As women and moms, we carry so much. We juggle careers, homes, children, relationships, and an endless to-do list. Somewhere along the way, many of us start to believe that we have to be everything to everyone—and do it perfectly. I’ve lived this firsthand. I put so much pressure on myself to hold everything together, and in doing so, I lost sight of one very important person: myself.

Over the last year, life has thrown me challenges I never anticipated. I’ve been more misunderstood and judged by those closest to me than ever before. The most painful part? My relationship with my daughter has been strained in ways I could never have imagined. As a mom, that kind of struggle cuts deep—it makes you question everything. And yet, these hardships have taught me some of the most valuable lessons about stepping back, letting go, and prioritizing my own well-being.

The Danger of Carrying It All

For far too long, I held on to things that weren’t fulfilling—whether it was relationships, commitments, or the expectations of others. Why? Because I didn’t want to let anyone down. But in the process, I let myself down. I ignored the signs that my body, mind, and spirit were giving me. I convinced myself that if I just worked harder, sacrificed more, and pushed through, things would get better. Spoiler alert: they didn’t.

The constant pressure we put on ourselves takes a toll. It’s not just mental—it’s physical. Stress manifests in ways we often don’t recognize until we’re forced to face it. For me, it showed up as fatigue, irritability, and a nagging sense of emptiness. It’s no wonder so many moms and women feel like they’re on the brink of burnout. We carry the weight of the world on our shoulders, forgetting that we’re human too.

Lessons From Letting Go

This year, I’ve been learning—sometimes the hard way—that it’s okay to step back. It’s okay to say no. It’s okay to let go of things that no longer serve us, even when it feels uncomfortable.

When my daughter and I began to drift apart, it was devastating. As moms, we want to fix everything, to hold on tight, to protect our children from the world and even from themselves. But sometimes, the best thing we can do is to let go—to trust that the seeds we’ve planted will grow, even if we can’t see the results right now. Letting go doesn’t mean giving up; it means creating space for healing, for growth, and for rediscovering ourselves.

Steps to Reclaim Your Peace

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, misunderstood, or stuck, here are some steps that have been helping me and might help you too:

1. Recognize the Signs of Overload: Pay attention to how your body and mind are reacting. Are you exhausted? Feeling resentful? Lacking joy? These are signals that something needs to change.

2. Evaluate What’s Truly Serving You: Take a hard look at your commitments, relationships, and routines. Are they adding value to your life, or are they draining you? Let go of what’s no longer aligned with your purpose.

3. Learn to Say No Without Guilt: This one is hard, especially if you’re a people-pleaser like I was. But every time you say yes to something that drains you, you’re saying no to yourself. Protect your time and energy.

4. Prioritize Your Well-Being: This doesn’t just mean self-care like bubble baths (although those are great too). It means valuing your mental, emotional, and physical health. Take breaks. Exercise. Pray. Meditate. Whatever fills your cup, do it.

5. Lean Into Support: You’re not meant to do this alone. Whether it’s a trusted friend, a coach, or a supportive community, find people who lift you up and remind you of your worth.

6. Embrace Imperfection: Let go of the idea that you have to be perfect. You’re allowed to make mistakes, to rest, and to not have it all figured out. Grace isn’t just for others; it’s for you too.

Finding Myself Again

This year hasn’t been easy. It’s been filled with moments of doubt, heartbreak, and hard decisions. But it’s also been a year of growth and self-discovery. For the first time, I’ve been putting myself first and learning who I really am—beyond the roles of mom, coach, and everything else I’ve tried to be for everyone else. It’s uncomfortable at times, but it’s also freeing.

If you’re in a similar place, I want you to know you’re not alone. You are enough just as you are, and you don’t have to prove your worth by overextending yourself. Letting go of what no longer serves you isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. And on the other side of that letting go is a stronger, healthier, more fulfilled version of you.

Let’s walk this journey together. If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts or stories. And if you’re ready to take the next step in reclaiming your life, let’s connect—whether through coaching, a discovery call, or simply joining my community. You deserve to prioritize yourself. You deserve to thrive.