Anna is in her early 30s and has everything she ever wanted: two kids, a job she loves, and a newly built home. After returning from parental leave, she now works part-time. Every Monday, she heads to her fitness class, and once a month, she gets together with her friends. On weekends, the family enjoys trips to the countryside. At first glance, Anna seems to be living the perfect life – exactly what she always dreamed of.
Her friends admire her life, too. She has a caring husband who shares the responsibilities of parenting and household tasks with her. He’s a supportive partner who values spending quality time with her, but also gives her the space she needs. They enjoy cosy movie nights and talk about more than just the daily grind – they share their hopes, dreams, and thoughts about life and the world.
Photo: Dakota Corbin, Unsplash
So everything is perfect, right?
And yet, Anna feels empty. She’s tired, low on energy, and sometimes even anxious. But why? She has everything she ever wanted. After those intense, exhausting years with small children, things are finally calming down. So why is it so hard for her to just enjoy it? Why can’t she just relax with a book on the sofa?
She wonders if it’s because she’s been out of the workforce for a few years – or maybe part-time work really is as draining as people say. What’s the reality behind this much-talked-about “work-life balance”? Is it really just about better time management, delegating more, and fostering equality in the relationship?
Self-care – and yet, something’s missing
Anna tries everything. She plans, organises, and carves out time for herself. A hot bath, a scented candle – after all, social media keeps telling us that self-care is the ultimate fix. But deep down, Anna can’t shake the feeling that something more significant is at play.
Why does she feel so lost despite her seemingly perfect circumstances? Why doesn’t she know who she is any more or what she wants from her life? I often hear this kind of story from the clients I work with – especially from young mothers.
Digging deeper into those feelings
For Anna, it ultimately came down to questioning her expectations and the roles she’d taken on, and eventually, finding a new career. For Maria, it was about understanding her relationship with her mother and truly getting to know herself. For Sandra, the focus was on learning that it’s okay to feel sad and angry sometimes. And for Paul, it meant facing his fears and uncertainties head-on.
For all of them, it came down to creating space to explore their feelings and dig deeper into their thoughts and worries. And not just alone at night, when sleep wouldn’t come despite the exhaustion, but actively and intentionally – with guidance and support.
You don’t have to reach a breaking point before seeking help. Sometimes, a simple conversation can shine a light into the darkness and help you take the right steps forward.
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Anna’s story is a typical example of what I see in my work with clients. In my newsletter, I regularly share more insights into my practice and frequently discussed problems, as well as tips for navigating life’s challenges, and stories to inspire and support you – sign up here!
Photo: Dakota Corbin, Unsplash
