Why I Stopped Saying ‘Yes’ to Everything
And What Happened Next”
Hey Glow Mama,
I hope this past week allowed you a moment to slow down and savor those precious moments. Last time, we talked about hitting pause on our endless to-do lists and being more present in the moment. I shared my story of saying “yes” to an unexpected hour at the park with Adams, and I hope it inspired you to find your own little moments of joy in that busyness.
How Did It Go?
So, how did it feel to slow down and focus on being present? I know that as a working mom, finding time to pause can feel almost impossible. Did you manage to carve out a few minutes for yourself? Did you notice any shifts in how you felt? If it was challenging, that’s okay too. This journey is all about small, realistic steps, not perfection.
Reflecting on the Reality for Working Moms
After last week’s post, a friend came to me and said, “Slowing down sounds great, but it’s a lot easier when you don’t have a full-time job.” And she’s right. Let’s be real for a moment! I know that for many of us juggling work, family, and everything in between, slowing down can feel like a luxury we just can’t afford. We’re constantly pulled in different directions: meetings, deadlines, school runs, and all the other demands that fill our days. It often feels like there’s no time left for ourselves.
But with that said, it’s even more important to be mindful of this and recognize the need to create those moments for ourselves. When life gets so busy that we feel like we’re running on autopilot, that’s exactly when we need to pause, breathe, and make space for what truly matters
That’s why, this week, I want to focus on something that’s a game-changer for working moms: setting boundaries. Not just any boundaries, but ones that protect our energy and allow us to thrive both at work and at home.
My Experience: Realizing I Needed Boundaries (Especially at Work!)
This past weekend, I had a little wake-up call. A friend asked if I could help organize an event. Normally, I’d say yes without a second thought. But lately, I’ve been feeling stretched between projects related meetings, coaching sessions, and, of course, being a mom. I knew that adding another commitment would be too much!
Instead of my usual automatic “yes,” I paused. I took a breath and said, “I’d love to help, but my schedule is already packed this month. Maybe next time?” And you know what? It felt liberating.
Setting that boundary wasn’t just about protecting my time; it was about recognizing my limits and honoring them. As working moms, we often feel the pressure to be everything to everyone—but that’s not sustainable.
Reflect and Act: 3 Questions to Help You Set Boundaries (That Work for Working Moms!)
This week, I challenge you to think about where you can set boundaries that will make a real difference in your life. Here are three questions to guide you:
What’s My Most Common “Automatic Yes”?
Think about the requests or commitments you find yourself agreeing to without much thought, at work, with family, or socially.
Are they truly necessary, or are they draining you? How would it feel to start saying “no” or “not right now” to just one of them?
Where Do I Need to Protect My Time Most?
Reflect on where your time feels most squeezed, whether it’s at work, during family time, or even for yourself. What’s one boundary you can set to reclaim some of that time? Maybe it’s setting a hard stop for work emails after 7 p.m., or blocking out an hour on the weekend just for you.
How Can I Set Boundaries That Feel Empowering, Not Guilty?
As women, we often feel guilty about saying “no.” Practice framing your boundaries in a way that feels positive, like “I’m fully booked this week, but I’d love to help another time.” It’s okay to prioritize your well-being, it actually makes you stronger for everything else you do.
Your Challenge:
This week, focus on these three questions. Reflect on your answers and choose one boundary to set that will protect your energy. Maybe it’s saying “no” to an extra project at work or setting a specific time for family without interruptions. Notice how it feels to honor that boundary and what changes for you.
If this feels tough, you’re not alone. Boundaries are a practice, and like anything, they take time. But each small step is a step toward more balance, more energy, and more space for what truly matters.
I’d love to hear how this challenge goes for you! Did you manage to set a new boundary that feels good? What difference did it make? Share your experience, and let’s support each other in creating the lives we want.
Until next time, keep glowing and remember: you deserve boundaries that protect your energy, Mama!
With love and understanding,
Fanta
You can follow me on my new Instagram as well for some tips and motivations: Glow Mama Instagram