“May” didn’t begin how I hoped. Life got messy, emotions ran high, and burnout knocked louder than usual. But somewhere in the chaos, I found a gentle reminder…

Sometimes, growth looks like showing up a little late—but still showing up.

Okay, I’ll admit it—I blinked, and May was already halfway over.

April was packed with all the things I had to do. Then May came and swept me up in even more. Yes, I work from home—but that doesn’t make it any less stressful or demanding.

At first, I panicked. I thought I’d missed the rhythm I’d been building this year—those monthly reflections that ground me, shape my seasons, and help me pause. I stared at my planner like it had betrayed me.

Then I laughed—

Because maybe I didn’t miss May at all. Maybe I just needed to meet her a little late.

And honestly? That feels kind of perfect.

To me, May has always felt like a soft pause. A breath between spring’s bloom and summer’s rush. Warm days, breezy evenings, school endings, garden beginnings, halfway-met goals, and to-do lists still rubbing the sleep from their eyes.

My youngest just graduated from high school. Ans I’m so proud, we are so proud of him—but I am also overwhelmed. The nest is about to quiet down. One is getting married probably soon. My daughter dreams of seeing the world and traveling. And my youngest? He’s college-bound.

Meanwhile, I’m rebuilding my main website—one recipe at a time.

I’m in round three of editing my book (‘cause… perfectionist! 🙈)

My perimenopausal emotions? Well, sometimes they’re a lot to handle.

And wifehood? I married the kindest soul—but I’m person who likes her “me time,” and he’s a full-on social butterfly. I crave stillness; he thrives in motion around people.

😳 Oh—and let’s not forget the AC unit that decided to quit on us. I was stressed beyond stressed.

I found myself asking:

Can I please catch a break?

Can this girl take a breath?

I’m tired of being tired. And if I keep pushing—I’ll pop.

But…

There’s a gentle strength to May. Not bold. Not loud. Just… present.

I’ve been trying to stay positive—slap on a smile, keep moving, pretend it’s all fine. And in many ways, it is. I have healthy kids. A roof over my head. Food on the table. I run a small business. I have a beautiful support system around me.

Someone might say, “How dare you complain?”

And yet… here I am.

Because gratitude and exhaustion can coexist. Because joy doesn’t cancel out the overwhelm.

This past month, I’ve moved like a hurricane—not by choice, but because life demanded it. Burnout crept in like a slow leak. I didn’t get the pause I needed. I cooked more. Edited more. Worked more. And I kept wishing I had time to walk under blooming trees—to remind myself that movement doesn’t always have to look like productivity.

Sometimes, momentum is simply continuing. Sometimes, it’s just not quitting.

So if you’ve been feeling behind—on your goals, your dreams, your routines—this is your reminder:

• You’re not too late.
• You didn’t mess it up.
• You didn’t miss the window.
• You’re still in it.

The chapter isn’t closed. You’re just on a different page.

Let this summer be your season of soft starts. We can do it together!

Water the seeds you forgot. Pick up the project you set aside. Or just… rest. That counts, too.

Because not everything blooms in March. Not every transformation begins on the first. Not every fire needs to roar—some glow quietly, building heat.

Here’s your gentle permission slip:

⏳ To start again, even late.

🌱 To take a breath and begin small.

✨ To honor the quiet shifts no one sees.

As for me? I’m here. I made it.

May might’ve caught me off guard, but I’m not missing it now.

Let’s move gently, love fiercely, and trust that even soft momentum can carry us far.

Your turn:

• What’s one small intention you’re carrying into the rest of May?

Drop it in the comments or whisper it to yourself. Either way—it matters.

Here’s to showing up, even late.

— Sanna

All my Journal ramblings are HERE.

You can follow me on

FaceBook: @MugOfReality

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And tag me if you make any of my recipes, or if you read any books that I recommended. Or if I helped you in anyway get through. I am always here to help!

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• Spring is in full bloom, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to refresh, reset, and step into growth. April is a month of transition—a time to shed the weight of winter and embrace the energy of longer days, warmer weather, and new beginnings. It’s the bridge between the reset of the first few months and the vibrancy of summer.

March is a month of unfolding—of letting things take shape in their own time, without force or pressure, just trust.

You can do this any month. I feel like I’m going slowly month by month just to take myself accountable but if you’re starting to reset your body and mind go back to my January post and start. It’s never too late to do a reset.

Anyway, so the seeds planted in winter are beginning to break through, not because they were rushed, but because they were nurtured.

Growth happens in its own rhythm, and this month, I am personally allowing myself to embrace that process. I’m choosing to welcome change without resistance and to let my creativity and goals evolve naturally.

