Mommy Finger, Baby Finger

This month, I turned 33.
And honestly? Life looks nothing like I expected it to.

I’ve been in the job market, like so many others, applying one role at a time, sending one message at a time, taking one brave conversation at a time. It’s discouraging sometimes. I’ve spent years in communications and brand marketing, telling stories that move people and building work I’m proud of. But lately, I’m just trying to stay grounded through the unknown.

And outside of the job search, life doesn’t pause. Right now, my grandmother is in hospice. And truthfully, I don’t know what to expect next—emotionally, logistically, or spiritually. It’s a lot. And it’s giving me the opportunity to practice what I learned in therapy: how to hold space for both grief and hope.

Some people have asked, “What’s your plan?”
What if I don’t have one right now?
What if my plan is simply to show up each day, take it step by step, and trust that the next chapter will reveal itself when I’m ready for it?
Maybe that’s the plan for now.

Today, I’m really grateful for the time in my mid-20s when I was unemployed, uncertain, and wrestling with identity. That season taught me something I carry with me now: my worth isn’t in my job title. That truth is what’s keeping me grounded today.

That’s why this year, I decided to run for Super Mom (The Ultimate Mom Competition Celebrating Motherhood Like Never Before—yes, it’s real!),
not because I feel like I have it all together, but because I don’t. Because I’m still here. Still fighting for peace, for joy, for my daughter, for a future that feels stable and whole. And if my story can help even one mom feel seen, it’s worth it. The first cut is this Thursday the 17th of April at 7PM PDT, and I’d be so grateful for your vote if you believe in the importance of moms who show up even when things aren’t perfect. Please take a moment to cast your vote here.

I don’t always feel like Super Mom, but recently, I couldn’t stop smiling when my daughter was playing a fashion game on Roblox. The theme was “dress up as your role model.” And she created me.
That moment was a reminder that even when I feel like I’m not doing enough, she sees me, and she sees love. Lately, I’ve been enjoying simple joys like playing softball with her in the evenings. And just now—right as I looked up from typing this—she looked at me, smiled, and waved. It reminded me that even when everything feels uncertain, love shows up in the smallest ways.

So, here’s to 33. To the hard stuff we don’t post often. To the hope that won’t quit. And to showing up in the middle of the unknown one step at a time.

Thanks for being here.
—Jeannette

Let’s connect! Find me on IG: @_mujerdepalabras 💛