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As 2024 draws to a close and 2025 approaches, it feels natural to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the year ahead.

What Happened in 2024?

• I launched this meal planning business after months of preparation.
• I retired medically after 15 years in police dispatch and emergency services.
• My husband and I were blessed with a trip to the Dominican Republic, earned through Pampered Chef.
• We welcomed our beautiful baby, Renia, to the family.
• We enjoyed countless camping trips and family outings.

2024 has been a whirlwind of blessings, but it hasn’t been without its challenges:

• Friends and family faced serious diagnoses.
• I struggled with chronic urticaria.
• Finding balance as a family of five brought new dynamics to navigate.

The most difficult aspect of this year, though, has been feeling like there’s never enough time. Between running two businesses and breastfeeding full-time, it often feels like I’m left with scraps for myself.

I want to be clear: I’m deeply grateful. I love my family, my businesses, and the bond I’ve built through breastfeeding. I wouldn’t change a thing. But sometimes, I need a moment—or longer—for myself. Finding that time feels impossible, even though it’s crucial.

The Struggle of Overwhelm

When I tell myself I don’t have time to care for myself, it becomes overwhelming. I get unfocused, resentful (toward people and things I’m ashamed to be resentful toward), and trapped in a loop of thoughts like, “It’s all on me.” Even if those stories aren’t true, they feel true in the moment. And the result? By frantically rushing around, and thinking of everything that I have to get done, I don’t make the time for self-care.

But here’s the thing: everyone has the same 24 hours. Time, like money, gets used up in whatever way we allocate it. Some people have more commitments, but no one gets extra hours.

The Power of Intention

This year, I’ve learned a transformative lesson: self-care doesn’t require a lot of time. It’s about intention. You can weave self-care into the chaos of your day by changing your mindset—without changing what you’re doing.

For example:

• After doing the dishes, I always apply hand lotion. Most of the time, it’s a mindless habit. But when I pause to think, “I’m doing something kind for myself,” it transforms the experience.

With intention, I notice the lotion’s scent, the warmth of my hands rubbing together, the satisfaction of the lotion absorbing. I might even give my hands a little squeeze and smile. In that moment, I feel cared for—by myself.

The action has not changed. The thought behind the action has.

For Those Feeling Overwhelmed

If you’re feeling stretched thin, I see you. I know what it’s like when every waking minute feels spoken for, leaving nothing for yourself. But that thought—“I have no time for self-care”—is just that: a thought. And it isn’t true.

There’s one thing you always have control over: your mindset.

Remember the flight attendant’s advice: put on your oxygen mask first. You can’t help others if you’re running on empty. Similarly, you can’t give your best when you’re depleted.

A Simple Practice

When you find yourself in a place of lack—whether it’s time, energy, or focus—pause. Notice the thought. Ask yourself, “Do I want to keep this thought?” Then choose kindness for yourself.

Intentional Self-Care in Action

You don’t need a spa day or an escape to care for yourself. Even within a packed schedule, you can transform routine tasks into moments of self-care by adding intention. Here are some ideas:

• Having a coffee: Savor the warmth and aroma.
• Brushing your teeth: Appreciate the act of caring for your health.
• Applying lotion: Feel the texture and moisture.
• Taking a shower: Let the water wash away tension.
• Brushing your hair: Notice the sensation and how it soothes.
• Stretching: Feel your body’s strength and mobility.
• Listening to music: Let it uplift or calm you.
• Lighting a candle or diffusing oil: Enjoy the ambiance.
• Hugging a loved one: Savor the connection.
• Drinking water: Think of it as a gift to your body.
• Taking deep breaths: Center yourself in the present moment.

Chances are, you’re already doing many of these things. By adding the intention of kindness, these small actions can shift how you feel.

Moving Forward into 2025

This coming year, let’s embrace the power of intention. Even if you can’t add more hours to your day, you can still show care for yourself. Start small. Be intentional. You are your own best friend—or your own worst enemy. Choose to be your ally.

Take care, my friends, and step into 2025 with kindness and intention.

Much love,
Kaitlyn