Elin, you already know how excited I am for you (for all of us) in this next phase, but I love how you’re approaching it all as a big experiment. You are the BEST mom, AND you deserve whatever it is that makes you light up. We’re all here as your fellow scientists as you experiment! I know it’s scary, but it’s also going to be the best when you collect that data and learn so much more about what you want, what you don’t want, and how that might continue to evolve! 🫶🫶🫶
this is such a great list, i feel all of this - trying to figure out how to make money, how to balance the right amount of time with my kids vs preschool time, how i can show up more on substack and start on instagram. and definitely big emphasis on #7 ... JOY! because maybe finding joy will answer some of the other areas (at least this is what i tell myself).
So0o0o0 we're basically on the same exact page? JOIN ME THEN! And I think you're right...maybe we start with #7 then. Rooting for us as we figure it all out, one experiment at a time. 💚
I recall you saying that you cried a lot this past week and perhaps this post was born out of that so, first and foremost, a virtual hug coming your way. I'm proud of you for seeking change and experimenting with what that could be. I love Natalia's advice about finding some space. I remember my friend saying that she had to figure out what "recharged her battery" and then focus on doing that. Caring for children is exhausting work, hustling for a new job is equally so; you need to find ways to safely recharge!
Elin, what you are feeling, a lot of us have experienced too. The first years are really tough and drain all of our energy and emotions. Everything we haven't worked on, our kids make us mirror it, so a lot happens during those years. It does get better as they grow, but I'm glad you are aware of your emotions and the burnout you are feeling.
All the steps you mentioned are great ones. I knew early on I was not going to be the best stay-home mom. I needed my space, so when my daughter was 2, I found a part-time job that gave me the two things I needed: to be a mom and an independent woman. Finding help made all the difference! You are the best mom, know that, no matter what next steps you take!
Thank you so much, Natalia! Finding a part-time job sounds like an ideal start to me, tbh. I'll keep you guys posted as I figure things out. Thanks so much for your support. It really means EVERYTHING. 💚
You are such a light that somehow you even make a crossroads sound fun. I love the way you’ve framed these experiments and cannot wait to see what comes next!!!
So rad! Bravo to all of this & if you only get through 1/5th of this that is a huge accomplishment! I realized recently that I think I found you after one of your first essays- along the theme of cutting bangs & wearing caps, is that right? Kudos to wanting more, working smarter & redefining what success & creativity looks like. Excited to see where this all takes you & I might even try a few of these tasks too, I could totally see you flexing an accountability circle here too xx
Lydia, thank you!!! AND YES, omg, the caps roundup...that was early days. Thanks for still being here. I appreciate you more than words can say! And yes, plz join me! xx
Sending you so much love! Being a new mother is just such a tough period. Please give yourself lots of grace. You don’t have to solve for forever, just focus on solving for right now.
I would LOVE to see all of your experiments in #2 and #6 show up here — your visuals are soooo creative and fun and I can’t wait to see how you blend all of your passions together. Here for all that comes next!! I hope you feel better these next few months as a fresh direction for life arrives. You’re a fab mommy no matter what 🫶🏻💗
Your approach to this is brilliant and I am sending you the most enthusiastic support. Burnout from parenting is its own special hellish breed and I admire how you're trying to take care of yourself for you and your family. Drinks next time you're in LA! xx
I love all of this!! That tea kettle metaphor was spot on. I am so excited for you as you figure out your next steps and I am always here as a friend to brainstorm and chat through ideas with if ever the interest!
Elin, you already know how excited I am for you (for all of us) in this next phase, but I love how you’re approaching it all as a big experiment. You are the BEST mom, AND you deserve whatever it is that makes you light up. We’re all here as your fellow scientists as you experiment! I know it’s scary, but it’s also going to be the best when you collect that data and learn so much more about what you want, what you don’t want, and how that might continue to evolve! 🫶🫶🫶
Thank you so much, A!!! Forever grateful to have you by my side in the test lab!
this is such a great list, i feel all of this - trying to figure out how to make money, how to balance the right amount of time with my kids vs preschool time, how i can show up more on substack and start on instagram. and definitely big emphasis on #7 ... JOY! because maybe finding joy will answer some of the other areas (at least this is what i tell myself).
