SALT LAKE CITY — In June I ran my third Wasatch Back, my seventh Ragnar Relay. I trained for several months knowing the difficulty of each of my three assigned legs.

My first run of the race was 7 miles down the back of Avon Pass. The road was dirt, and there were loose rocks, potholes and gravel, making it even more difficult to traverse.

As I ran down the steep hill, I had to pay close attention to where I was placing my next step so I didn't twist an ankle or go flying to the ground. Parts of the hill were quite treacherous and made me especially nervous. As I made my way down that very steep hill, at one point I took a second to look up.

What I found was breathtaking.

The view was gorgeous. There were green rolling hills down in a valley spotted with houses and farms. I could see for miles. My attention was soon needed back on the dirt hill I was running down, but I realized something in that brief moment.

Motherhood is often just like that steep hill. It is treacherous, it is fast and it is extremely difficult. However, sometimes, you need to take a moment and look up. You need to enjoy the vistas before you and appreciate that there is something amazing to see.

Here are five ways we can remember to look up when motherhood becomes arduous.

1. Find the humor

The bowl of Cheerios that was just dumped on the kitchen floor five minutes after you mopped may be frustrating, but the toddler who did it is probably more than a little cute. Laugh at the moment, you will always be able to mop the floor again.

2. Find the beauty

Just like the gorgeous vistas I saw during the race, there are gorgeous moments in motherhood. Watching your children play together or spending some quiet time with your child can be breathtaking. Take a moment to enjoy their hugs and snuggles — even if it means putting off mopping the floor.

3. Enjoy the moment

The moment when I looked up while I was running down the hill was a quick glimpse, but something I can still picture in my mind. When you find a moment like that in motherhood, enjoy every second. Then, when you are having a bad day, you have a glimpse of the good times always in your mind to draw on.

4. Remember that 'this, too, shall pass'

There is no doubt that motherhood is grueling in its requirements. While it seems to be never-ending, you will soon find yourself saying goodbye to your children and sending them out into the world. Whatever struggle you are currently having will eventually pass. If you forget to look up, you may miss out on some amazing moments in the midst of your adversity.

5. Take a break

For me, running is my break away from motherhood. It is time alone and time to just be me. Every mother needs those breaks, those moments away to remember who she is and what she loves about life. Don't forget to take a break, and when you find yourself knee-deep in laundry it won't seem so overwhelming.

The next time you find yourself traversing the dirt hill of motherhood and find it riddled with rocks and potholes, don't forget to look up. There might be something worth seeing.

Stacey Meservy is the founder of HappppyMom.com and the creator of the 4 P's of a Happppy Mom. Stacey developed this strategy designed to help mothers find happiness despite the challenge of motherhood.

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