Momma’s Monday Memo: You’re Not Behind — You’re Just Tired
Hey momma—grab your coffee (or like me, reheat it for the third time) and come sit for a minute.
If this Monday already feels overwhelming, this space is for you.
If this year already feels like it’s failing, this space is for you
You’re not behind.
You’re just tired.
And those two things are not the same.
Why So Many Moms Feel Overwhelmed Lately
The holidays have come to an end and what I call the “Christmas come down” has finally started to wear away.
Even as a person who loves the holidays, as a mom, let me tell you… I couldn’t be happier it’s over.
Making Christmas magic makes me think Santa deserves a one week, all expenses paid, beach vacation.
It’s finally a new year, the pressure is on, and yet the energy is nowhere to be found.
Just more things to add to the already overflowing do list with no motivation to complete it.
AND YET the world is still shouting…
- Be present.
- Be productive.
- Be patient.
- Be grateful.
Maybe your New Year’s goals have already been derailed.
Maybe your house is still recovering from the gifts and gatherings.
And when you can’t keep up with all of it, the guilt shows up and tells you you’re falling behind—not just today, but in life.
But here’s the truth, for all of us overwhelmed moms:
That “behind” feeling is often just exhaustion wearing a mask.
You’re carrying the mental load. For everyone.
You’re thinking ten steps ahead before breakfast is even made.
You’re managing everyone else’s needs. With no time for yourself.
How could you not be tired? You’re doing 12 jobs and calling it 1.
Let’s Say This Part Out Loud
You don’t need better motivation.
You don’t need a stricter routine.
You don’t need to try harder.
You need rest.
Motherhood burnout doesn’t always look like falling apart.
Sometimes it looks like functioning… but barely.
And that deserves compassion—not criticism.
Because when has beating ourselves down because we’re not super human ever actually helped?
You don’t need more time.
You don’t need to get it all done before you can rest.
You need less pressure.
You are in charge.
No one else can give you permission to rest.
No one else is coming to force you to take a deep breath
(except maybe me, speaking of, drop your shoulders, sis).
You make everyone else’s world go round.
The least we can do is not make ourselves feel less than for resting.
Let’s Reframe This Shit
What if this season isn’t about catching up?
What if instead of adding more to your to-do list, you subtracted.
Maybe this season is about slowing down so you can breathe.
Slow living in motherhood doesn’t mean doing nothing.
It means doing less—on purpose.
It means releasing the pressure to constantly improve yourself while you’re already giving everything you have.
It means meeting yourself where you are and letting that be more than enough.
You are enough.
And I don’t need to see your to-do list to determine that.
Give yourself a little cradling instead of kicking.
Then watch how you bloom, Momma.
A Note to Carry Into This Week
You are not behind in life.
You are a tired momma in a demanding season.
Drink your coffee.
Lower the bar.
Take the week one wild moment at a time.
You’re doing better than you think.
Want to Keep Reading?
This post is part of Momma’s Monday Memos, a weekly encouragement series for overwhelmed moms.
You can find all the memos [here]!
Needed this 🙌🏼