Maybe It Had to Happen…
I didn’t plan it.
I didn’t sit down one day with a cup of coffee and say, “Let’s start a blog.”
It happened during a time none of us saw coming—a time when the world came to a screeching halt, and we were all forced to stay still. And in that stillness, something quietly began to grow.
Maybe it had to happen that way.
Because honestly, I might never have started if life hadn’t pushed me into pause mode.
Maybe the universe knew I wouldn’t move unless I was nudged.
That I wouldn’t stop long enough to hear what I’d been ignoring for years—the creative chaos bubbling inside me.
Too Comfortable to Change
Before 2020, life was busy.
Motherhood, home, responsibilities—I wore many hats but never really stopped to ask what I wanted for myself.
I was comfortable, but also stuck.
There was always an excuse: “Not now.” “Too tired.” “Maybe someday.”
But then came the pandemic.
The world slowed down.
And suddenly, I had no distractions left—just long days, loud thoughts, and a need to do something beyond just surviving.
Finding My Voice in the Silence
With everyone home and nowhere to go, I found myself writing.
Not perfect essays or polished pieces—just raw thoughts, late-night reflections, half-scribbled stories from the trenches of motherhood.
I started by sharing my scribbles with my younger sister, who had just stepped into motherhood herself. She found them relatable, passed them on to a few of her new-mom friends, and soon she came back to me with an idea I never saw coming: “Why don’t you start a blog?”
The idea of having my own website felt impossible. But her excitement—and my son’s equal enthusiasm, changed everything. He created my first website on a free platform, then shifted it to Wix, and today, MessyMom runs on a self-hosted platform.
Honestly, without their encouragement, I would have never thought of taking this leap.
Because MessyMom was never about being a perfect mom.
It was always about being a real one—
Messy. Honest. Learning on the job.
Over time, this blog became my journal, my therapy, and my little rebellion against the idea that mothers are supposed to have it all figured out.
And if today MessyMom stands tall at 5 years, it’s because of two people who believed in me before I believed in myself—my sister, who gave me the first push, and my son, who built the foundation. This blog is as much theirs as it is mine.
A Blog That Grew With Me
Five years later, MessyMom has grown—but not just in numbers.
It has grown with me.
Through parenting wins and fails, late-night overthinking, quiet joys, and chaotic kitchens.
Through seasons of doubt and bursts of inspiration.
It’s been more than a blog.
It’s been a reminder: that sometimes life’s biggest blessings are hidden in the most unexpected disruptions.
Maybe It Was Mercy in Disguise
Thank You for Being Part of This Journey
If you’re reading this, you’re part of the reason MessyMom is still here.
Whether you’ve been around since the early, unpolished days or just stumbled upon a post that made you feel seen—you matter. Your messages, comments, shares, and silent support have meant more than you know.
This space was born from chaos, but it’s been shaped by connection.
By moms (and non-moms) showing up for each other.
By honesty over perfection.
By the reminder that even in the mess, we are never alone.
So here’s to five years of growing, learning, unlearning, laughing, crying, and blogging anyway.
And here’s to all the messy, magical years to come.
With love,
Anjali
Founder, MessyMom
Throwback to when I celebrated my 100th post… and today I’m already at 154! Grateful for this messy, magical journey.
I don’t know if a beginning can be more truthful than yours. You haven’t done like many do these days, bringing a tree grown elsewhere and replanting to your own garden overnight. Instead you sowed the seed, nurished it, pruned and shaped it with care and love. And here it blossoms today as a collection of your very own, very honest pieces of thoughtful works.
Though you forgot to mention, yet I am sure your other half has done his bit then and now to keep you going.
Keep writing and enjoy doing everything you find passion in.. !
Ah, there it is, the hidden resume finally revealed: co-founder of Messymom (unpaid position, multiple roles: critic, motivator, occasional tech support). Thanks for keeping the soil fertile, partner.