Dear ,

If you’ve been feeling like life is a bit much lately—like you’re holding it all together with glue and a prayer—this one’s for you. 💚

This past week, I’ve felt like my life has been spinning a little out of control. Honestly, it’s been a full-blown rollercoaster. 🎢 I had all these *amazing plans* to kick off my week—early morning workouts, a productive routine, a fresh mindset. You know, the usual. And then, reality hit.

Every morning became a challenge. I’ve been trying to get my 16-year-old son, Oliver, out of bed and off to school, which feels like trying to wake a teenager-sized boulder. 🛌 The "get up and go" energy was replaced with hours of coaxing, negotiating, and trying to stay calm. By the time I managed to get him up, I was emotionally drained. My plans for morning workouts? Out the window.* 🚪 My "hold-it-all-together attitude"? Gone. 🙈

Last night, after a really long week, I found myself sitting on the couch in tears, just…done. 😔 Done with trying to be strong, done with pretending everything was under control, and done with pushing myself to the limit. I realized I’d been trying to control everything—from Oliver’s routine to my own emotions—and it left me feeling powerless.

I even had this moment where I thought, Can I just run away from adulting for the week? Maybe hide somewhere with snacks, a blanket, and absolutely no responsibilities?* 🏃‍♀️🍫

And that’s when it hit me—it’s okay to fall apart. It’s okay to take off the mask, the brave face, the "I’ve got this" smile. Sometimes, we need to fall apart in order to let go of what’s holding us back. 🌿

The Lesson: Strength in Letting Go

What I learned from all this (besides that a little crying on the couch is good for the soul) is that strength doesn’t come from trying to control everything. Strength comes from knowing when to let go, when to soften, and when to allow life to unfold—even when it’s messy. I’ve spent so much time trying to be the "strong" one, that I forgot that part of strength is *allowing* myself to feel what I’m feeling.

It’s okay if things don’t go according to plan. It’s okay if you don’t have everything under control. There is strength in the moments when you release your grip and trust that you’ll find your way—without needing everything to be perfect. 🌸

The Shadow Side of Control

What I realized is that I’ve been dancing with **control**—the need to manage everything, to have it all together, to make sure that everything is "just right." But that mindset left me feeling trapped, like I had to hold everything together by myself.

The more I tried to control, the more disconnected I felt—from myself, from my own needs, and from what truly matters. It wasn’t until I let go, sat in my messy emotions, and embraced the chaos that I started to feel lighter. ✨

Reclaiming Balance (Without Running Away)

So, what now? After taking some deep breaths (and, okay, a few more tears 😅), I decided to shift my perspective this week. Here’s how I’m approaching things, and I hope it resonates with you too:

1. It’s okay to drop the ball. Heck, *kick* it across the room if you need to. ⚽ Life doesn’t have to be perfectly organized.
2. Embrace the chaos: Whether it’s messy mornings, missed workouts, or unexpected tears, let yourself be *in it* without trying to fix or control it all.
3. Be kind to yourself: You’re doing your best, even when it doesn’t feel like it. 💗 Progress is still happening, even if it’s not visible yet.

Affirmation for the Week:

“I release the need for control and perfection. I am strong in my truth, even when things feel chaotic.” ✨

Self-Care Tip:

Let yourself fall apart when you need to. Seriously. Let it happen. Feel it. Then, take a few deep breaths, and come back to center. You don’t need to have it all together to be strong. 💫

You’ve Got This

Remember, , balance isn’t about perfection. It’s about standing firm in the face of the chaos and being okay with the moments when you don’t feel strong. You’re allowed to fall apart and still be whole. 🌿💖

With love and a few deep breaths, 

Charity 💖

P.S. I’d love to go deeper into this message with you in The Soulful Sunday subscription! Each week, we dive into meaningful practices to help you release control, nurture self-care, and create inner balance. You can join us for just $9 a month and start your journey toward more peace and self-compassion. ✨

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