How I Stopped Drowning in Life and Found Balance
Work-Life Balance Isn’t Just a Goal—It’s a Gift I Give to My Family.
Every step by the beach, every laugh, and every moment unplugged reminds me why balance matters.
This is my purpose, my home, my reason to prioritize what really counts.
How I Stopped Drowning in Life and Found Balance
(Hint: It’s Not About Doing It All)
Let’s be real: work-life balance sounds great in theory, but for many of us, it’s like chasing a unicorn—magical, elusive, and probably a little made-up. For years, I thought I could do it all. I was a young mom with a less-than-zen home life, and I decided I was going to crush it anyway.
My plan?
Be the best mom: present, patient, and Pinterest-worthy.
Be the best employee: dependable, on time, and borderline psychic about deadlines.
Run the tightest ship at home: spotless house, color-coded grocery lists, laundry done AND folded in under 3 hours (because that’s totally normal, right?).
Spoiler alert: I was drowning.
I’d collapse at night feeling like I failed everyone—especially myself. At work, my focus was somewhere between “meh” and “what’s a focus?”
At home, my to-do list was longer than my patience….
So, what changed?
I finally realized that by not setting boundaries and standards for myself, I was holding myself back from thriving
Here’s what I did:
1. I Unplugged and Got Real About Rest
No one tells you how liberating it is to say, “You know what? This email can wait.” I carved out time to go offline. For me, that means my son and I cuddle up and watch one of our favorite shows. It’s sacred. It’s simple. And guess what? The world keeps turning.
2. I Made Movement a Priority
Exercise isn’t just for fitness influencers with perfect ponytails. It’s for sanity. I committed to walking, running, or doing something active 2–4 times a week. My accountability partner? My son. We keep each other motivated (and he’s really good at reminding me when I’m slacking).
3. I Learned to Communicate (Instead of Imploding)
If life throws a curveball and my routine gets disrupted, I don’t panic. I don’t ghost my responsibilities. I communicate. (Revolutionary, right?) If I need to plug back into work during "me time," I let the people around me know.
Turns out, being honest works.
Working on this every day: the art of reading the room. For those of us with ADHD, it can be so easy to walk in and take up space without thinking—but self-awareness is the game changer.
4. I Became a Morning Person (Kind Of)
Waking up early isn’t my favorite thing, but it’s effective. Mornings are quiet, and they give me a head start. Even if it’s just sipping coffee while no one talks to me, it feels like a win.
5. I Template My Time—But Stay Flexible
I treat “me time” like it’s a meeting with a VIP—because it is. I schedule it, test it, and protect it. But here’s the thing: if the routine doesn’t work, that’s okay. Instead of doubling down on something that clearly isn’t clicking, I create a new routine. Routines are meant to serve you, not stress you out. It’s like trying on jeans—sometimes you just need a better fit.
6. I Journal (Even When It Feels Cheesy)
There’s something magical about dumping your thoughts onto paper. Journaling has helped me process emotions, reflect on wins (and fails), and give myself permission to not have it all together.
Real Talk: Balance Isn’t a Destination
If you’re expecting a perfect system where everything magically aligns, here’s the truth: that’s not real life. Balance is about showing up for yourself, finding what works, and forgiving yourself when it doesn’t.
It’s okay if the laundry sits there for a day (or five). It’s okay if you order takeout instead of making the “perfect” dinner. And it’s absolutely okay to change the plan when the current one isn’t working. Progress over perfection, always.
So, if you’re feeling like you’re drowning, take a deep breath. Start small. Set boundaries. Unplug. Test the routine. And if it’s not working? Scrap it and try again. You’re human, not a robot—and that’s your superpower.
