Finding Balance in a Busy Life: My Journey as a Mom, Wife, and Photographer
Balancing personal life, work, and self-care is something I’m sure many of us can relate to. It’s easy to look at a busy schedule and think that you’re managing just fine, but then something happens—whether it’s exhaustion creeping in or realizing you haven’t had a moment for yourself in weeks—and it hits you.
Something’s out of balance.
For me, it’s a daily juggling act. I’m a wife, a mom to a young son, and I have two fur babies (who always seem to need attention). On top of that, I work part-time at an optometrist’s office and remotely run my own photography business. Sounds like a lot, right? It is. Some days, I feel like I’m giving all of my energy to everything and everyone around me, only to realize I’ve left very little for myself.
The Struggle with Self-Care and Balance
I think one of the most challenging parts of managing a busy life is not recognizing how much you’re truly doing, especially when you work from home. On the days I’m not at the optometrist’s office, I’m balancing taking care of my baby, spending time with my husband, playing with my dogs, and finding the motivation to work on my business. It's rewarding, but it’s also exhausting. There are days when I feel like my needs aren’t valid or that I’m “just being dramatic” for needing a break.
But here’s the truth:
it’s okay to feel overwhelmed, and it’s okay to admit that you need to take a step back to refuel.
It's easy to forget how much goes into being a stay-at-home/work-from-home mom. The constant mental load, the tasks that seem endless, the emotional support your family needs—it can be draining. And sometimes, I’m so focused on my family’s needs that I forget to take care of myself.
Why Balance Is So Important
I’ve realized over time that without balance, I’m not able to give my best self to anyone, including my family. If my cup is empty, I’m not able to give my husband, son, or even my clients the attention and love they deserve. I’ve really been feeling this recently—losing patience more easily, feeling more tired than usual, and struggling to keep up with everything on my plate. It’s a hard realization, but it’s also necessary.
When I take time to balance my personal and work life, even in small ways, I can be more present. Whether that’s stepping away for a few minutes to have coffee alone or asking my husband to take over for an hour so I can focus on my business, it all helps. Self-care isn’t just a buzzword—it’s essential. And it looks different for everyone. For me, it means taking breaks when I need them, giving myself grace when things aren’t perfect, and asking for help when I can’t do it all.
How I’m Finding Balance
I’ve had to remind myself that balance doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly; it means knowing when to step back, prioritize, and ask for help. I’ve started to schedule time in my day for myself—whether that’s enjoying a quiet moment, getting a workout in, or just having time to think without distractions. Sometimes, I have to remind myself that it’s okay to put my business aside for a few hours to spend quality time with my family.
Finding balance has also meant letting go of some guilt I used to carry. There were times when I’d feel like I should be doing more for my business or be more involved in activities for my son. But here’s the thing:
balance is not about perfection;
it’s about doing what’s best for you and your family in that moment.
The Importance of Refilling Your Cup
No matter your situation—whether you’re a full-time parent, a full-time employee, or a full-time entrepreneur—
we all need to make time for ourselves to refuel.
Without it, we’ll burn out. It’s not just about work or family life; it’s about the mental and emotional health that allows us to function at our best in all areas.
For me, this has meant acknowledging my limits and giving myself the space I need to recharge. It’s okay to say no, and it’s okay to ask for help. It’s about knowing that if I’m not filling my cup, I can’t give everything and everyone in my life what I want to.
To anyone out there feeling overwhelmed—whether you’re juggling family, work, or personal goals—
remember that balance is key.
You don’t have to do it all at once. Be kind to yourself, ask for help when needed, and take time to recharge. It’s okay to step back, and it’s okay to recognize that you, too, need to be cared for.
Finding balance is a process, but with patience and a little self-compassion, we can get there.
A Challenge to Myself and Others
As I continue to work on finding balance, I’m challenging myself—and anyone reading this—to take small steps toward refilling your cup. Here are 5 things to try this week:
Take 10 minutes of quiet time daily—
whether that’s for a coffee break, a walk, or just sitting in silence.
Ask for help—
whether it’s with your kids, your work, or just needing someone to listen.
Say no to one thing—
it’s okay to set boundaries and not feel guilty about it.
Do something for yourself—
even if it’s something small like reading a chapter of a book, getting outside, or enjoying a favorite snack.
Prioritize your mental health—
take a moment to check in with yourself. How are you really feeling?
Balance is about small, consistent changes. Let’s commit to putting our needs first—so we can show up as the best versions of ourselves for our families, our work, and ourselves. Who’s in?
