This week I received shocking news. A friend—a fellow professional woman—is diagnosed with stage 4 non-smoker lung cancer. It's already in her brain, and she just had brain surgery. The even more painful truth? The pain is now radiating through her shoulders and spine, and there's a terrifying possibility of it spreading further. And the speed of it all? Just a month.

The weight of that news settled in, a sobering reflection on life and death, health and well-being. Beneath all the responsibilities and achievements we chase, what truly matters are these fundamental things: our health, the gift of life itself, and the connections we hold dear.

When we operate with this ingrained belief in endless tomorrows, diligently mapping out our futures, what if the timeline we so confidently project is far more delicate, far shorter than we want?

The relentless juggling act.

For us women, we constantly face a relentless juggling act: advancing careers, breaking through barriers, shouldering family responsibilities, carrying the weight of mom guilt or caregiver guilt...

Every day, we are bombarded by internal and external expectations, leaving us feeling depleted and constantly falling short. But we don't have forever to navigate external demands; our well-being is critical now.

A recent Care.com study shows a staggering 73% of U.S. workers juggle caregiving, with over two-thirds at high burnout risk.

So, how do we navigate the expectations in life and unfavorable circumstances with less worries and more joy? How do we carve out peace and reclaim our energy in a relentlessly demanding world?

My own struggles revealed a clear truth: our power lies in consciously choosing self-kindness. Small, intentional actions that nurture our body and soul become the anchors guiding us through daily pressures towards inner peace.

Through the challenges of recent years, I've gathered a few key insights. They're not revolutionary, but they've been my anchors through difficult times. I'd like to share them with you, with the hope they can offer you similar strength.

Ruthlessly prioritize: Focus your precious energy.

We feel the pressure to have it all, to excel in every area of our lives. But the truth is, when everything is a priority, nothing truly is.

We have a finite amount of energy, and it’s crucial to direct it where it matters most. This means making conscious choices about what truly aligns with our values and goals, both professionally and personally.

This might mean having tough conversations with leadership about our roles and responsibilities. For me, when my mother faced stage four lung cancer, stepping back from my career to care for her was a non-negotiable priority, a trade-off I've never regretted. Yes, it seemed like I sacrificed my career progression. However, the better path emerged: I found a new career path that has been more satisfying.

The truth: we are the authors of our journeys, and we choose which chapters command our focus in each season.

What are your non-negotiables right now?

Master the art of strategic "No" and empowering "Yes".

We often feel compelled to say "yes" to opportunities, especially those that promise career advancement or visibility. We want to shine, to be recognized for our hard work. But sometimes, that relentless "yes" comes at a steep cost to our well-being.

One of my managers once wisely told me, "More responsibility, a bigger scope, and a larger team might be good for your career, but not necessarily good for you." That resonated deeply. I intentionally scaled back, narrowed my focus, and prioritized my well-being because I recognized I was on a fast track to burnout.

Saying "no" to more ambitions can be self-preservation. At the same time, saying a powerful "yes" to what nourishes us, supports our health, and sustainably fuels our well-being is a vital investment in our long-term success and happiness.

What do you want to say no to, but haven't yet?

Outsource the mundane: Delegate domestic tasks.

Let's be real, the load of managing a household on top of a demanding career can be overwhelming. If your budget allows, consider outsourcing tasks that consistently drain your time and energy. This could be anything from cleaning and laundry to grocery shopping and meal prep.

Don’t feel guilty. It's not a sign of weakness; it's a strategic move to free up your precious time and mental space for things that truly matter – whether that's focused work, quality time with loved ones, or simply a moment of quiet for yourself. Think of it as investing in your sanity and reclaiming hours in your week.

What's one household task you could delegate this week?

Prioritize the power of rest: It's not a luxury, it's fuel.

In our relentless culture, rest is often dismissed as a luxury, squeezed in as an afterthought. But for professional women juggling multiple demands, rest is non-negotiable. It's the bedrock of our energy, focus, resilience, and creativity.

This isn't just about sleep – though crucial – it's about intentionally carving out moments for quiet reflection, for activities that truly recharge us, whether reading, walking in nature, running, practicing mindfulness, or simply being still. Think of rest as active fueling for life's marathon, not a slowdown.

How can you intentionally build more restorative moments into your week?

Release the grip of worry: Focus on what you can control.

Professional women like us can easily carry a disproportionate burden of worry – about careers, families, the world, dwelling on the uncontrollable breeds anxiety and burnout. The key is discerning what we can influence from what we can't, and then consciously focusing our energy on what we can control.

This might mean using mindfulness to redirect anxious thoughts, limiting exposure to overwhelming news and social media, or simply choosing to release what we cannot change.

Where are you spending mental energy on the uncontrollable, and how would you like to gently refocus that energy?

Final thoughts.

Our journey of navigating career, family, and personal well-being is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be days that feel overwhelming, days when the guilt creeps in, and days when we feel like we're barely holding it all together. Please know that you are not alone. We are all navigating these complex realities, learning, stumbling, and hopefully, finding ways to create more space for joy and less room for burnout. Today, let's worry less, live more.

Living fully. Living well.

Corinna

© 2025 Corinna Kong. All Rights Reserved.

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