A Working Mom’s Guide to Finding Peace in the Chaos

I’m extraordinarily late for this month’s deadline.
So late, in fact, that I’m sitting here trying to come up with a topic for this piece while suffering from a very real case of writer’s block. This should’ve been turned in days ago.
(Sorry, Mike.)

But despite all that, I love writing for Hillgrove, so here’s my truth:

I’m overwhelmed.

My toddler, Luna, is struggling with sleep right now. And when she struggles with sleep, the entire household struggles right along with her. While I try to understand her needs, I’m also juggling a business, growing our podcast, teaching yoga, managing a home, being a partner and mother, and trying to show up as a decent human in this world.

And then there’s the usual list many of us carry: preparing for the holidays, exercising, getting my steps in, taking care of myself, reading my book, cooking, therapy, learning something new, spending time with people who lift me up, and everything in between.

I am officially the overwhelmed, working mom that my own platform, The Sister Project, aims to support—the very person we hope to inspire to slow down, care less, and embrace the beauty of doing a little more of nothing.

Goodness, being a woman in today’s world is no joke.
And buckle up, right? Because it’s the holiday season!

HO HO HELP!

Finding my “jolly” can be tough when I’m deep in the thick of life. But I’m no Scrooge, so I’m committed to pulling myself together and getting my mindset back on track.

One way I do that is by diving into my favorite “self-help” books. You know the ones—the gems filled with little nuggets of wisdom that offer fresh perspectives and kinder ways to think about the season you’re in. These books help set me straight and remind me that the holiday light is still there, even when it feels dim and far away.

For me, this is part of slowing down. It’s my version of self-care. It’s a little love language I give myself when I’m feeling doubtful, overwhelmed, or when my inner dialogue is… less than kind.

Below are a few passages from my go-to reads that have helped me lately. If you’re feeling the weight of this season, consider this my Christmas gift to you:
The gift of a mindset shift—especially when you feel like a full-blown Scrooge in the middle of a mental spiral, trying your best to stay holly and jolly.

From The Comfort Book by Matt Haig

“The worst part of any experience is the part where you feel like you can’t take anymore. So, if you feel like you can’t take it anymore, chances are you are already at the worst point. The only feelings you have left to experience are better than this one.”

From The Art of Living by Epictetus

“As you think, so you become. Our busy minds are forever jumping to conclusions, manufacturing and interpreting signs that aren’t there. Assume, instead, that everything that happens to you does so for some good. All events contain an advantage for you—if you look for it.”

From The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin

“Self-doubt lives in all of us. And while we may wish it gone, it is there to serve us. We’re all different and imperfect, and the imperfections are what make each of us and our work interesting… If insecurity is part of who we are, then our work will have a greater degree of truth in it as a result.”

From The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest

“The ability to say to yourself: ‘I know I struggle a lot with this, so I’m going to take my time and work on it’ is one of the most powerful things you can do.”

And a holiday quote I keep tucked within me:

From A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the past, the present, and the future. The Spirits of all three shall strive within me.”

Wishing you a cozy, peaceful, and gentle holiday season.

And please—go easy on yourself.
You do enough.
You are enough.

Happy Holidays,
Lauren Massarella

This article was originally written for Hillgrove Ave Magazine.

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