I know it well — suffocated by to-do lists, balancing school drop-offs and work deadlines, asking yourself if balance is a myth we tell ourselves to make it through another Tuesday that feels like it's been a year long. The truth? Balance is not a matter of doing everything perfectly. It's learning to make small, intentional choices that allow us to breathe more easily. Moving through my own process of embracing the beautiful mess of motherhood, I'll tell you that rebalancing isn't about doing more — it's about doing what matters most. 

When overwhelm strikes (and it will, I promise you), begin by simply writing down everything that runs through your mind. Then, implement the Must, Should, Could framework. Those permission slips and bill payments? Those are "musts." Those closet reorganizations you've been planning since last spring? That's squarely in "could" territory. This simple sorting permits you to only think about the most important tasks, providing a sense of control and relief. No more waking up at 2 AM with an anxiety attack for an ever-growing to-do list. It took me years to learn that you don't have to do everything yourself. Look at your list and question yourself: "Does this really need to be done by me?" Perhaps your partner can take care of the grocery run this week. Maybe your eight-year-old is absolutely fully capable of sorting laundry. Delegation isn't waving a white flag; it's creating a family support squad in which everyone participates. 

When my son neatly folded her first basket of laundry (with some creative interpretations of how things fold), I realized I was fostering independence, not just lightening my load. We come into our weeks with superhero expectations and punish ourselves when life doesn't meet our plans. Instead, narrow your focus to a couple of priorities that matter. Limiting myself to three key weekly priorities—finally starting that meditation practice, organizing that one bit of the house, and having that special connection moment with each child—made achievement feel attainable. Divide these goals into small steps between soccer practice and dinner prep, and witness the progress unfold in those in-between moments, inspiring and motivating you to keep going. 

Do you recall when self-care was an indulgent concept? I have learned that it is the foundation on which everything else is built. Block out time for the nonnegotiable, whatever fills your cup—even if it's just 15 minutes with a book before bed or a walk around the block in the morning with your favorite podcast. I've noticed my family gets a much higher-quality version of me when I safeguard these little nuggets of restoration.

On the last day of the week, pause to ponder. What moments in your week felt right? Where did you feel most pushed or stressed? This shouldn't be about judgment but about gentle course correction. Perhaps next week requires greater delegation, clearer boundaries, or smaller goals. The brilliance of this process is that every week is an opportunity to reset and discover your own version of balance.

 Balance isn't some faraway destination — it's cultivated in small, intentional moments throughout your week. It varies from person to person; it changes with the seasons of life. So take these steps, put your spin on them, and remember that imperfect progress is still progress. I would love to know how these tactics play out in your world! What small tweak could have the biggest impact on your week ahead?