I woke up this morning feeling… lighter. But, as it sometimes does, my mind started spinning, and about an hour later, I was back to feeling…meh.

Remember the person I mentioned earlier? Well, she has a pretty big event coming up today and tomorrow, and I can’t stop thinking, Wow, that’s going to be so stressful, especially with three kids. I keep wondering how they’ll manage it all. I’m sure they’ll be fine (right!?), but still… it feels like a lot.

In my head, I picture them trying to handle everything alone, and it makes me feel sad. And yes, it’s frustrating that my thoughts keep drifting there - it's not the best feeling in the world. 

I also found myself thinking about my mum - how she worked and raised four kids while carrying so much inside. Looking back, what I think about most is her vulnerability. As I’ve mentioned before, she admitted she was deeply depressed during those years.

Finding a Little Lift

So yeah, my headspace this morning wasn’t great. To try and lift myself up, I did a quick spin session (obviously) followed by a couple of minutes of quiet breathing and a mini meditation. I focused on everything I’m grateful for, and it actually made me feel a little lighter.

When I got back to my car, I left a voice note for Jessie before heading to the office. I figure when she wakes up, she’ll drop some wisdom into my WhatsApp. It’s morning here, so in the U.S., it’s still nighttime… for now, I’m just riding it out. Jessie, any chance you could wake up a little earlier today? Come on…

I know this feeling will pass - it always does. Feelings come and go, right? It’s only when my mind drifts back to certain thoughts that the rubbish feelings resurface. Later today, I have a client meeting, and I know that during it, I’ll feel fine. I’ll be focused on the person in front of me. Or when I bump into someone and have a little chat, I’ll feel fine too.

That’s the nature of thoughts - they come and go throughout the day. I’m not clinging to them or overthinking them (much); I’m just noticing when certain thoughts don’t make me feel great.

The Invisible Load Women Carry

Going back to the topic of women and kids… it’s exhausting. Looking after children, managing housework, juggling appointments, and keeping up with work - it can feel like there’s never enough time for yourself. Even when everything seems “fine” on the outside, the mental load can be constant and draining.

What’s often overlooked is how invisible that stress is. People see what’s in front of them, right? Whether that's a smiling child, a tidy(ish) house, a mum who seems to be functioning just fine. But they don’t see the micro-decisions, the endless mental lists, the emotional load, and the pressure to keep everything together. 

Finding Calm in the Chaos

Finding calm isn’t about magically making life easier - it’s about carving out small, intentional pockets of peace. That could be a five-minute morning meditation, a quick spin class, or even just a cup of tea enjoyed without scrolling on your phone. Pausing and breathing doesn’t fix everything - but it gives your mind a moment to reset and your body a chance to relax.

Perspective helps too. Some mornings, you might feel like everything is too much - stressed, sad, frustrated. And that’s completely normal. It doesn’t mean you’re failing; it just means you’re human. Your thoughts can spin in ways that aren’t helpful - but that’s okay - they’ll pass.

Simply noticing your feelings - without clinging to them, overthinking them, or trying to make sense of them - really helps. Let your thoughts and emotions flow naturally, come and go, and just get on with your day. Honestly, this simple practice brings a surprising amount of calm… at least it has for me, even if I keep needing reminders (thanks, Jessie). 

And you know what else helps? Connection. Reaching out to a friend, a family member, or someone who “gets it” can be a lifeline. Even a quick message, a short call, or a little chat reminds you that you’re not carrying everything on your own.

Those small moments - support, gratitude, a few mindful breaths - don’t make the chaos disappear. But they make it feel a bit lighter, a bit more manageable, and just a little easier to get through. 🩷