In my last post, I let it all out. The exhaustion. The apathy. The deep frustration that life, at this stage, feels like an endless loop of responsibilities with no room for joy.
But here’s the thing—I refuse to stay stuck.
I’ve realized something important: there’s pain in staying the same, and there’s pain in change. I have to pick my pain.
And I’m choosing the pain of change because I cannot—will not—keep living in this drained, joyless state.
No One Is Coming to Save Me
If I want more joy in my life, I have to create it.
If I want more fun, I have to invite it in.
If I want to feel alive again, that’s on me.
No one is going to hand me happiness on a silver platter. No one is going to show up at my door with an instruction manual on how to enjoy my life again.
I am responsible for my own happiness.
And that realization is both terrifying and freeing.
Meeting Myself Where I Am
For a long time, I’ve been waiting to feel ready to make a change. Waiting for some magical burst of energy, some perfect moment when I finally feel like doing the things I know I need to do.
But that moment isn’t coming.
If I wait until I feel 100% motivated, I’ll be waiting forever.
So I’m meeting myself where I am, not where I wish I was.
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Some days, that means just getting outside for fresh air.
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Some days, that means playing music while I cook to make it feel less like a chore.
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Some days, that means giving myself permission to not be productive and just enjoy a show, a book, or a long shower without guilt.
I’m done with the all-or-nothing mindset. Something is better than nothing, and I can build from there.
How I’m Creating Joy—On My Own Terms
I’ve spent too long thinking joy is something that just happens to people. But that’s not how it works. I have to be intentional. I have to make space for it in my life.
Here’s how I’m doing that:
1. Saying YES to Fun Again
I’ve spent so much time being the responsible one. The planner. The manager. The adult who makes sure everything runs smoothly.
But when was the last time I just had fun?
Not “fun” that revolves around the kids. Not “fun” that still feels like a task. Real, soul-filling, spontaneous fun.
I don’t even know.
So I’m making a point to say yes to more fun—even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Saying yes to last-minute dinner dates with my husband. Saying yes to new experiences. Saying yes to things that make me laugh and lighten the heaviness of daily life.
2. Prioritizing My Body
I fought it for a long time, but taking care of my body massively affects my mood. When I work out, I feel better—plain and simple.
I’m not chasing some impossible standard. I just want to feel strong. Capable. Energized.
Some days, I don’t feel like working out—but I remind myself: I never regret doing it.
Movement is a gift, not a punishment. And taking care of my body is one of the best ways to pull myself out of this burnout.
3. Finding a Creative Outlet That Works for Me
I’ve never been the artsy type. I’m not the person who finds joy in painting or crafting. I’m logical, structured—a true Type A Virgo to my core. But I know I need a creative outlet, something that challenges my brain in a different way.
So I’m setting out to find what works for me. Maybe it’s writing. Maybe it’s learning something new, something that feels productive but still fulfilling. Whatever it is, I know I need something that lets me step outside of the routine and feel engaged in a different way.
4. Making Time for Connection
Working from home and living in the country has made it easy to isolate myself. And honestly? It’s not healthy.
I need real conversations. Real laughter. Real time with people who lift me up.
So I’m making it a point to reach out—to old friends, new friends, anyone I genuinely enjoy. Even when I don’t feel like it. Even when it’s easier to just stay home.
I refuse to let loneliness creep in just because it takes effort to stay connected.
5. Letting Myself Feel the Good
This one is huge.
For years, I’ve been in survival mode. And when you live that way for too long, you almost forget how to feel good.
Even when good things happen, it’s easy to dismiss them. To focus on what still needs fixing. To wait for the other shoe to drop.
But I’m done with that.
When something good happens—big or small—I’m going to let myself feel it.
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That first sip of coffee in the morning? I’m going to enjoy it instead of gulping it down mindlessly.
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A compliment from my husband? I’m going to take it in instead of brushing it off.
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A moment of peace? I’m going to sit in it instead of immediately thinking about what’s next.
I don’t want to just get through my life—I want to actually experience it.
I Can Get Over This Burnout—And I Will
I won’t pretend this is going to be easy. Change is uncomfortable. It takes effort. It takes pushing through the part of me that wants to stay in my familiar routines, even if they’re not making me happy.
But I know what happens if I don’t change—more exhaustion, more frustration, more feeling like I’m watching my life pass me by.
And that’s not an option anymore.
So, I’m choosing to do something about it. I don’t have all the answers yet, but I do know this:
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I’m making space for joy, even if I have to schedule it like an appointment.
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I’m creating a life that excites me, even if I have to start small.
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I’m challenging myself to find something that fuels me—not just another task to check off. Maybe I won’t suddenly become an artist, but there’s something out there that will engage my mind in a way that feels fulfilling.
Most of all, I’m giving myself grace as I figure this out.
Life is too short to stay stuck in a cycle of burnout and boredom. It’s time to stop waiting for someday and start making the most of right now.
I’m choosing the discomfort of change over the regret of staying the same.
I’m choosing to build a life that feels full—not just one that’s efficient.
I’m choosing me.
And if any of this resonates with you, I hope you’ll choose yourself too.
