The Truth About Doing It All (And Barely Holding It Together)

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, all while

suffering from severe writer’s block. This should’ve been turned in days ago.

(Sorry, Mike!)

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

I’m overwhelmed.

My toddler, Luna, is really struggling with sleep right now. And when she struggles with sleep, the whole household struggles with sleep.

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 be a good human in this world. And then there’s the usual: preparing for the holidays, exercising, getting 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 platform, The Sister Project, hopes to help — the one we aim to inspire to slow down, care less, and embrace 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 hard when I’m in the thick of it. But I’m no Scrooge, so I’m committed to pulling myself together and getting my mindset back on track.

One way I shift my mindset is by diving into my favorite “self-help” books. You know the ones: those full of nuggets of wisdom that you can pick and choose from, each one offering a new perspective, a new way to think about what you’re going through.

These books have a way of setting me straight and helping me see the holiday light 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, and when my inner dialogue is anything but kind.

Below are several passages from my go-to books that have helped me lately. So, for anyone feeling the weight of this season — this is my Christmas gift to you. The gift of shifting your mindset for when you feel like a major Scrooge in the middle of a mental breakdown all while trying to keep it together and be holly jolly.

From The Comfort Book by Matt Haig (author of the hugely popular, Midnight Library).

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 we’re all imperfect, and the imperfections are what makes each of us and our work interesting. We create pieces reflective of who we are, and 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 just a holiday quote that I love and try hard to keep 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 all a cozy and peaceful holiday season.

And go easy on yourself…you do enough. You are enough.

Happy Holidays,

Lauren Massarella

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