Sometimes You’re Pushing, Sometimes You’re Pulling, and Sometimes You Just Need a Ride

I heard something today that really hit home, and honestly — it’s been sitting heavy on my heart ever since.

It was simple, but powerful:
“Sometimes you’re pushing. Sometimes you’re pulling. And sometimes… you just need a ride.”

It’s one of those phrases that stops you in your tracks. Because it’s true in so many seasons of life — especially in motherhood.

When You’re Pushing

There are days when you’re the one pushing. You’re doing everything you can to keep things moving forward — to hold it all together for your family, your work, your home, your people.

You’re the one juggling the school drop-offs, the lunches, the permission slips, the deadlines, the grocery lists, the dentist appointments, and the late-night laundry that somehow always multiplies. You’re exhausted but determined, and even when no one sees how hard you’re pushing — you keep going anyway.

Those days take grit. They take energy you don’t always have but somehow find anyway. They’re the days that remind you how strong you really are, even when you don’t feel it.

When You’re Pulling

Then there are the days when you’re pulling. You’re the one out in front, trying to lead, to guide, to lift others up when they need it. You’re pulling your team, your kids, your friends — maybe even your whole community — through something hard.

You’re encouraging. You’re giving. You’re showing up for people even when your own tank feels low. You’re trying to show the way forward, even when you don’t quite know where it leads.

Those days are full of heart. They’re the moments when your strength becomes someone else’s comfort, and your voice reminds another mom that she’s not alone.

When You Just Need a Ride

And then… There are the days when you just can’t do either.
When you’re not pushing or pulling — you’re just tired.

Maybe you’ve been carrying too much for too long. Maybe your heart is heavy and your mind is spinning. Maybe you’ve been the one holding everything together, and now the weight feels like too much.

Those are the days when you need someone to let you ride.

To step in, to carry you for a bit, to remind you that it’s okay to stop and breathe. That asking for help doesn’t mean weakness. That you don’t always have to be the one doing the heavy lifting.

We all have those days. And if you’re in that season right now — please hear this: you don’t have to earn your rest. You don’t have to prove your strength. You just have to hold on long enough to let your people show up for you.

The Little Red Wagon

That saying has stayed with me all day. And now, I don’t think I’ll ever see a little red wagon the same way again.

Because it’s more than a toy or a childhood memory — it’s a reminder. A reminder of the way we carry each other. The way we show up, take turns, and move forward together.

Sometimes we’re pushing from behind. Sometimes we’re leading from the front. And sometimes we’re just sitting in the wagon, being carried by grace, love, and the people who care about us.

The Heart of Our Community

That’s what I love about this community — about moms here in Cedar Rapids. We show up for each other. We help carry the load when someone’s tired. We drop off meals, share resources, offer rides, lend strollers, and give the kind of support that only another mom can truly understand.

We take turns pushing, pulling, and giving rides.

So if you’re in a season of pushing — keep going.
If you’re leading the way and pulling — thank you.
And if you’re in the wagon right now, rest — you’re safe here.

Because one thing is certain — none of us are meant to do this alone.