Hello! I'm back, but maybe not in the way you expect. Let me explain.
For years, I poured my heart and soul into building my business. As a postpartum doula and health coach, my goal was always to support women in a holistic way—helping them embrace mindful living and authentic wellness, free from the constraints of hustle culture and restrictive diets. But somewhere along the way, the very thing I was trying to guide others away from became my reality. The pressure to grow my business, chase clients, and achieve “success” overtook the message I was trying to spread.
I had built my business to offer services that aligned with my values: mindfulness, holistic non diet approaches to health and self-compassion. Yet, the constant pressure to hustle and push for client acquisition seemed to contradict everything I stood for. The endless to-do lists, social media posting, client outreach, and "always-on" mentality was leading me to burnout. It wasn’t just the business—it was the culture that reinforced the idea that “more is better” and that success was only possible if you were constantly working harder and longer.
The Disconnect Between Hustle and Health
At first, I didn’t see it for what it was. I thought I was just doing what needed to be done to make a living, to grow something meaningful. But as the months went by, I realized that the constant grind of hustle culture was overshadowing my true purpose. I wasn’t living in alignment with the values I was trying to teach. Instead of embracing slow, intentional living, I was living for the next client, the next task, and the next deadline.
Research backs up this growing problem, showing that hustle culture isn’t just harmful to our mental health, it also has profound impacts on our physical well-being. According to the American Institute of Stress, 77% of people experience stress that affects their physical health, with symptoms ranging from headaches and insomnia to chronic conditions like high blood pressure. Motherhood, combined with the pressure to constantly “do more,” often leads to even higher levels of stress. In fact, a study published in The Journal of Family Psychology found that 43% of mothers reported feeling overwhelmed by the demands of balancing work, family, and self-care. The constant tension of trying to “have it all” leaves little room for mindfulness or creativity—and that’s something I began to feel in my own life.
The Strain of Trying to “Have It All”
As a mother of three, I quickly learned that the idea of “having it all” wasn’t realistic. Juggling family life, a full-time job, and trying to maintain a business left me feeling stretched thin and disconnected from my own well-being. I wanted to nurture my kids, my creativity, my health, and my relationships—but it all felt impossible when I was constantly running on empty.
Being a woman in business often means facing additional societal pressures. Research has shown that women are expected to work harder than their male counterparts to gain the same recognition, particularly in entrepreneurship. A 2020 report from the National Women’s Business Council revealed that nearly 50% of female entrepreneurs report feeling “underestimated” and “undervalued” compared to their male counterparts. This, combined with the overwhelming expectations to manage both career and family responsibilities, can lead to significant burnout.
The constant hustle for clients, the social media updates, the need to be seen and heard—it all became a vicious cycle. The pressure to “make it” in business, all while trying to be present for my family, was wearing me down in ways I couldn’t ignore any longer.
Realizing the Need for Change
Eventually, I took a step back and realized I could still offer value and support, but not in the way I had originally planned. I wanted to create a space where I could be authentic—where I could prioritize my own wellness and still help others do the same. It became clear that the business model I had been following wasn’t aligned with my true purpose.
Instead of focusing on sales and constantly attracting new clients, I wanted to create a space that centered on authenticity, slow living, and holistic wellness. I wanted to embrace a life that allowed me to be fully present—not just for my family, but for myself as well. I decided to step away from the business side of things and refocus on sharing my journey in a way that was real and sustainable.
Stepping Away From the Pressure
My shift away from business wasn’t easy. I had spent years and an insane amount of money building something I was passionate about, and walking away from it felt like a big decision. But it was necessary. I didn’t want to continue pushing a narrative of “hustle” when I knew, deep down, that it wasn’t serving anyone—including myself.
In this new chapter, my focus is on creating a life that’s in alignment with my values. I’m still passionate about supporting women, but I’m now offering free resources on mindful living, intuitive wellness, and creative outlets without the pressure to constantly hustle for success. I want to nurture creativity, embrace the present moment, and encourage others to do the same. Because real wellness comes when we embrace who we are, where we are, and let go of the notion that more is always better.
The Importance of Slowing Down
As I reflect on this decision, I realize that true success in life isn’t about always working harder or achieving more—it’s about being present, being grateful for what we have, and where we are. It’s about slowing down, nurturing our bodies and minds, and embracing our natural rhythms. It’s about letting go of the constant pressure to “do, do, do,” and instead, stepping into our authentic selves, accepting who we are without constantly comparing ourselves to others.
By stepping away from the hustle, I’m not only reclaiming my own wellness, but I’m also creating space to help others do the same. I hope this blog will serve as a place of inspiration, where you can find resources to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and embrace a life full of intention and joy.
Jen xxxx
Comentários