As an African-American woman wearing multiple hats and juggling multiple projects, I’m no stranger to the struggle of being overwhelmed. I balance multiple jobs as a filmmaker, writer, entrepreneur, community advocate, campaign organizer, wife, mom, day-job juggler, and, naturally, a resident problem-fixer.
My plate is clearly full. And like many women, I’ve felt the pressure to show up fully for others— at work, in my community, and with friends— often without a second thought for my own needs.
The Beginning Of My Mindset Shift
Somewhere along the line, I realized I was pouring from an empty cup and the cost of always being “on” was adding up.
I remember the exact moment this realization hit hard. I had missed out on a long-awaited activity with my 13-year-old son, who is neurodiverse, because I was too exhausted— both physically and mentally— to keep up. Here I was, drained from giving to everyone else, only to find that I was missing out on what really brought me joy.
That’s when I started seeking a better way to stay grounded. I found inspiration through Mi’Lisa Idora, a brilliant mindset coach and wellness practitioner. Her simple mindfulness practices have helped me reconnect with myself and find moments of calm in the midst of it all.
My Journey To Mindfulness
Like Mi’Lisa, my journey to mindfulness began as I faced the demands of balancing a business, a career, and raising my son. Entrepreneurship and motherhood required a level of focus, patience, and self-awareness I hadn’t anticipated. If I didn’t create time to ground myself, I knew I’d be overwhelmed by the endless swirl of activity and responsibility. Practicing presence, releasing judgment, and focusing on the “now” helped me regain a sense of peace.
Quick Mindfulness Techniques For Busy Days
For women like us who don’t have hours to spend meditating, Mi’Lisa’s suggestions for quick mindfulness practices are a revelation. Breathwork, for instance, is something I can do right in the middle of a packed day. A few deep breaths— like inhaling sharply three times through the nose, followed by a long exhale— can instantly reset my mind. The 4-7-8 method also works wonders: inhale for four seconds, hold for seven, and exhale for eight. These small breathing exercises bring me back to myself, even on days that feel never-ending.
Managing Daily Stress With Mindfulness
As a woman who’s balancing work, family, and personal life, it’s easy to feel pressure to have everything perfectly under control. Mi’Lisa talks about creating “little pockets of stillness” where we can step back and find our rhythm— one that feels right, rather than perfect. This mindset shift has been transformative for me. When the weight of it all builds up, I remind myself to pause, breathe, and extend myself some grace.
A Simple Mindfulness Exercise: Practicing Gratitude
In overwhelming moments, Mi’Lisa recommends practicing gratitude. Mentally listing three things I’m grateful for shifts my focus from what’s chaotic to what truly matters. It’s an easy practice I can do anywhere, and it reminds me to stay grounded in what I have, rather than what’s missing.
Starting The Day With Centered Energy
Mornings set the tone for the day, and Mi’Lisa suggests starting them with a bit of intentional stillness. Now, before I get out of bed, I take a moment to check in with myself, asking, “How do I feel today?” Tuning into my body and emotions allows me to set an intention for the day, whether it’s to be patient, focused, or simply present. This small practice keeps me connected to my purpose, despite the day’s demands.
Embracing Self-Compassion
It’s common for women to feel guilty about taking time for themselves, but Mi’Lisa emphasizes that self-compassion is essential to mindfulness. When we give ourselves permission to meet our own needs, that guilt begins to dissolve. This message hit home for me. Learning to give myself that same care I offer others has been a powerful change in my life.
Mindfulness For Long-Term Wellbeing
For busy women, even just a few mindful moments a day can have a lasting impact on our emotional and mental health. Mi’Lisa explains that these small moments actually help rewire our brains, making us more adaptable and resilient. Mindfulness has become an anchor for me, helping me handle each day’s highs and lows with a sense of peace and self-regulation.
Reiki: A Perfect Complement To Mindfulness
Lastly, Mi’Lisa introduced me to the practice of Reiki, an energy-healing technique that complements mindfulness beautifully. While mindfulness keeps me grounded, Reiki helps release built-up energy. Together, they create a balance that keeps me focused and connected to what matters.
Rediscovering My Balance
Mi’Lisa taught me that “life isn’t about perfectly balancing everything; it’s about finding a rhythm that feels aligned.” This wisdom has been life-changing. Through mindfulness, I’ve learned how to pour back into my own cup, ensuring I’m present for the moments that bring joy and fulfillment— especially with my son.
For anyone looking to explore mindfulness or Reiki, Mi’Lisa Idora’s Soulcial Therapy offers incredible guidance. You can visit soulcialtherapy.com or IG @soulcialtherapy. Trust me— taking time for mindfulness isn’t just a gift to yourself; it’s a gift for everyone you care about.
