In this installment of The Mindset Tapestry’s Featuring Mama Series, we are thrilled to feature Holly Moscatiello, founder of The Balance Project. As a mother, a mental wellness advocate, and a changemaker, Holly is helping communities rethink how we live in an increasingly digital world—starting with her own family and extending to schools, families, and entire communities. Her mission is deeply personal, powerfully timely, and rooted in her journey through both motherhood and mindful leadership.
What are you building with The Balance Project? What is the vision you have and how are you carrying it out? How does this tie into your journey with motherhood?
At the heart of it, The Balance Project is about helping people experience their real lives to the fullest extent possible. In a world where we are spending more time on screens than ever before, we are aiming to give individuals, families, schools and communities the tools and support they need to bring life and tech into harmony for a life fully lived.
Over the past 35 years, our world has completely changed. We went from spending 0% of our time on the internet to over 75% of our waking hours online. This shift happened to us. And we are now just beginning to understand on a macro scale what the implications of this shift are to our society, our mental health and to our kids’ development (hint: it's not great!).
After learning the facts and the details around this complicated and layered topic, I felt that I had to do something – not only for my kids, but for the broader collective. Much like many elder millennial parents, I’m doing ALL OF THE THINGS in an attempt to set my kids up for a happy, fulfilled life. I simply refuse to let this outside influence take that away from them and that is what keeps me going!
Can you share how your mindset plays a role in both motherhood and as founder of The Balance Project? How do you manage to establish a mindset of confidence and resilience as you manage the ups and downs of these roles?
It is true what they say: there are some days that are super wonderful & amazing and some days that are very, very difficult.
“Life/tech balance” is such a tricky topic to navigate and there are so, so SO many layers to it. Because of this, it can trigger a wide variety of emotions from people. I was eyes-wide-open to this when beginning and we have done our best to create the safest, most welcoming experience possible with this in mind.
But, even with that awareness and approach, things don’t always go according to plan and the intent of the message is not always received and that can get me down.
That said, when those “down” moments happen, I focus on re-grounding myself in my intentions and focus on the beautiful community we’ve created and the meaningful impact that we’re making, one person at a time. And of course, resolve to keep going, one step at a time!
Featuring Mama is all about shining a light on women who are paving the way for future generations, breaking cycles, and contributing positively to the world our kids will one day lead. What is your greatest hope for future generations and how does The Balance Project play a part in that?
My hope for future generations is that they are firmly grounded in experiencing the beauty and pain of their one precious life. I hope that they see technology as a tool to support their real lives vs. as a replacement and/or a coping mechanism to avoid it.
I hope The Balance Project can help families, schools and communities have this conversation and take action to swing the life/tech pendulum back to the center – and to keep it there for generations to come!
Follow Holly and The Balance Project to learn more about building healthier relationships with technology and reclaiming the fullness of real life.