I've Been Burnt Out and Feeling Behind- Let's Talk About It!

Can I be honest with you for a second?

I have been exhausted lately. Like, truly, bone-tired exhausted. The kind where you know exactly what you want to do — in my case, record a podcast, work on the house, show up for the things I love — and yet somehow you just... can't hit record. You can't start the project. You open the paint can in your mind and immediately close it again.

If that sounds familiar, I want you to know: you are not alone. I was in a business meeting recently and I just said it out loud — "I think I've been having trouble because I'm exhausted." And honestly? Just naming it helped more than I expected.

Why So Many of Us Are Hitting a Wall Right Now

There's just so much going on. Between the cost of living here in BC, tax season, kids' activities, the mortgage, planning for the future — being a real adult is a lot. And I think when you layer all of that on top of everything happening in the world (the big stuff, the hard-to-comprehend stuff), it makes complete sense that our creative energy takes a hit.

"I think when we're carrying this much, it's very natural to feel tired. And recognizing it is the first step."

I'm not saying this to be a downer. I'm saying it because I think a lot of us are walking around feeling this way and wondering if something is wrong with us. Nothing is wrong with you. Life is heavy right now, and you're still showing up. That counts.

What Actually Helped Me Turn It Around

1. Say it out loud

Seriously — just telling someone "I'm exhausted" was a game changer for me. There's something about naming it that takes away some of its power. You stop fighting yourself and start working with yourself instead.

2. Get outside

We had a gorgeous stretch of sunshine here in the Lower Mainland recently, and I cannot tell you what it did for my mood. I spent two hours at the park with my girls just sitting in the sun, and I came home feeling like myself again. Vitamin D is not overrated. If you can get outside today, even for 20 minutes, do it.

3. Go back to something you love

I realized I had been so focused on business goals and showing up online that I had completely stepped away from the home projects I genuinely love doing. So I gave myself permission to just... think about what I wanted to work on. No pressure, no strategy. Just: what sounds exciting right now?

My Spring Project List (In Case You Need Inspiration)

Sometimes it helps to see what someone else is planning. Here's what I'm excited about this spring:

Project 1: Deck refresh. We had hoped to replace the whole deck this year, but between interest rates and everything else, that's been pushed back. So I'm thinking a fresh coat of paint or stain could buy us another great summer on the deck while we save up for the bigger reno. My husband is pressure washing this week, so the timing is actually perfect. Sometimes a simple refresh is all a space needs.

Project 2: Playroom cabinet makeover. We installed new-to-us cabinets in our playroom about a year and a half ago (wild how fast that went!) and they still need to be painted. I also want to add crown molding to finish off the space since the cabinets don't reach the ceiling. And I have a fun idea brewing: painting a mural on one of the walls to really make it feel like a playroom. Maybe even getting the girls involved — though the idea of kids with permanent paint is slightly terrifying (IYKYN)

Why Working With Your Hands Is Good for Your Soul

One of my favourite things about home DIY projects — especially something like painting a deck — is that you're not on a screen. You're outside. You're moving your body. You start and it looks one way, you finish and it looks better. It's so satisfyingly black and white, and in a world that feels very grey right now, that clarity is genuinely healing.If you've been feeling the itch to do something in your home but keep putting it off because life keeps getting in the way, this is your sign. Pick one small thing. Just one. And go for it.

Ready to Learn? Let's Do This Together

If you're looking to build confidence with home projects — whether that's painting, caulking, drywall repair, or just figuring out where to even start — I would love to help you. I've just launched in-home DIY training sessions right here in South Surrey, and I'll be teaching a virtual Accent Wall Made Easy workshop very soon too.

You don't need experience. You don't need a contractor. You just need a little guidance and someone in your corner cheering you on.