Balance Starts With a Full Cup

The ever-elusive life balance.  Does it even exist?

Life balance is about managing your time and energy for the things that matter most, for the things that bring you joy.  And for many modern moms, life can feel very out of balance.

We’re putting everyone else first, and still feel guilty that we’re not doing “enough”.  Modern life is fast-paced, our mental load is overwhelming, and we’re always trying to think about ten steps ahead - worrying about the future.  All of this can lead to mom-guilt, overwhelm, anxiety, and burnout. 

But what if we decided to try putting ourselves first?

It sounds selfish.  It sounds counter-intuitive.  Who has the time for that?

But yet, we all know what needs to happen in the event of an air emergency - we are told to put on our oxygen masks first, before assisting others. 

Do we practice this life-saving skill in our daily lives? 

As moms, we are trying to be superheroes (and we most certainly are!).  But we are expecting supernatural performance, without providing the fuel required. 

As much as we may argue and try to deny this – we have needs too.

The need to fill our bodies with nutrients, to strengthen and stretch our muscles, to allow ourselves time to rest, to have space to laugh and be creative, to have adult connection and conversation, and to have some time for peace and quiet. 

Wonder Woman most certainly allowed herself these things - and more - to be fully equipped to save the day.

So what is holding us back from giving ourselves what we need? 

Our modern culture would tell us that everything needs to be done fast.  That we need to do more and achieve more.  That we need to compete and compare ourselves to others.  And that rest is weak. 

But do you really believe that?  Or are you just doing what everyone else is doing, thinking that if they can do it, you should be able to do it too?  Trying to prove yourself?  To whom? 

I believe that deep down, women have an intuition that tells us what we really need – if we stop and get quiet long enough to listen. 

It tells us that this lifestyle is pushing us out of balance.  That we need to slow down.  That we need to do the things that nourish our bodies, minds, and souls – so that we can enjoy our lives, and take care of those who need us.

Women are nurturers.  We have a natural instinct to care for others.  But why doesn’t that care extend to ourselves?

If there was one thing that you would say you want for your kids in the future, what would it be? 

Universally, we would say that we want our kids to be happy.  And healthy.  And thriving.

We were somebody’s little girl once too.  And our caregivers wanted those same things for us.  They still want them for us today. 

Let’s start to honor their wishes.  Let’s re-connect to our intuitive wisdom, hiding deep within, ready to come out and guide us.  Let’s start to listen to what we need, what we want, and what brings us joy.

When we take care of others, but don’t take care of ourselves – the scales of balance are tipped.  Everyone else - 100, Mom – 0.

But when we make the choice to slow down and listen - we start to hear what we knew we needed all along.  When we start to prioritize our own needs first, we fill our cup to the top with loving, grateful, positive energy - which then overflows out to the ones we love.  It’s a win-win. 

And when our cup is full, we start to tip the scales again, back to balance. 

XO, Lauren