I’m overwhelmed.

I’m emotionally drained.

And yet, I’m driven—by my biology and my upbringing—to be productive.

Like many women in my age group, I deal with symptoms of a hypothyroid autoimmune disease. My doctor often looks at my bloodwork and says, “How do you even get out of bed? Most women with these numbers are barely functioning.” I don’t have a simple answer. But I do know that, for me, it’s the little things that make a big difference.

At a recent team meeting, one of our coaches shared a powerful insight: “It’s the little things—the everyday habits and practices—that really help, even when things feel hard.”

She’s right.

For me, one of those “little things” is paying attention to how I talk to myself. Instead of thinking, “You’re so useless, just get out of bed,” I try to remind myself, “I value my body and my life. I’m going to get up and move, even if it’s just a little bit.” That shift in self-talk —simple but powerful— helps me build resilience and face the day with more strength.

I’m a writer, and I’ve always kept a journal. But I’ll admit: I feel guilty when I go months without writing in it. I started a new journal in February 2022 (yes, it’s taken me this long to fill it up). But now, I write at least one line every morning before I get out of bed. Sometimes it turns into a few paragraphs, but even if I only get one line down, it’s enough. It helps me start my day feeling good enough.

Another “little big thing” I do is engage my brain in simple, physical tasks that challenge me in small ways. I’ve read about the importance of working both sides of your brain, so I find ways to do that every day. For example, I’ll grind coffee with my left hand while balancing on one foot. It may sound silly, but honestly, it helps me feel more grounded and regulated—especially when I’m overwhelmed.

And if these “little big things” can make a difference in how I show up for myself, imagine how they could impact the way I show up for my family.

In this four-part series, I’ll be sharing practical ideas for incorporating these small, everyday actions into your life as a parent—especially if you’re trying to show up more skillfully and with more balance for your kids, whether they’re tweens, teens, or young adults. We’ll explore how the little things you do each day can help you navigate the challenges of parenting with more grace, patience, and emotional resilience.

So, let’s take it one small step at a time—together.

Remember, we’re here to help families thrive. The kids are the motivation, but parents are the key.

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