Okay lovelies, let’s get real for a minute. Everyone and their mom talks about burnout, but what about taking a break because of family matters?

It’s a whole different ballgame, am I right?

So, today, I’m pulling back the curtain and baring it all.

When you lose someone close to you, it’s like your world is turned upside down. You’re processing all the feels, the highs, the lows… thinking of the memories and things you should’ve, could’ve, would’ve done if that person was still here. Regret, anger, sadness—it’s like a never-ending rollercoaster that keeps you from even getting out of bed.

When we lost my little girl’s dad, my entire world was turned upside down. Dealing with the grief and depression that followed was the hardest thing I’ve gone through to this day. It took me time to find my way back to my business, but I learned that having support and understanding from others who have been through similar experiences can make a world of difference.

It’s real, y’all. 

When my little girl needed extra support with her schoolwork, I had to step back and reprioritize. It wasn’t easy, but it was a reminder that sometimes, family has to come first.

Our kiddos need us most, and when you’re a single mom trying to do everything you can to provide for your family, the pressure is ON. 

The work hours? Never-ending.

And let’s not forget about taking care of a sick family member, especially an elderly one. It can be SO overwhelming. 

Caring for my grandmother during her illness was a challenging experience that required me to step away from my business for a while. It was a reminder of how important it is to have systems in place and a support network to lean on during tough times.

Like I said, it’s different from burnout. 

We’ve all been there, one way or another.

And that’s exactly what I’ve been going through this past month and a half.

I’ve hit the highs, the lows, and recently, I’ve gained some serious clarity.

So, in hopes of lending you a hand and helping you out in your time of need, here’s what I’ve discovered…

1.  Be okay with stepping back and taking time for yourself — Give yourself grace! 

2.  When you have a slow season, set up systems within your business so that when these hard times come, your business won’t take a hit, and it’ll be like you never missed a beat.

3.  Set aside some “me time” for self-discovery and journaling. Trust me, it works wonders!

4.  Spend more quality time with your kids or fam without devices or distractions. Do things they enjoy.

5.  Positivity is a MUST: listen to podcasts or read inspiring books. Feed that soul.    

6.  Find a new hobby: gardening or plant shopping is fun. If you don’t have a green thumb, buy a snake plant to start. They are super low maintenance. I have about 10 all around the house, inside and out, and they’re still going strong since Covid! (that’s when I discovered I love plants)

7.  Invest in templates for socials to save time. That’s what they’re made for, am I right?

8.  Hire professionals that will keep your business running without any added stress on your part. Delegation is key!

Navigating business when times get tough can be beyond overwhelming. Not to mention, you’re the one keeping your household running, so it can feel like you’re struggling to keep your head above water.

But I’m SO thankful that I’ve been able to fight through these trying times and have a team that supports me when times become hard to bear.

You know, if you think about it, the hard times can bring us the most clarity.

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I’m a firm believer in signs from the Universe.

When these moments present themselves, I always ask myself, “What’s the lesson here?” I know I’m supposed to grow from this hardship.

That’s where alone time comes in, even if it’s just 10-15 minutes a day. Find it. Your well-being requires it.

We cannot operate at top speed when the struggle is at its max.

And, you know what? 

This could be useful to put on your calendar as a monthly well-being checkup with yourself. We all block out time for design projects and meetings, but how many of us block out time for ourselves? Like, really, book a meeting with yourself. You deserve it!