Why I Don’t Believe in Work-Life Balance
“The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.” (Isaiah 50:4-54)
Work-life balance is often portrayed as the ultimate goal - a perfectly orchestrated rhythm where everything seamlessly fits together. But in my experience, the pursuit of balance often leaves me feeling like I’m falling short, striving for an unattainable goal. So, I’ve stopped pursuing balance and chosen to be intentional instead. Every minute of my day matters, and I strive to pour purpose into all of it. For me, this isn’t about perfection—it’s about grace, focus, and staying aligned with what truly matters.
Intentionality Over Balance
Rather than trying to balance everything on a perfectly level scale, I’ve embraced the reality that life is busy. Some days are packed with meetings, calls, and appointments, while others are filled with carpooling our kids to their collective seventeen sports they play (not an exaggeration!), late-night conversations, or tackling life’s unexpected challenges. Balance, in the traditional sense, just doesn’t work for me. Instead, I take things moment by moment. I check in with myself regularly, assessing my mental, emotional, and spiritual “gas tank.” When I’m running low, I try not to just power through. I pause, make space for myself, take a walk, pray, reflect, or simply breathe. Giving myself grace in these moments isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
My Kids Are My Compass
As a mom, my children are my priority. I make it a point to check in with them often, asking if they need me, if they miss me, or if there’s something I can do to support them or give them more quality time. If they do need me, I am pretty good about rearranging my schedule and dropping everything to be with them. I let go of what’s less important and choose to be present with them. Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Sometimes, stepping away from work or commitments feels impossible, but I remind myself that these moments with my kids won’t always be there. Prioritizing them, even in the midst of a busy life, is what gives me peace.
Surrendering to the Chaos
I’ve learned to surrender to the fact that our lives are full and fast-paced. Trying to force balance amid the busyness only leaves me feeling like I’m failing. So instead, I embrace the chaos, trusting that God has given me the grace to navigate through it. This surrender doesn’t mean giving up or being passive. It means letting go of the guilt, releasing the pressure to have it all perfectly organized, and trusting that I’m doing my best. It’s about accepting the season I’m in and focusing on what I can control.
The Power of Morning Quiet Time
The only way I can stay intentional throughout the day is by starting my morning with quiet time. It’s my non-negotiable. Before the noise and demands of the day begin, I carve out space to reset my mind and spirit. I am the type of person that needs a head start to the pandemonium!
I read my Bible, journal my thoughts and prayers, and move my body with a workout. This time anchors me, fills my soul, and prepares me for whatever lies ahead. It’s in these still moments that I feel God’s presence and gain the strength to handle the busyness of life with grace. Without this morning routine, everything feels harder. But when I start my day grounded, I’m reminded that I don’t have to do it all perfectly—I just have to show up with intention and trust in Him.
Redefining Balance
Balance may work for some people, but for me, it’s more about alignment. It’s about being intentional with my time, energy, and focus. It’s about listening to my own needs, showing up for my family, and giving myself grace when things don’t go as planned.
If you’ve been feeling like you’re failing at balance, let me encourage you: maybe balance isn’t what you need. Maybe it’s time to redefine what balance looks like in your life. For me, it’s not a perfectly even scale. It’s living with purpose, surrendering to the chaos, and trusting God with the rest. You don’t have to do it all. Just take a deep breath, reset your focus, and move forward with intention. That’s where true peace is found.
xo,
brit