No more overthinking. No more doubting. Just unfolding—piece by piece, step by step.

Whatever is meant for me will come in its time. Whatever no longer serves me will fall away. And in the space between, I’ll find clarity, renewed energy, and movement in ways I never expected.

I always try to find a mantra and go by it.

This month is about reconnecting with my purpose, stepping into new opportunities, embracing change, and expanding my vision.

One of the biggest changes I’m making right now? Starting a garden.

I haven’t done this in years, and honestly, I’ve always told myself I don’t have a green thumb.

But this year, I want to learn. I love the idea of growing my own food—turning it into both a fun hobby and a way to provide fresh, homegrown produce for my family.

Beyond that, I want to tap deeper into my creativity. As some of you already know, art has always been a part of me, but for too long, that part has felt dormant.

Over the past few months, I’ve been sketching and watercoloring again, and it’s reminded me how much I love the simple joy of creating. This month, I want to do even more—to let art be my way of unwinding and reconnecting with myself.

Another creative passion I want to revisit? Sewing. I studied design and tailoring, yet I haven’t made much time for it. But I want to change that—start small, create something beautiful, and maybe even make thoughtful gifts for friends and family.

I actually decided to start an Etsy Shop to sell everything I create from watercolor art to my pouches and bracelets, so stay tuned for that.

And then there’s writing. I’ve always dreamed of writing a book, and last year, I finally did it. I don’t know if it’ll ever see the light of day, but the process of finishing it made me so proud. It is still WIP, but I am editing my rough draft to send over my manuscript for polishing.

To be honest, I wrote several books, but I never finished them, so that’s why I was proud of myself because I completed what I started. Now, I feel that creative spark returning.

Maybe it’s the energy of spring, or maybe it’s just time—but I have new ideas swirling in my head, and I’d love to start working on another book. 

Want to start fresh this March?

Here are some tips:

1. Let Go of Perfection

Progress doesn’t have to be perfect. Whether you’re starting a garden, making art, writing, or even beginning a new workout routine, allow yourself to do things without judgment. Imperfection is part of growth.

2. Take Small Steps

Big changes can feel overwhelming, but small, consistent steps lead to real progress. Want to start a new hobby? Dedicate just 15 minutes a day and see where it takes you.

3. Follow Curiosity, Not Pressure

Instead of forcing yourself to “be good” at something, let curiosity lead the way. Try new things, explore different creative outlets, and see what excites you.

4. Allow Things to Evolve Naturally

Not everything needs a rigid plan. Sometimes, the best experiences come when you let things unfold at their own pace. Be open to unexpected opportunities.

5. Make Time for What Lights You Up

Creativity, learning, and personal growth require space in your life. Prioritize them like you would any other important commitment.

6. Trust the Timing of Your Journey

Growth isn’t always visible right away, and that’s okay. Just like plants take time to bloom, your efforts will flourish in their own season.

7. Celebrate Small Wins

Whether it’s planting your first seed, finishing a sketch, or writing a single page of a book—every step forward is worth celebrating. Acknowledge your progress and celebrate it!

So here’s to an Unfolding March—a month of trust, patience, creativity, and beautiful surprises.

A season of stepping forward without forcing, of growing without rushing, and of simply allowing life to unfold as it’s meant to.

What did you do this March?

Let me know in the comments!

Here are similar posts:

January Reset
February Reset

Check out all my latest posts HERE 

P.S. I am working on April Post. 🙂

Sending love and warm hugs to anyone who needs them.

Love,

S A N N A

You can follow me on Instagram and Pinterest, @mugofreality

I just started a Facebook Page. If you are not on Pinterest or Instagram I thought FB is a great way to catch up with my latest posts. I might start an actual page, Mug of Reality, but we will see.

I’ve asked myself countless times—what does not good enough even mean? Why do I feel this way before I’ve even started something as if I’m already bracing for disappointment? Why do I push myself so hard? So many questions, right?

It took me years to realize that childhood trauma plays a huge role in these feelings of never being enough.

I’ve been estranged from my immediate family for over a decade, and I’m okay with it. I’ve found peace, even though my divorced parents—who I think still don’t speak to each other—occasionally reach out in small ways. And honestly? It makes me furious.

I blocked them on every possible platform but sometimes there is a small loophole I miss.

Okay, maybe I am extra, but I don’t remember them ever supporting my ideas or passions. I started blogging, published a book (which I later pulled from reprinting), went through surgery, and experienced countless major life moments—yet not once did they reach out to say, “Congratulations!” or “Are you okay?” Not even a simple “Well done.”

It was always about them; me, me, me…

They weren’t the worst parents, but narcissistic? Absolutely.

