This week, I received devastating news. A dear friend—a fellow professional woman—was diagnosed with stage 4 non-smoker lung cancer. It has already reached her brain, requiring immediate surgery. The pain now radiates through her shoulders and spine, and there’s a terrifying possibility it could spread even further.

The speed? Just one month.

The weight of this news was crushing. A stark, sobering reminder that beneath our responsibilities, roles, and achievements lies a simple, essential truth: our health, our lives, and the people we love are what matter most.

We often operate with the illusion of endless tomorrows, planning for a future we believe we can control. But what if our timeline is far more fragile—and shorter—than we imagined?

The relentless juggle.

For many women, especially in mid-career, life is a constant balancing act—climbing the ladder, caring for loved ones, battling guilt (mom guilt, caregiver guilt, career guilt), and trying to stay afloat.

A recent Care.com study found that 73% of U.S. workers are also caregivers. And over two-thirds of them are at high risk for burnout.

The truth? We don’t have forever to navigate this pressure. Our well-being matters now.

So, how do we show up for our lives—without being consumed by them? How do we make space for peace and joy in a world that constantly demands more?

Through my own struggles, I’ve returned to one powerful principle again and again:

We reclaim our lives through self-kindness.

Below are five practices that have anchored me through life’s hardest seasons. They're not revolutionary—but they are real, doable, and essential.

1. Prioritize with Intention.

The pressure to “have it all” often leads us to sacrifice what matters most: our health, our relationships, our peace of mind.

When everything is a priority, nothing truly gets our best energy.

Intentional living requires asking: What actually aligns with my values right now? Where does my presence matter most?

When my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, I stepped back from my career. It wasn’t an easy choice—but it was the right one. And in time, that choice led me to a more aligned and fulfilling career path I hadn’t previously imagined.

You are the author of your life. You get to decide what deserves your energy this season.

What are your non-negotiables right now?

2. Say strategic “No’s” and empowered “Yes’s”.

We often default to "yes"—especially when opportunity knocks. But unchecked ambition can cost us dearly.

A wise former manager once told me:

"A bigger role might be good for your résumé—but not necessarily for you."

That stayed with me. I’ve since learned to not feeling guilty of scaling back.

Scaling back with purpose and narrowing my focus in service of my well-being is crucial.

Saying “no” was not giving up—it was coming home to myself.

Your “no” can be an act of preservation. Your “yes” can be an act of renewal.

What are you ready to say no to?

3. Delegate the draining.

Let’s be honest: managing a household on top of everything else is exhausting. If your budget allows, outsource what drains you—laundry, grocery runs, meal prep, cleaning.

This isn’t about laziness. It’s a strategic choice to reclaim your time and mental energy for what truly matters—your well-being, your relationships, your purpose.

Outsourcing isn’t weakness. It’s wisdom.

What’s one domestic task you could delegate this week?

4. Rest like it matters—Because it does.

In a culture that glorifies productivity, rest can feel like a luxury.

But for women juggling it all, rest is not optional. It’s foundational.

It’s not just about getting more sleep (though that’s important).

It’s about creating intentional space for activities that restore you—a walk in nature, meditation, movement, or stillness.

Rest is not time off. It’s fuel for your next season.

What would it look like to build more restorative moments into your week?

5. Release the grip of worry

Many of us carry the silent burden of worry—about our families, our jobs, our future. The emotional toll is real.

But not everything is within our control. The key is learning to discern what we can influence and what we need to release.

This might mean reducing your news consumption, practicing mindfulness, or simply choosing to refocus on what you can do today.

Peace is a choice we can train for.

Where might you gently redirect your mental energy?

Final thoughts.

Navigating career, caregiving, and well-being is not a linear path.

Some days will be heavy. Some will feel like a blur.

But remember: You are not alone.

We’re all doing our best to find rhythm, meaning, and rest in the chaos.

Let’s give ourselves—and each other—permission to live with less guilt and more grace.

To worry less.

To live more.

To be well, right here, right now.

Living fully. Living well.​
—Corinna

P.S. If this resonated with you, share it with a friend who might need this today.

© 2025 Corinna Kong. All Rights Reserved.