I didn’t plan to take a break the last couple weeks… but that’s exactly what happened.
If I’m honest, the last several weeks have been exhausting. I’ve been frustrated trying to manage everything as a working mom while also navigating chronic illness pain.
It’s been downright discouraging to feel like so many people are depending on me while being stuck in this cycle of feeling inadequate.
Sometimes, I just feel like I’m not enough to handle all the things.
And as I’ve been sitting in that space, I realized something…
That is exactly where so many of us live.
Real-Life Pressure Meets Real-Life Passion
More than once, my psychiatrist has asked if I could go part-time to help minimize the stress on my shoulders.
And while that sounds appealing, it’s not always realistic.
The pressure of working motherhood today looks very different than it did generations ago. Moms 75+ years ago often had more flexibility to manage the home while their kids were at school.
Today, many of us are carrying both full-time work and full-time responsibility at home.
The weight isn’t just in what we do—it’s in the constant pressure of feeling like our choices are no longer fully our own.
Like we’ve lost the ability to fully lean into our dreams and passions because we’re just trying to keep up.
But motherhood doesn’t erase your calling.
It reshapes it.
Your schedule may look different.
Your capacity may look different.
But your purpose hasn’t disappeared.
It’s just taken on a new form.
Motherhood Rewrites Our To-Do List
My dream of becoming a published author hasn’t changed.
But now, my kids give my story more depth… and a whole lot more content.
They’ve also added more to carry—soccer practice, gymnastics, school drop-offs and pick-ups, doctor’s appointments, birthday parties, meal planning, emotional support, holiday prep… and so much more.
I often find myself asking:
Is there anything I can delegate or eliminate?
But lately, I’ve realized a better question is:
What do I value most in this season?
Why Your Values Matter More Than Ever
Knowing what I value helps me decide what stays and what goes.
Because when we lose sight of our values, our ambitions don’t disappear. They just get buried under the noise of everything else.
Living by your values helps you:
- Say yes with intention
- Say no without guilt
- Make decisions with clarity instead of pressure
Will you still feel overwhelmed some days?
Absolutely.
But you’ll be far more equipped to reset when life gets off track.
The Mental Load of Motherhood
The mental load is the invisible work of motherhood.
It’s the running to-do list in your mind.
The constant anticipating.
The remembering.
The planning.
It’s not just doing the work. It’s managing all of it mentally.
“I’m the only one who knows everything that needs to be done.”
“Even when I’m resting, I’m still thinking.”
Sound familiar?
From packing snacks to remembering spirit days to thinking five steps ahead for your family… your brain rarely gets a break.
And that constant, quiet thinking?
It’s exhausting.
A Biblical Reminder for When Life Feels Like Too Much
God never expected us to carry all of this on our own.
He is our strength.
Our wisdom.
Our provider.
And He’s not leaving us to figure this out alone.
“But all things should be done decently and in order.” —1 Corinthians 14:40 (ESV)
This verse reminds us that God is a God of order.
And when we anchor our lives in Him—when we align our choices with what truly matters—we can move forward with peace… even in the middle of chaos.
God didn’t give you this life and then walk away.
He equips you for what He’s called you to.
5 Steps to Manage the Mental Load as a Working Mom
You don’t have to do it all, but it helps to know what matters most.
- Clarify What Matters Most
Identify your top 3–4 core values. These become your filter for every decision. - Brain Dump Everything
Get it out of your head and onto paper—every task, thought, and worry. - Prioritize Wisely
Sort by urgency, importance, and alignment with your values. - Time Block Your Week
Give your priorities a place on your calendar, and don’t forget to include margin. - Delegate or Eliminate
Not everything needs to be done. And not everything needs to be done by you.
Need Help Getting Back on Track?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, behind, or like your week is already running you instead of the other way around…
You’re not alone, and you don’t have to keep living in that cycle.
That’s exactly why I created something simple to help.
➡️ The Take Back Your Week Workshop
In this 60-minute workshop, I’ll walk you through a practical, step-by-step process to:
- Get everything out of your head and into a plan
- Identify what actually matters this week (and what doesn’t)
- Build a simple, realistic weekly rhythm that works in your real life
No complicated systems.
No pressure to be perfect.
Just a clear path forward.
✨ If you’re ready to feel more in control of your time and less overwhelmed by everything you’re carrying…
Save your seat for the workshop here: juliemassie.com/workshop
Final Encouragement
Mama, when your mind feels like it’s spinning and your to-do list won’t stop growing…
Pause.
Come back to what matters most.
Ask God to reorder your thoughts and your day.
You’re not failing.
You’re faithfully showing up.
And that counts for more than you know.
You’ve got this.
And I’m here to help every step of the way.
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