On slowing down to move faster
My meticulously planned schedule couldn't save me from the reality that there just weren't enough hours in the day.
READING It Happened One Summer
MOVING The Sculpt Society I am loving the 20 min Sculpts, get 1 month free
BUYING “Grandma” tonal embroidered sweatshirts for Mother’s Day *on massive sale today
Currently
In the process of ticking boxes off my well-orchestrated weekly to-do list, I found myself spiraling. It's a system I bragged about in my last newsletter; it was supposed to be my golden ticket to productivity. Yet, here I was, feeling defeated at the end of each day.
The realization hit hard. Despite ticking off every task, I felt overwhelmed, stretched too thin across all fronts: a mother, a wife, a daughter, a business owner. The worst part? I felt like I was failing in every aspect.
I was buried under the weight of commitments I had eagerly taken on. The realization was clear; my meticulously planned schedule couldn't save me from the reality that there just weren't enough hours in the day.
It was a harsh reminder that something had to give. Before I could spiral into a full-blown mental breakdown, I knew I had to step back, take a breath, and reset. More importantly, I had to release myself from the self-imposed deadlines on my priorities.
The universe had its way of enforcing this lesson through a pre-planned trip to Dallas with my childhood best friend—a pause I didn’t know I needed until it was staring me in the face. Being here is giving me a chance to breathe, to realign with what truly matters. Months ago, when I envisioned this getaway with a chance for 1:1 time with Willow during the days and my best friend in the evenings, little did I know it would turn into a necessary slow down from the responsibilities waiting back home.
May is looming large on my calendar full of personal and professional milestones. Between launching a major project for New Modern Mom, a new business endeavor that’s been months in the making (more on this very, very soon), celebrating the 4th and 2nd birthdays of my kids, our 8th wedding anniversary, and planning our adventure to Portugal (have I mentioned we are traveling for 2 months this summer?!), my plate is overflowing. My mind is in overdrive, chasing deadlines and commitments.
This experience is forcing me to see the truth: sometimes, to move forward, we need to slow down. In letting go of the need to constantly be on, I’m finding the space to breathe, rethink, and ultimately, realign my goals with clarity.
If you find yourself at an unsustainable speed, remember it's okay to step back, to reevaluate, and to reenter your work and life with a fresh perspective.
Big things are ahead, not despite this slowdown, but because of it.
All The Things
Mother’s Day is around the corner, here’s a curated list of ideas. Shop the full gift guide.
Mama and Mini matching sweatshirts - Jason customized these for me last year with the kids nicknames “Mini Muffin” and “Mini Cutie Pie”
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask - this super hydrating mask has a cult following
Tiny names necklace - super dainty and perfect for layering
Walking pad - for the ultimate WFH setup
Raffia bag - perfect little bag for a summer mom’s day out
Refillable travel containers - for the mama who loves an adventure
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Thanks for the continued support on this journey,
Barbara
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