Hey ,

I'm not going to pretend this week has been light, because it hasn't been for me either. If you've been running on fumes, saying 'yes' when your body is screaming 'NO', and wondering when it's your turn — I see you. You showed up anyway, and that matters, but so does what I'm about to say.

I watched a clip of Emma Grede this week and she said something that stopped me mid-scroll — that constantly being of service to everyone else is just not realistic for mothers. And I felt that in my chest. We've been sold this idea that the more we pour out, the better we are at this. But what if that's exactly backwards? What if the most responsible thing you can do for your family is to actually listen when your body says enough? Knowing what you need and then honoring it — not one day, not after the to-do list is done, but now — that's not selfish. That's how we survive this thing with our whole selves intact.

The Pause:

Close whatever tab you have open that isn't this one. Just for five minutes, put your phone face down, sit somewhere quiet, and ask yourself one question:

What do I actually need right now? You don't have to fix it or plan it. Just let the answer come up and don't talk yourself out of it. That's it. That's the whole thing.

My Recommendation:

If you want to go deeper on this idea of starting with yourself — not as a luxury but as a practice — pick up Start With Yourself: A New Vision for Work & Life by Emma Grede. You can grab it right here (this is an affiliate link — I only share what I actually use). It reads like a permission slip for women what want to actually create a vision for the life they want to live... not the lives others have told them they should be living.

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This week was heavy for me too. I've been of service to everyone, including you, and as soon as I finish typing this, I am closing my laptop and disappearing for the rest of the day because I need it. I'm telling you that so you know this isn't a message I'm sending from some put-together place.

This message is one I needed to receive myself. If this landed for you, pass it along to another mom who's been giving everything to everybody but herself. She needs to hear it too.

Take what you need, leave the rest.

With love,

Patrice

P.S. These emails will come weekly, and they'll always look like this. If they no longer resonate, feel free to unsubscribe — I understand, and I appreciate you either way.