Why Rest Matters as a Busy Mom | by Tate Smith, a DFW Newborn Photographer
As a mom, former nurse, photographer, and small business owner, I have a confession:
I struggle to rest.
Not just naps or sleeping in (though those sound amazing, right?). I mean real rest—the kind that lets your heart slow down, your thoughts get quiet, and your soul finally take a breath.
But the truth is… even when I try to pause, I don’t actually stop.
If I’m watching a show, I’ve probably got my laptop open.
If I’m getting my nails done, I’m mentally working through a list of things to do next.
Every moment seems planned, productive, accounted for.
A friend once said to me,
“You don’t let grass grow under your feet.”
We laughed… but those words stuck with me.
And lately, I’ve been thinking about what that really means.
If I’m always moving, always going—how can anything new grow?
Rest Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Lifeline
Let’s be honest: for moms (especially here in the busy DFW area), rest often feels like a luxury we can’t afford. Between school schedules, sports, home life, and work—it’s easy to believe that pausing is selfish or wasteful.
But here’s what I’ve come to realize:
Rest isn’t wasted time—it’s where growth begins.
When I don’t allow room for rest, I don’t allow space for healing.
When every second is scheduled, God doesn’t have room to plant something new.
And when I don’t slow down, He can’t water the things He’s already placed inside me.
What If Rest is Where the Life Happens?
What if we allowed ourselves to stop striving and just be?
Not because everything is done, but because our souls are worth the pause.
God didn’t design us to run non-stop.
He created rhythm. Sabbath. Space. Stillness.
In rest, He meets us.
In quiet, He refreshes us.
In stillness, life begins to grow.
You Are Allowed to Rest
Whether you’re deep in newborn days, chasing toddlers, running a business, or all of the above—this is your gentle reminder (from one busy mama to another):
You are allowed to rest.
You are allowed to pause.
You are allowed to let the grass grow under your feet.
Because when you do…
That’s where healing starts.
That’s where creativity comes back.
That’s where God begins to grow something new in you.
From One Mama to Another
At Tate Smith Photography, I serve families across the Dallas-Fort Worth area who are in the thick of it—those beautifully messy, full-hearted seasons that go by too fast. My hope is that every session offers a little pause… a breath… a moment to just be.
Because you’re growing something sacred.
And that deserves to be remembered.
Looking for a DFW photographer who understands the real, beautiful chaos of motherhood?
Let’s connect. 💛 Contact Me Here
Why Rest Matters as a Busy Mom | by Tate Smith, a DFW Newborn Photographer
Why Rest Matters as a Busy Mom | by Tate Smith, a DFW Newborn Photographer
Everyone who books a session with me gets free access to the Arte of Dressing style guides. I want to make sure that that busy mothers of all stages have flattering, stylish options that photograph beautifully. I want my families to feel stress free as they plan their session. Ready for a session where your family is styled beautifully but with zero stress? Send me a message and we will get started!
Each session was edited with The Archetype Process. I have upgraded to my Sony A7IV. I am loving my 35mm 1.4 Zeiss lens.
I’m Tate. I’m a Dallas based newborn & family photographer and have the joy of raising three babies.
As a former postpartum nurse turned family photographer, I have the unique ability to understand the highs and lows that come with motherhood. I offer family, newborn, and maternity photography. I also offer heirloom and personality portraits for kids. My hope is to help my clients feel beautiful, treasured, and valued for who they are.
Are you ready to have a seamless photography experience without the stress of picking out outfits, locations, and feeling alone? I’ll be there every step of the way to help you style your family, pick out the best location for your family, and walk alongside you so that you are obsessed with your photos. Oh, and I’ll also help you print your photos so that you can hang them all over your house.
You have been given the most precious and wonderful family. Our world is fast paced and rushed. It’s time to slow down and cherish the people in your life. It’s time to treasure them for who they are. It’s time to celebrate the life you’ve created. I’m so grateful that I have the opportunity to partner with you in capturing your favorite people!
Why Rest Matters as a Busy Mom | by Tate Smith, a DFW Newborn Photographer
