How I maintain a full life without burning out

PLUS: the new shoes I'm obsessed with

Happy Friday, flow-ers! I’ve been traveling, on-site for events, projects, and if there’s ever been a time that this post resonates, it’s now. Juggling a lot in the last few weeks had me reflecting on how it’s all going. But, before we go there, I want to say Happy Mother’s Day to YOU. I am thinking of what mother’s do for our world - and I also am thinking of those that have a complex relationship with the idea of motherhood, their own mom, and those like me who miss their mom with every ounce they have. Celebrate you and if that means telling your family to leave you the eff alone, I’m here for it - the best gift my hubs got me was an overnight in a hotel ON Mother’s Day. Lola still talks about it (which I actually love bc it means she sees me modeling self care!)

THE MOM FLOW SOCIAL CLUB is happening May 29 in Vancouver and YOU (yup, YOU!) are invited to join us! Come and meet me IRL.

Prefer to listen? It’s like a podcast if you hit the play button at the top of this post. I read it to you with plenty of extra chit chat you didn’t ask for, but might like.

Something that lands in my DM’s often is “how are you juggling it all”. I think that’s comes with people only seeing a small sliver of my life through a social media lens - and while I try to show the balance, the good, the bad, the sad, the “I really f*cked up”, it’s impossible to show all the balls that drop and mistakes I make. The highlight reel of social media is actually more insidious than we give it credit for, and I believe, can sink deep into our psyches. But actually, that’s probably a whole different post. (An aside: It is crazy though how many times I’ve met or spoken to someone in real life and how COMPLETELY different they have portrayed things to be online. I hope this helps).

I feel strongly that many things have to be in place for me to juggle a lot and do so for prolonged periods under many different conditions. I love having a very full life, and I’d like to keep it that way. Oh, and there are times that I hit a wall for sure, but for the most part, I gotta keep things movin’ and so these are the things I work on to make it so.

I ask for what I need in my relationship (while making sure he does too)

As much as I wish he would, my husband can’t read my mind. If I need a sleep in or want him to pitch in with something more (or I need more hugs or less talking - trust me, that’s a thing for me), I say so. Not only does that help in the moment but it also gives him info to anticipate my needs down the road (some may call this husband training and I’m ok with it lol). I also make sure he gets what he needs to be happy and I love fostering that for him.

I prioritize my work when need be, and resist any mom guilt

As the breadwinner of our family, I’ve gotten really seasoned at being ok with putting work first sometimes and knowing that Lola is in amazing hands - I see it as good for her to be with other people that make her feel safe and happy. I am intentional with our time together and she feels 1000% loved by me and important to me. My mom always taught me that guilt is a selfish emotion and so I use that as a guiding principle.

I have honest, deep conversations with my mom friends

Can we talk about the beauty of a good voice note in which you completely let it all out?! I feel so much lighter just speaking things into the world (even here, it’s such an outlet to do it with you). But for realz, if I didn’t have my gf’s I might be in a sad dank corner somewhere. It helps me feel like I’m not alone, lifts me up to get through the harder days, for sure.

Building your village is one of the most important aspects of me feeling somewhat sane and that’s why The Mom Flow Social Club is something I’m proud to put on - it’s an IN PERSON event happening May 29 in Vancouver and I really would love to have you. The room will be full of other amazing women and moms to connect with. Oh, and I’m treating you! Wine, nibbles, pampering and a very epic gift bag are on the agenda. Why aren’t you coming?! Psssst… this is what you want for Mother’s Day, so send it to the person who’s responsible for spoiling you. Oh, and yes, of course you can come if you’re not a mom and definitely coming alone is great too! Last time, we had lots of solo guests and everyone left friends. Get your ticket!

I anticipate ebbs and flows (and don’t beat myself up for them)

Almost 5 years into this whole mom thing (and 12 as an entrepreneur) have gotten me really resilient and used to hitting, well, shitstorms. Getting through them has 100% shown me they are normal and won’t hinder me, even though in the moment, mannnn it feels tough.

I say done is better than perfect

That perfectionism streak will slowly kill ya. I can only imagine how paralyzing it is to be a perfectionist, but I hope this hits you right in the feels: ideas in your head don’t generate income. But finished work - content, products, pitches - do. Imperfect visibility still pays. Do the best you can with what you have, and move on to the next! No one is noticing, I promise.

1. When I took out these leopard birk-style shoes out of the package, hubs rolled his eyes, I don’t need another pair but i totally do. Oh, and they are $35!

2. All about friendship as an adult - sign me up. This podcast episode was a total game changer.

3. New show alert! Black Mirror is such a classic at this point, but the new season dropped and the first episode is mind bending.

4. Sleep and hydration - I’m here to remind you that they can totally change how you feel. I de-prioritize both too often and always feel different when I do.

5. My fave lip balm - I have one in every bag, car etc. OH, and here is my curated beauty product list - makeup, really, but they are all my faves.

That’s it for this week. If you like this content, don’t forget to show up for me with a like or comment. Hoping to see ya’ll in the comments! Thanks for the comments on my last post Silverlane, Mal and Caprice. Means a lot!

xx, Erin

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