The Juggle Struggle

Busyness is a reality, overwhelm is a choice.

As women, we often find that we never finish our to do list. We hold so much in our heads—managing tasks, remembering appointments, and keeping everything running smoothly. It’s easy for our own needs to fall to the bottom of the list. But here's a reminder: busyness is a reality, overwhelm is a choice.

"What are you not going to do?”

We need to accept the concept of time. If you choose to do one thing, you are not going to do something else. How many of us feel guilty for putting ourselves first, even when we’re close to burning out? We often believe that if we don’t keep going, everything will fall apart. But remember, if you go down, everyone goes down. We can’t keep pouring from an empty cup.

“Choose Discomfort Over Resentment." Brene Brown

Sometimes you need to say no - nicely. If we can't add value to something, it's okay to step back. Time is limited, and it’s perfectly fine to focus on where we make the most impact and delegate the rest. Choosing where to put our energy means letting go of what drains us or doesn't serve us.

"I Know You Can Do More, But Can You Do Less?” Judith Hanson Lasater

It's tempting to step in and solve everyone else's problems. We often feel responsible for everyone’s happiness, but what if we didn’t? What if we gave others the chance to learn? Children especially need to be given the chance to do things for themselves as they get older. We also need to model the behaviour we want them to adopt - and that means showing them not to take everything on.Overcommitting only leads to overwhelm and exhaustion.

Rest Is Not Wasteful—It’s Essential

Rest isn't an indulgence; it's a necessity. Sometimes, the most productive thing we can do is pause and recharge. It’s often in those quiet moments—like when you’re in the shower—that creativity and clarity emerge. Our minds need space to spark ideas and find solutions.

So, before you add another task to your to-do list, ask yourself: "Will this matter in 5 minutes, 5 months, or 5 years?" Your needs are important, too. Let’s not lose ourselves in the never-ending to-do list.