Refocusing on Me: Real-Life Lessons on Balance, Self-Care, and Making Goals Happen

Welcome (back!) to Anjanae Essentials! I’m excited to relaunch with fresh focus and renewed dedication, sharing this journey to self-discovery, growth, and balance. Like many of us, I’m constantly trying to become a better version of myself. While my path might look different from yours, there’s one thing we all share: the determination to figure it out and not give up on ourselves.

Over the years, it’s no secret that I’ve struggled with consistency, especially now that I’m back at work. Life is all about assignments and deadlines, and sometimes, I feel like I’m running on empty. I’m guilty of procrastinating and often find myself making goals that seem to slip away before I start.

But here’s the thing: I’ve realized that saying my goals out loud isn’t enough. I need to get real about how I accomplish them, make space for what matters, and find what works for me in my own season of life.

Lessons from the Summer: Small, Manageable Goals

Over the summer, I took a different approach to planning with my boys and found something that worked. I decided to set just one goal for the week rather than overloading the entire month. This helped me avoid feeling burned out, and for once, I wasn’t obligated to have something on the calendar every day. By taking it week by week, I felt more present and focused.

Another thing I tried was creating a flexible schedule. Instead of saying, “I’ll do self-care every day at 6 pm,” I blocked out one or two hours here and there, fitting it into times that naturally worked with my week. If something came up at my designated time, I could shift without the guilt. I know myself well enough to know that rigidity just doesn’t work in my life right now, so I’m learning to go with the flow while keeping myself on my own list of priorities.

Returning to Work: Finding Grace in New Beginnings

Going back to work after ten years has been a major change. There’s a learning curve to getting used to clocking in and out, collaborating with new people, and adjusting to a community that moves at a different pace. I’ve had a few “oops” moments along the way, but instead of being too hard on myself, I’m learning to give myself grace. My coworkers and boss have been incredible reminders that mistakes are just part of learning. So, I’m applying this lesson beyond work and into my life: giving myself the grace to learn, grow, and get better every day.

Embracing 40: Speaking Up, Letting Go, and Learning to Say No

Turning 40 has been a time of real reflection for me. I’m still learning, but I’m discovering that growth only comes when you keep moving forward and learning from the experiences life throws at you. One of my biggest lessons has been to stop overthinking and start trusting myself. It’s okay to say no, to put myself first, and to speak up when I need something. For too long, I prioritized everyone else’s needs over mine, but I’m realizing that taking care of myself isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

Moving Forward: Balancing Life, Family, and Self-Care

Life is changing fast, and my family is at the heart of it all. But I’m learning that I can’t do it all alone. Delegating, sharing tasks, and making space for self-care are part of my new approach. I want to get back to the gym, but with my new schedule, it’s a challenge. My goal is to work out 3-4 times a week—something manageable that doesn’t add stress but instead lets me feel my best.

My blog has also been on this journey with me, and to be honest, I couldn’t let it go. It’s like that piece of clothing in the back of your closet that you know you should let go of, but something keeps you holding on. I’ve paid for one more year, and instead of overwhelming myself, I’m setting a realistic goal: one blog post every other week. If I get more out there, that’s a win, but this time, I’m focused on quality and consistency over quantity.

Social media is another beast. I overthink every post, but I’m working on a way to simplify it. I want this to be a place where we can grow together, so stay tuned as I experiment with new approaches, and let’s find what works together!

Let’s Talk: What Changes Are You Making?

So now I’m turning it to you: What changes have you made to bring balance and joy into your life? What works, and what doesn’t?

Let’s keep this conversation going! You can follow my journey on Instagram for all the behind-the-scenes moments, and I’d love to hear from you about what’s working in your life.

Here’s to growth, grace, and a renewed focus on what matters most. Thanks for joining me on this journey!