Last weekend, I was standing at my son’s soccer game when another mom came over to me and said: “Hey, if you ever need help getting W to a game, we're happy to help. We’ve got room in our car so just ask.” She has younger kids and admitted that “Someday we’ll be juggling three soccer schedules too, and I’ll be hoping someone offers the same support.”

Saying "I don't know" is one of those throwaway phrases that we add in to buy ourselves more time to think. To delay or defer having to come up with something on the spot. But while it might seem harmless, it might actually be costing you something.

When will I feel like myself again? Those exact words send hundreds of people to my website each month from a google search. Not to mention it's question I regularly coach working moms on how to find the answer. In fact, I think I typed that same question into a google search bar in the middle of the night while up nursing one of my three kids. If you're a mom, and especially a working mom, you've likely asked yourself the same thing at some point.

No matter what season of work or parenting I'm here, there's a universal truth I’ve come to learn the hard way: we are not meant to do it all alone. And yet, if you're anything like the working moms I talk to, asking for help feels hard. It's not something most of us feel comfortable doing. So we opt to figure it out and do it ourselves, which often leads to exhaustion, overwhelm, and resentment.

As parents, we can get so caught up in the day-to-day tasks of caring for our kids, managing the household, and juggling work responsibilities, that we forget about our partner. We don't think or don't have time to think about how to truly connect and enjoy spending time together.

Do you ever fall asleep at night without brushing your teeth? Are you ever so tired that the thought of getting up off the couch or out from under the covers to wash your face is just TOO much. You're not alone! I hear this all the time from clients and community members. Whether it's brushing your teeth, drinking water, taking vitamins, washing your face, or getting enough sleep, finding the energy for these healthy habits can feel hard.

Last week, after a particularly trying morning with the kids, I walked home after school drop-off with tears in my eyes. I was physically tired. Rushing around, packing lunches, filling water bottles, holding hands, and wiping tears takes a toll. But I was even more mentally tired.

I'm sure you can think of dozens of examples of when you felt completely alone, overwhelmed, or exhausted. I'm curious if your initial instinct was to ask for help. If you're anything like I used to be, you're probably really good at thinking up excuses as to why you don't really need to bother anyone else. Instead, you suffer through the overwhelm and exhaustion on your own until things get better.

Do you ever get stressed and then feel stressed about being stressed?? 🤣 You know you're "supposed to" keep stress levels low. High stress impacts your health in all kinds of ways. So, stressing about how stressed you are is not helping. You know this, but it's so hard to stop! I get it. I'm right there with you.

Just in case you're starting to think about 2024, I wanted to share my favorite journal prompts so you'll have them to work through whenever the time is right for you. I encourage you to make this a slow, cozy process whenever you start. Stay snuggled up and relaxed on the couch or in bed while the kids are sleeping or watching a movie and reflect. Use this time, not to do, but to ponder and decide.

My 1:1 coaching clients are doing big things in the world and experiencing frustration, anger, boredom, and a host of other "negative" emotions. The biggest difference? They're not expecting to be happy every day. They're navigating challenges and getting support through tough times, all while creating fulfilling careers, spending time with their kids, and prioritizing the hobbies and relationships that give them something to look forward to.

Regardless of how the kids felt or whether or not they enjoyed it, it was something I wanted to do. And that was enough. That change in perspective didn't take away the frustration or disappointment in the way they behaved. But it colored my memory of the day a little differently. It helped me turn my attention to the things that I did enjoy.