Balancing It All: When Enough Never Feels Like Enough
Sep 11, 2024Have you ever found yourself lying awake at night, worrying that you're not doing enough for everyone? Whether it's your family, your work, your health, or even yourself, the weight of balancing all these responsibilities can feel like it's crushing you. You’re not alone—many midlife women find themselves caught in this exhausting juggling act, trying to do it all and yet feeling like no matter how much they do, it’s never enough.
In today’s fast-paced world, we often face impossible expectations. Society tells us that we should be perfect mothers, successful in our careers, loving partners, and dutiful daughters—all while taking care of our physical and mental health. It’s overwhelming, and the truth is, these expectations are often unattainable. But that doesn’t stop us from trying, does it?
Let’s explore why this happens, how we lose ourselves in the process, and—most importantly—how to reclaim balance and peace by realigning with our true selves.
The Invisible Pressure of ‘Enough’
The constant feeling of “not enough” is something that many of us experience, but where does this pressure come from? For many of us, our idea of “enough” is shaped by outside influences—social media, society, and even our upbringing. Maybe we see other moms who seem to have it all together, or we carry childhood beliefs about what success and fulfillment should look like.
But here’s the thing: that idea of “enough” is often unattainable because it’s not based on our own individual values or needs. So, take a moment and ask yourself: Where does your sense of “enough” come from? Is it serving you, or is it just adding more pressure to an already full plate?
When we spend so much time trying to meet these external expectations, we often lose touch with who we truly are. We give, give, give, until our well is empty. The result? We feel disconnected, unfulfilled, and overwhelmed.
The Disconnect from Self
As we move through life constantly giving to others, there often comes a point where we realize we’ve lost ourselves in the process. We become so focused on what we need to do for others—our families, our jobs, our communities—that we forget about our own needs, desires, and dreams.
When was the last time you asked yourself: What do I need? Not for your family, not for your work, but for you—your heart and soul.
That feeling of disconnect is what leaves so many of us feeling empty, even though we’re doing everything we can to take care of others. It’s like giving from an empty cup.
This is where reconnecting with our true selves becomes essential. It’s about creating small, intentional moments of stillness and self-reflection that allow us to fill our cup again.
Sacred Moments: A Simple Way to Reconnect
You may be wondering, “How can I possibly make time for myself when I already have so much on my plate?” The good news is, reconnecting with yourself doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
One of the simplest ways to begin is by carving out just five minutes of intentional quiet or stillness at the start of your day. Before the rush of responsibilities takes over, give yourself the gift of a few peaceful moments. Maybe it’s sipping your coffee in silence, really tasting it and feeling the warmth of the cup in your hands. Or perhaps it’s staying in bed for an extra few minutes, focusing on your breath—taking long, slow inhales and exhales.
These moments may seem small, but they have a profound impact on how you carry yourself throughout the day. I like to call them Sacred Moments because they’re not just about quiet—they’re about consciously choosing to give back to yourself. It’s a form of nourishment for your soul, a time when you step away from the noise of life and reconnect with your inner self, even if just for a moment.
Redefining Success and Balance
Here’s something important to remember: You don’t have to be perfect in every role. The idea that you need to do it all—and do it perfectly—is what causes burnout, overwhelm, and a sense of inadequacy.
So how do we break free from that? It starts by redefining what balance and success look like for you. Not what society tells you it should look like, but what it means to you personally.
For example, when I first started my business, I found myself comparing my success to others. But as a mom, my version of success wasn’t flashy cars or big houses—it was the flexibility to pick up my kids from school, or be with them when they were sick. I had to let go of the traditional definitions of success and create my own. And that’s something we all need to do in our own lives—define success on our terms.
This may mean delegating more tasks, asking for help, or setting boundaries that protect your time and mental health. When you redefine your priorities and start asking yourself what really matters, you give yourself permission to let go of what doesn’t.
You Are Enough, Just as You Are
If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this, it’s this: You don’t have to have it all figured out. You don’t have to be perfect to be enough.
Being enough isn’t about doing more—it’s about being authentic. It’s about honoring your needs, giving yourself permission to be imperfect, and taking things one day at a time.
We are all on this journey together, doing the best we can, and that is more than enough.
Take Action Today
Ready to reconnect with yourself? Start by creating your own Sacred Moments each day:
- Spend five minutes in quiet stillness each morning.
- Sip your coffee slowly, without distractions.
- Focus on your breath, allowing your mind to rest for just a few moments.
These simple practices can have a profound effect on your sense of well-being and help you reconnect with the person you truly are beneath all the roles you play.
It’s time to stop letting the weight of perfectionism and external expectations hold you down. You are worthy of your own love, attention, and care. Remember, it’s not about doing more—it’s about being true to yourself.
You are enough, just as you are.