September 17, 2025
Self-Help / Non-Fiction
Date Published: 08-26-2025
If you’ve ever felt like parts of you went quiet in the background — your voice, your creativity, your dreams — Mom Take Center Stage is your invitation to rise.
This empowering guide invites you to stop shrinking and start shining.
With raw honesty and hard-won wisdom, Satya V. Nauth helps you reclaim your power, purpose, and presence — unapologetically.
You’ll learn how to:
Break cycles of self-abandonment and burnout
Release perfectionism and reconnect with your wholeness
Embrace your identity beyond the roles you carry
Live boldly, confidently, and without apology
Step into the spotlight of your own life — fully alive
This isn’t a book about balance.
It’s a book about becoming whole again.
Because the world doesn’t need a perfect mom.
It needs you — rooted, radiant, and real.
Chapter 1
Winning over
the Greatest Critic
Loving yourself isn’t vanity. It’s sanity
—Katrina Mayer
I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror the other day—hair unkempt, eyes tired, and a familiar voice in my head whispering, Not enough. It wasn’t my spouse, my friends, my in-laws, or anyone else criticizing me. It
was me. And isn’t that always the case? Your greatest critic isn’t someone else. It’s you. No one can tear you down like you can. Why is that? Because no
one knows you better than you. So when
you err—as you will because you are human—you tend to communicate your displeasure and replay those thoughts on
repeat in your mind.
Have you ever had a song stuck in your head, playing over and over
until it drives you crazy? Right now, there’s a tune from my workout playlist that I can’t seem to shake. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? Now imagine if, instead of a song, it was a loop of negative,
self-defeating thoughts hammering away in your mind. If someone else spoke to
you that way, you’d be outraged. Yet we tolerate this from ourselves every day.
Motherhood can challenge any woman because it changes everything: our bodies, our emotions, our
mindset, even our aspirations. Childbirth leaves its mark, and for many of us,
the physical changes can feel like a heavy toll. The hips widen, the hormones
spiral, metabolism morphs into a monstrous sloth-like creature. Don’t even get me started on the good and bad “wolf” inside us that changes our emotions on a dime. And let’s be real: The pooch is here. In essence, it’s a badge of honor, a reminder that we carried life within us for nine
straight months, giving our all to nourish the human we conceived. For those
who’ve mastered the pooch acceptance, kudos to you. But for the rest of us?
Let’s start embracing it for what it is: a symbol of strength and
sacrifice. The journey back to yourself starts with one thing: love. Not love
for your spouse, your kids, or your friends, though all of those things matter.
I’m talking about self-love, the kind we rarely prioritize.
Self-love is not an easy endeavor. We’re our own harshest critic, constantly finding fault in our appearance,
our decisions, and the way we handle life. Compliments from others? They’re no match for the voice we hear when we look in the mirror. That
internal scolding is the omnipotent power that rules our minds, hearts, and
lives. Starting today, though, I challenge you to change the message your inner
dialogue is sending.
Your Body, Your Naos: A Sacred Space
I used to think of self-care as a luxury—something that came after I had taken care of everything and everyone
else. But over time, I realized that neglecting myself was not noble; it was
destructive. My body, my mind, and my spirit suffered as a result. Then I came
across a word that shifted my entire perspective: naos.
In ancient Greek, naos means “temple,” but not just any temple. It refers to the inner sanctuary, the most sacred place in a
place of worship. The part that is revered, protected, and honored above all
else. That struck me. Because if we only have one body, one vessel to carry us
through this life, shouldn’t we treat it with the same level of respect as a sacred temple?
I’m sure you pour your energy endlessly into others, but what if you saw
yourself as a naos—something precious, something worth tending to with care and intention?
Just as you work to be mentally strong, you also owe it to yourself to be
physically and emotionally strong. That might mean you need to transform your
perspective on strength. Instead of martyrdom and sacrifice being what you
attribute to inner strength, see strength as vitality, endurance, and the
ability to show up fully for the life you are building.
Eye Contact: The Power of Connection
When was the last time you looked yourself in the eye—without makeup, without filters, without judgement. What did you see?
The eyes are often said to be windows to the soul, but for many of us, it’s hard to look so directly at ourselves, especially after the changes
motherhood brings. Avoiding eye contact, whether with others or when facing
your reflection in the mirror, can be a sign that self-love is a challenge. But
recognizing your avoidance is the first step toward overcoming it.
Here’s a daily practice to help you remember your strength, your worth, and
who you really are: Stand in front of a mirror, look into your eyes, and say
something kind to yourself. Yes, it might feel awkward at first. But over time,
you’ll start to believe it. The simple act of meeting your gaze with
kindness can shift your mindset in profound ways. The truth is, you matter. You
are beautiful and enough just as you are right now, in this moment. So take a chance on
yourself. Give yourself the love you hope to receive from others and yourself.