So0o0o0 we're basically on the same exact page? JOIN ME THEN! And I think you're right...maybe we start with #7 then. Rooting for us as we figure it all out, one experiment at a time. 💚
I recall you saying that you cried a lot this past week and perhaps this post was born out of that so, first and foremost, a virtual hug coming your way. I'm proud of you for seeking change and experimenting with what that could be. I love Natalia's advice about finding some space. I remember my friend saying that she had to figure out what "recharged her battery" and then focus on doing that. Caring for children is exhausting work, hustling for a new job is equally so; you need to find ways to safely recharge!
Thank you, Kelly. Means a lot! Recharging will definitely be key along the way. 💚
Elin, what you are feeling, a lot of us have experienced too. The first years are really tough and drain all of our energy and emotions. Everything we haven't worked on, our kids make us mirror it, so a lot happens during those years. It does get better as they grow, but I'm glad you are aware of your emotions and the burnout you are feeling.
All the steps you mentioned are great ones. I knew early on I was not going to be the best stay-home mom. I needed my space, so when my daughter was 2, I found a part-time job that gave me the two things I needed: to be a mom and an independent woman. Finding help made all the difference! You are the best mom, know that, no matter what next steps you take!
Thank you so much, Natalia! Finding a part-time job sounds like an ideal start to me, tbh. I'll keep you guys posted as I figure things out. Thanks so much for your support. It really means EVERYTHING. 💚
It worked for me! Definitely a good first step.
You are such a light that somehow you even make a crossroads sound fun. I love the way you’ve framed these experiments and cannot wait to see what comes next!!!
THIS
Thank you, Courtney!!! You know you'll get the inside scoop along the way.
I love all of this and “Document outfits consistently to identify my 10 MVPs” has just now given me inspiration.
Let's do it together! So glad you found inspo here, and thanks so much for reading xx
So rad! Bravo to all of this & if you only get through 1/5th of this that is a huge accomplishment! I realized recently that I think I found you after one of your first essays- along the theme of cutting bangs & wearing caps, is that right? Kudos to wanting more, working smarter & redefining what success & creativity looks like. Excited to see where this all takes you & I might even try a few of these tasks too, I could totally see you flexing an accountability circle here too xx
Lydia, thank you!!! AND YES, omg, the caps roundup...that was early days. Thanks for still being here. I appreciate you more than words can say! And yes, plz join me! xx
Sending you so much love! Being a new mother is just such a tough period. Please give yourself lots of grace. You don’t have to solve for forever, just focus on solving for right now.
Great advice. Thank you, Xue! 💚
I would LOVE to see all of your experiments in #2 and #6 show up here — your visuals are soooo creative and fun and I can’t wait to see how you blend all of your passions together. Here for all that comes next!! I hope you feel better these next few months as a fresh direction for life arrives. You’re a fab mommy no matter what 🫶🏻💗
THANK YOU!!! 💚
Your approach to this is brilliant and I am sending you the most enthusiastic support. Burnout from parenting is its own special hellish breed and I admire how you're trying to take care of yourself for you and your family. Drinks next time you're in LA! xx
Thank you, Maurene! And yes, please. I'd *love* a date with you xx
Let’s add “monthly drinks with Sogole and Evonne” to your little substack section there cuz I feel like that will be a very successful experiment.
You’re on the path babe….on the path!
hahaha my hypothesis is the same. And thank you 💚
I love all of this!! That tea kettle metaphor was spot on. I am so excited for you as you figure out your next steps and I am always here as a friend to brainstorm and chat through ideas with if ever the interest!
Thank you so much, Kait! I feel like we definitely need a virtual coffee date. 💚
What an experiment! I can’t wait to see what you discover. Some of these are definite takeaways for me. Skies the limit girl!
Thank you, Natalia! 💚
i love this for you Elin, so excited to get an update and see what’s in store!!
Thanks friend. STAY TUNED. 💚
Everything about this has inspired me! I’m here for you!
That makes me so happy! And thank you, means a lot xx
I volunteer to be your real real educator 🙋🏼♀️🙋🏼♀️!!!
Couldn't ask for anyone better! 💚