Issue 6: The Myth of Having It All Together: Why Messy Motherhood Wins

|Gill Townsend
issue 6 - the myth of having is all together blog post cover

Welcome back to No Filter Fridays

Where the coffee’s strong, the boundaries are getting stronger, and we’re learning to say “no” without writing a three-paragraph apology afterward.

This week is about one of the biggest myths we’ve been sold — and the four words that undo even the most confident mum, leader, or human:

“She’s got it together.”


The Pressure of the “Perfect Mum” Myth

We’ve all seen it online. The Instagram feed where every lunchbox has star-shaped sandwiches, every birthday party looks Pinterest-worthy, and every child is smiling in coordinated outfits.

And then there’s real life: the school note you forgot to sign, the washing basket that’s more like a mountain range, the dinner that somehow ends up being cereal… again.

The truth? Nobody has it all together in every area of life.


The Reality Behind the Highlight Reel

This week alone I:

  • Navigated the drama of returning a “brand new” mini PC that turned out not to have Bluetooth (despite the box saying otherwise) — and bought a new one that actually works.

  • Labelled all my travel items ready for my upcoming Europe and Singapore trip, because nothing screams chaos like five black chargers in the same bag.

  • Started piecing together my travel capsule wardrobe (spoiler: it’s not about fashion week, it’s about fitting four weeks of clothes into one suitcase).

  • Released my new The Matriarch Mix Mug range — for the legendary older ladies in our lives who are still living it large.

Not exactly “perfect mum” material, but it’s progress, it’s creative, and it’s mine. That’s my version of “together.”


Why the Myth of Perfection is Harmful

The problem with the “got it together” myth is that it creates impossible standards. It tricks us into comparing ourselves with curated versions of other people’s lives.

But balance doesn’t mean equal. It means putting energy where it’s needed most right now — whether that’s home, work, or simply getting through the week in survival mode.


Redefining What “Together” Really Means

Instead of chasing perfection, I’m choosing presence:

  • Being there for the bedtime conversation.

  • Owning both the wins and the stumbles.

  • Choosing connection over comparison.

Because messy is still magical.


Your Turn

What’s your version of “not having it all together” this week? Share it in the comments or stick it on your fridge. Let’s normalise imperfection and celebrate the truth that nobody is perfect.


Loved This?


Check Out The Matriarch Mix

Inspired by the women who prove that life doesn’t slow down with age, The Matriarch Mix is my new mug range for the bold, brilliant older ladies still living it large.

Whether it’s for your mum, your gran, or the friend who refuses to fade quietly into the background, these mugs celebrate resilience, humour, and unapologetic style.

👉 Explore The Matriarch Mix collection


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