I recently started emailing my father again, well, I decided to take small steps and talk to him, and if I don’t reply for weeks—or even months—he eventually asks if I’m okay. That would’ve bothered me so much in the past, but now? My heart just doesn’t care anymore.

Sometimes I feel guilty that I’ve shut off that part of me, but it is what it is. The feeling passes—usually after some meditation or a long walk. I had the hardest time when my sister shut me out. That was hurting for ages!

The Weight of Never Feeling Enough

Did I grow up questioning my very existence? Struggling to trust people? One hundred percent.

As a child, nothing I did was ever enough. I was too big, too slow, not as good as my sister—always falling short. See the pattern? I was never good enough, smart enough, skinny enough.

Last night, as I lay in bed, I started drafting this post in my head and felt the need to share it. Because I know I’m not alone. These childhood wounds shape our adult lives in ways we don’t even realize.

I’m not a psychiatrist, but I’ve done a lot of inner work to heal. And here’s the truth: My parents’ divorce when I was 19 messed me up, but the damage started long before that. I just didn’t recognize it until I hit my 40s. And when that realization hit me? It felt like a brick to the face.

But I refuse to play the victim—because I’m not one.

I picked myself up. My husband helped me put the pieces back together. And then, I did the work to heal—with his and our kids’ support.

Was I judged for cutting ties 15 years ago? Yes. But I did it for my own sanity, not that I owed anyone an explanation. Some family members don’t get it, and that’s okay. Nobody has to get it except me. I have my reasons. I was ignoring the rumors because I was shutting the noise.

Why Self-Healing Matters

Do I still struggle? Yes. But I’ve learned that if you don’t actively work on healing, these feelings of not being enough will consume you.

It’s easy to get sucked into depression—and that can spiral into an entirely different level of struggle.

What Can You Do?

• Find a therapist. Talking to a professional can be life-changing.

• If therapy isn’t for you, find your own healing path. Read books, listen to motivational speakers, try hypnosis, meditate, go for walks, and keep a journal.

• Fuel your body. Eating better and taking supplements helped me feel stronger—physically and mentally.

• Move your body. Exercise is essential, but that doesn’t mean you have to do high-intensity workouts. Walking is a great start. I won’t pretend I love working out, but I always feel better afterward.

Overcoming the Feeling of ‘Not Good Enough’

Breaking free from this mindset requires self-awareness, intentional action, and a whole lot of self-compassion. Here’s what helped me:

1. Identify the Root Cause

• Where do these feelings come from? Childhood? Society? Relationships? Journaling can help uncover patterns.

2. Challenge Negative Self-Talk

• When you catch yourself thinking, I’m not good enough, ask: Would I say this to a friend?
• Replace it with self-compassion: I am worthy as I am. My value isn’t tied to perfection.

3. Detach Your Worth from Achievement or Appearance

• You are enough simply because you exist—not because of what you do, how you look, or how much you accomplish.

4. Set Boundaries

• Say no to things that drain you. Distance yourself from people who make you feel unworthy.

5. Prioritize Self-Care

• Do what brings you joy—art, music, nature, movement. Nourish your body with food that makes you feel good.

6. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

• Social media fuels feelings of inadequacy. Focus on your progress, not someone else’s highlight reel.

7. Celebrate Small Wins

• Keep track of your achievements, no matter how small.

8. Seek Support

• Talk to trusted friends, a therapist, or a mentor. Surround yourself with people who lift you up.

9. Practice Self-Compassion

• Everyone struggles. Be kind to yourself.

10. Embrace Growth, Not Perfection

• Shift your mindset from I have to be the best to I am always learning and evolving.
• How Self-Worth, Childhood Trauma & ‘Not Good Enough’ Connect to Food & Workouts

Childhood trauma and feelings of inadequacy often shape how we view food, exercise, and self-care:

1. Emotional Eating & Food Struggles – Many people use food to cope with unresolved emotions—whether for comfort, control, or distraction.

2. Exercise as Punishment vs. Self-Love – Some push their bodies out of guilt, feeling they have to earn food. Others avoid movement altogether due to fear of failure.

3. Perfectionism & Control – A history of trauma can lead to obsessive control over food and exercise as a way to feel enough.

4. Negative Self-Talk & Motivation – Instead of treating food and movement as self-care, we punish ourselves. Restriction, bingeing, over-exercising—it’s a cycle fueled by shame.

Healing means separating self-worth from body image. Learning to nourish ourselves because we deserve it.

If you’ve ever struggled with feeling not enough, I see you. I’ve been there.

Healing is not linear, and it doesn’t happen overnight. But you can break free from these patterns. You can create a life where you feel enough—just as you are.

Wishing you strength and self-love,

Sanna