Beyond the Surface
As moms, we pour so much of ourselves into others that our own cups
often runneth dry. Physical and mental self-care should go beyond occasional
indulgences. They should be a foundation for strength, resilience, and
well-being. We have one body, one mind. Just like a car that needs regular
maintenance to perform at its best, we need intentional care to thrive.
Physical Self-Care: Vitality over Vanity
Physical self-care isn’t about trying to have an ageless face, a perfect body, or the most
expensive spa treatment. It’s about vitality. It’s about honoring the vessel (our naos) that carries you through life.
We often focus on the outward appearance, but true physical self-care begins
from within. Start by nourishing your body with wholesome food, moving it with
intention, and prioritizing rest. Your body is designed to carry you through
long days, but it needs fuel, movement, and restoration to continue performing
at its best.
How often do you listen to your body when it’s telling you it’s tired, or when it craves fresh air or a healthy meal? Sometimes
self-care looks like saying no to the things that drain you and yes to the
things that recharge your energy—whether it’s a ten-minute walk outside, taking a restorative nap, or making time
for a workout that challenges you.
Consider how movement can become an act of self-love. Don’t see it as simply burning calories or trying to fit into a certain
size. Aim to feel strong, capable, and energized. Whether it’s yoga, dancing to your favorite song, or lifting weights, find a way
to move that makes your body feel powerful and alive.
Style Rituals: Confidence in the Details
Embodying a unique sense of style after having kids takes a lot more
time and effort. It’s easy to skip, but the way you care for yourself directly impacts how
you feel about yourself. That feeling of washing your face, styling your hair,
or putting on an outfit that makes you feel good is a signal to yourself that
you matter.
For me, it’s high heels. Just shy of five foot three, wearing heels makes me feel
confident and bold. I can walk into any room, head held high, and hold my own.
I’m not trying to impress anyone else; I simply love how the heels make
me feel. What gives you that sassy flare, that extra enthusiasm, that tilt in
your hips when you walk? For me, a fiery-red lipstick is a tool of empowerment.
On tough days, I challenge myself to get up, get dressed, and put on my best
shoes. The higher the heel, the better. And you know what? It works.
Find the style ritual that makes you feel like the best version of
yourself. Whether it’s a bold lipstick, a favorite outfit, or a particular accessory, it’s about connecting with the woman inside who is strong, confident, and
ready to conquer whatever comes her way.
REFLECTIONS
1.
Be Aware of Eye Contact: Start each day by standing in front of a mirror and making eye contact
with yourself. Say something kind, affirming your worth and power. This simple
act of self-connection can shift your mindset and strengthen your inner
dialogue.
Action Step: Each morning, take thirty seconds to lock eyes with your reflection
and speak words of kindness to yourself. Feel the power of your own gaze.
2.
Prioritize Physical and Mental Self-Care: Your body and mind are the foundation of everything you do. Remember,
you only have one body, so treat it like a naos (your sacred sanctuary).
Prioritize rituals that support both physical and mental health. In doing so,
you are nurturing your vitality and well-being.
Action Step: Dedicate time to intentional physical care, whether it’s a short walk, stretching, or setting intentions for your day. Combine
this with a mental health practice, such as journaling or visualization, to
feel grounded and ready.
3.
Establish Style Rituals: The way you care for yourself impacts how you feel. Style rituals—whether it’s your signature lipstick, the outfit that makes you feel powerful, or
the shoes that give you confidence—are a form of self-respect. These rituals are more than appearance;
they signal to yourself that you are worthy and capable.
Action Step: Find one ritual that makes you feel empowered and commit to it each
day. Whether it’s styling your hair, applying your favorite lipstick, or wearing your
go-to heels, let this ritual be your reminder of your strength and confidence.
4.
Embrace the Journey to Self-Love: Winning over your harshest critic (yourself) requires daily practices
that prioritize self-love and connection. Change happens when we commit to
habits that nurture our well-being, mind, and spirit.
Action Step: Choose one new habit from this chapter to implement each day. Be
consistent, and remind yourself that you are enough—just as you are. The journey back to yourself starts today.
TAKEAWAYS
·
You are not your harshest thoughts. You are the voice that can replace
them.
·
Your body is not a burden. It is a sacred space, your naos, worthy of
care and reverence.
·
The mirror doesn’t reflect flaws; it reflects a woman who keeps showing up. That’s power!
·
Caring for yourself physically boosts vitality. Strength is your
birthright, not a bonus.
·
Style rituals aren’t superficial. They’re daily reminders that you matter, that you deserve to feel good.
·
Self-love is not a luxury. It is a necessity, a discipline, and a daily
practice.
·
The journey to loving yourself starts with awareness, but it blooms
through action.
She lives in Florida with her family, where life is full, vibrant, and always a little messy—in the best way.
Mom Take Center Stage is her debut book—and the beginning of a movement.
https://mybook.to/MomTakeCenterStage
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