea that progress does not always look like forward motion. Often, we take several actions that advance us, but we need to have a period of rest to incorporate what we’ve learned.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I love how you put that. Growth isn’t just about moving forward—it’s also about pausing, reflecting, and letting what we’ve done truly sink in.

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  7. Jess, thank you for this thoughtful reflective and inspiring post! Makes me look at the things we can all be quietly proud of

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much! I love that perspective—quietly celebrating the things we’re proud of can be so grounding and uplifting.

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  8. thepurplesecretary Avatar
    thepurplesecretary

    Thank you for reminding me that we can move at our own pace. Life hasn’t been gentle on my part too and it’s quite overwhelming already. It is nice to know that I am not alone in this journey.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you for sharing this. Life can definitely feel overwhelming at times, and it’s so important to remember that moving at your own pace is okay. You’re not alone, and taking small steps can make a big difference.

      Like

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