Welcome back to Flourishing Friday, my summer blog series inspired by chapters from my book Withering to Flourishing: 9 Ways to Bloom Again After the Storm. This week, we’re reflecting on Chapter 4—learning to be patient with yourself after surviving a big storm.
In today’s always-on, hustle-harder culture, slowing down can feel like failure. But when you're coming out of a hard season—emotionally, physically, financially, or otherwise—true healing requires patience.
Back in 2011, after a major move from Arizona back to California, I tried to jump right back into life at full speed. We were recovering from a long chaotic escrow, upgrading a neglected home with little money left over, and adjusting to a new everything—state, schools, routines. Throw in a health crisis my husband was dealing with, and you get the picture.
Still, I expected myself to keep up appearances, throw Pinterest-worthy events, and be like the other moms who seemed unfazed in dealing with their lives.
I ignored my limits… until I hit them. Hard.
I burned out completely. I share in my book the story of the day I was taking my girls to the beach with our friends visiting from AZ and I couldn’t decide whether to cut up a watermelon - at home or at the beach. I was so mentally and physically depleted, I stood frozen—knife in hand—utterly overwhelmed by one tiny decision. That moment became a wake-up call.
Flourishing doesn’t come from doing it all. It comes from protecting your energy, honoring your limits, and choosing a pace that works for you—especially after a major life disruption.
These days, I use my “Top Three” rule: I focus on three key tasks each day. The rest? I move to a weekly view or let it go. I call it grace with structure—a rhythm that supports my goals without burning me out.
So, ask yourself this week:
- Where am I pushing too hard, too fast?
- What can I let go of, postpone, or simply say no to?
- What would it look like to honor my current capacity?
You don’t need to hustle your way to healing.
Rest, space, and self-compassion will get you there—with far more peace and staying power.
Oh—and the watermelon? I put it in a bag with a covered knife and tossed it in the beach bag and let my friends handle it. Problem solved.
Was there a time (or now) you were going too fast and had too high of expectations for healing during or after a tough time? Let us know in the comments below.
🌸 Want to dive deeper? Grab your copy of Withering to Flourishing HERE to explore all 9 ways to bloom again after the storm. And join me each week at LIVING HAPPILY CONNECTED for more Flourishing Friday inspiration. Use the “Flourishing Friday” filter to catch up. Also, follow me on Instagram HERE.
