Reclaiming Balance: Creating a Life That Thrives Daily
Have you ever felt like life is rushing by in a blur—juggling work, family, and endless to-do lists—while longing for a moment to simply breathe? For so many women, particularly mums, the pressure to “do it all” is relentless. We pour our energy into work, childcare, running a household, and maintaining relationships—but often at the expense of our own well-being.
Winter offers us a chance to step back. It’s a season for hunkering down, wrapping ourselves in warmth, and pausing to take stock. Last week under the glow of the Beaver Moon, I found a rare stillness. Swimming by moonlight, we spoke of its meaning—a time for preparation and rest. For a brief moment, life felt calm.
But returning to the demands of modern life, I was struck by how difficult it is to maintain that sense of peace. How do we slow down, find balance, and embrace rest in a culture that glorifies busyness?
Inspired by Wintering
This idea of slowing down reminded me of Katherine May’s book, Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times. May’s message is profound: in a world that values productivity above all else, “wintering” is a radical call to embrace life’s harsh seasons. Whether it’s illness, heartbreak, or burnout, Wintering teaches us to view these periods not as failures but as essential times of rest, reflection, and restoration.
As May writes, “We’re not solitary creatures. We’re designed to live in connection.” For women especially, this means recognising that slowing down and leaning into community aren’t indulgences—they’re vital for navigating life’s challenges with resilience.
A Life-Changing Trek in Namibia
During the Matriarch Adventure for Maverick Mums to Namibia with earlier this year, I experienced firsthand the transformative power of slowing down. We spent two days trekking, and on one of those days, we climbed up a volcano.
At the top, there was an extraordinary moment of stillness. Everyone stood quietly, taking in the view of ancient land stretching endlessly into the distance. Then Catherine, our expedition leader, began to sing a song:
What am I rushing toward?
What am I rushing for?
What am I rushing toward?
What am I rushing for?
Slow down, slow down.
Slow down, slow down.
And savour.
Her voice carried through the still air, and it reduced me to tears. The words sank deep, touching something I hadn’t realised I needed to hear. Standing there, disconnected from the busyness of modern life, I understood how vital it is to slow down—not just occasionally, but every day.
Why Women Thrive in Connection
While slowing down is a deeply personal journey, the support of a community can make it all the more powerful. Women thrive in connection. Sharing experiences, struggles, and triumphs creates a sense of belonging and helps us feel less alone in navigating life’s challenges.
During our Namibia adventure, the group of women became a lifeline for each other. We shared fears, laughter, and stories around the campfire. The connection we built wasn’t just about friendship; it was about understanding that we weren’t alone in our struggles.
As mums, so much of what we do happens in isolation. Community reminds us that we don’t have to do it all alone—and that it’s okay to ask for help, to rest, and to lean on others. Whether it’s a trusted circle of friends, family, or groups like Maverick Mums, having people to share our “wintering” experiences with can transform isolation into solidarity.
What We Do Each Day Shapes Our Life
Modern society isn’t built for balance. For mums, particularly, there’s a constant pull in every direction—career, family, and societal expectations of “doing it all.” On top of that, we’re encouraged to work relentlessly, only to recover during holidays, weekends, or retreats. Even rest has been commodified—sold to us as a luxury rather than an essential.
But here’s the truth: What we do each minute makes up each hour. What we do each hour makes up each day. And what we do each day makes up our life.
If we’re always rushing, always wishing our lives away to the end of the week, the next holiday, or Christmas, we’re not really living at all. Life isn’t something to endure until we can take a break; it’s something to be lived fully, in every moment. By putting all our energy into the future, we lose the beauty of the present—and the present is all we truly have.
Finding Balance as a Mum
This week, I’ve been reflecting on how my husband and I can create more balance in our lives. Currently, I work three days a week while he works four, and we share childcare when our youngest daughter isn’t in nursery. But this routine often feels rushed and fragmented, leaving little space for the things that bring joy and connection.
We’re exploring a new approach: working a little each day—somewhere between four and six hours—so we can be productive while also creating space for family meals, quality time together, personal well-being, and slowing down. It’s about building a rhythm that allows us to thrive, not just survive.
How to Create a Balanced Life
Reflecting on these experiences and Katherine May’s teachings has reminded me of the importance of prioritising balance every day—not as an afterthought, but as a core part of how we live. Here’s what balance looks like for me:
Work with Purpose – Spend a few focused hours on meaningful work, but set boundaries to prevent it from dominating the day.
Eat Well – Prepare and enjoy nutritious meals, not as a chore, but as a moment to ground and nourish yourself.
Move and Reflect – Make time for physical activity—whether it’s a walk, yoga, or a gym session—and include quiet moments of reflection.
Be Present with Family – Truly connect with loved ones, free from distractions like work or screens.
Nurture Relationships – Stay connected with friends and extended family by replying to messages, making calls, or arranging meetups.
Find Stillness – Create small moments of quiet each day to simply be.
Questions to Reflect On
If you’re feeling out of balance, consider these questions:
• What brings meaning to your day? What truly makes you feel alive?
• Where is your energy going? Are you spending time on what matters most?
• How can you create space for yourself each day? Even small moments of care and connection count.
• What small changes can you make to bring more balance into your life?
Reclaiming Balance—Every Day
Balance isn’t about perfection; it’s about intention. It’s not something we have to wait for on holidays or weekends. For mums and women especially, it’s about creating space for the things that matter most every single day.
The lesson from Namibia still resonates: slow down. In the rush of modern life, ask yourself, What am I rushing toward? What am I rushing for? This question, coupled with Katherine May’s wisdom in Wintering, reminds us that rest, reflection, and restoration are not indulgences—they’re essential.
And as we slow down, let’s remember the power of community. Together, we can share the load, lift each other up, and remind one another that we’re not alone in navigating life’s challenges. Let’s choose, every day, to slow down—and in doing so, find the balance we’re all searching for.