Pregnant, Burnt Out, But Still Smiling: A Journey of Juggling It All
Week 23 of pregnancy is here, and let me tell you, it’s been a rollercoaster. I feel huge, burnt out, and beyond exhausted, but there’s also this undeniable exhilaration bubbling underneath it all. My hips? They no longer feel like they’re part of my body, and I swear all I want to eat is Oreos—double-stuffed, naturally.
This morning, my Timehop threw me back 10 years with a quote I saved: “You may not always end up where you thought you were going, but you will always end up where you are meant to be.” If I could show that version of myself what life looks like now, she’d be shocked—but she’d also see a smile wider than ever. Burnout, baby bump, and all.
I’ve learned that in life, it’s often the smallest things that keep us moving forward. Here’s what keeps me grounded—even on the toughest days:
Being My Own Boss: The Power to Prioritize
Becoming my own boss hasn’t been easy—it’s still a learning curve, and some days I feel like I’m drowning in to-do lists and sticky notes. But the freedom to prioritize what truly matters has been game-changing. I’ve started carving out time for my family, for myself, and for the things that fill me up—like my mission to bring the Science of Reading to the world.
Family: My Forever Fuel
When everything feels like it’s falling apart, the love and laughter of family glue it all back together. I’m beyond blessed to have an amazing family that supports me every step of the way. Giggling with my mom, grandma, and kids at Taco Bell is a moment of pure joy that I wouldn’t trade for anything. In times of burnout, moments like these are a reminder that, no matter what, I’m surrounded by love. I am beyond grateful for my stepdaughters and I am so lucky that they like to contribute to the house. We all have ADHD here for checklists are how we do e v e r y t h i n g. Lucille’s teachers told me I should lead a seminar for the other parents. 😂 If you don’t have time for a seminar, steal the chore checklist we are implementing. We had multiple different versions in the past, but with ADHD, we need novelty.
Sharing the Science of Reading: A Mission that Matters
Remember the phrase, “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life?” I used to believe that applied to teaching in the classroom. But after the burnout hit, I realized that wasn’t entirely true.
Leaving the classroom was one of the hardest choices I ever made, but it also transformed my life. Now, as a full-time tutor, I’m on a mission to empower every teacher and parent with the tools they need to help kids read with confidence. It’s why I’ve put my Teachers Pay Teachers store on a massive discount—because every child deserves the chance to thrive, and every teacher or parent should have access to the resources to make that happen.
Business Besties: The Power of Connection
They say you’re the sum of the people you spend the most time with—and I believe that’s 100% true. Connecting with other entrepreneurs and educators has been a lifeline for me. One of my favorite people on this journey is Caitlin from Caitlin Nova Tutoring—my very first graduate from the Teacher Transformers program. A few days ago, we caught up to reflect on her incredible growth. Surrounding yourself with people who lift you up and cheer you on is an investment in your own success. For a limited time, Teacher Transformers is 35% off while I revamp Teacher Transformers 2.0 (coming soon!). Click here to book a talk with me to see if Teacher Transformers is the right fit for you: link.webbrixx.com/widget/booking/pzTgKr8KyRPr6SYZYT7w
Daily Affirmations: Speaking Strength into Existence
Every single day, when I’m brushing my teeth, I say my affirmations aloud. Sure, it might look funny, but it works. If I don’t pair it with something I’m already doing (hello, ADHD hack!), I know I’ll forget. Habit stacking—linking one task with another—is one of my favorite ways to make sure things get done.
These affirmations remind me that I’m capable, that I’m growing, and that I’m creating a life that aligns with my values—even when it feels like the world is spinning too fast. What helps you when life gets too overwhelming?