You can’t pour from an empty empathy cup. It might sound cliché, but once you become a mom, you quickly realize it’s true.
Motherhood is one of life’s greatest gifts, but it also comes with challenges that can feel overwhelming. You keep going without breaks, unsure how to make it through, and eventually, the signs of burnout start catching up.
In episode 24 of Safe Place for Brown Girls, my guest, faith-based wellness coach Precious Williams, reminds us that burnout often hides in plain sight and that real restoration begins with honesty, support, and self-compassion.
Here’s a bit of what she shared in the episode:
The Trap of Burnout
Yes, you will feel tired in motherhood, but there comes a point when the tiredness doesn’t go away, no matter how much you sleep.
Add in the obligations and expectations from everyone, and you start feeling trapped and weighed down by life. This is when burnout sneaks in without you even realizing it.
“A lot of times, burnout comes in when you feel trapped,” Precious says, pointing to society’s relentless pressure for mothers to be everything to everyone. The hardest part is admitting you’re struggling. Many moms feel guilty for expressing dissatisfaction, telling themselves, “I asked for this. How can I say I’m trapped?”
Acknowledging that feeling, she explains, is the crucial first step toward change.
Even though everything seemed perfect on the outside, inside, Precious was struggling. It wasn’t until one evening, sitting in her car, that she experienced a panic attack.
That moment, she shares, became a gift. “It helped me realize it was a problem. It not only saved my life, it gave my kids a new mom.”
Why “Balance” is a Myth
You can’t do it all at once, and there is no perfect balance. Once you accept that, motherhood starts feeling less overwhelming.
Precious frames this idea through a faith-based lens: “The only balanced being in the universe is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”
Instead of chasing balance, she encourages moms to embrace harmony. Let life flow dynamically, allowing different areas to take the spotlight at different times, and know that it’s okay if some parts fall behind.
Being honest about your limits opens the door to freedom instead of frustration.
Generational Beliefs and Breaking Patterns
Many women, especially those from the islands, grow up seeing overworking and self-sacrifice as virtues. No one wants to be seen as lazy.
Precious explains how this generational mindset keeps mothers stuck in unsustainable cycles, but change is possible. “It’s very difficult to create something you’ve never seen, but it is possible,” she says.
When she began rewriting her own story of motherhood, even her mother affirmed the need for these new patterns, saying, “I wish I had someone telling me I could take a nap.”
Seeking Support and Building Your Village
Once you acknowledge your burnout, the next step is to seek support beyond traditional expectations.
You can’t always turn to your mom, aunt, or grandmother. Sometimes you may need to hire a coach, maid, or therapist to be a part of your tribe.
You can also build a supportive network of moms who are figuring out their own version of a village.
Remember, it doesn’t matter where the support comes from as long as it’s real. Your tribe will respect boundaries, offer support, and let you live your unique version of motherhood.
You Don’t Have to Choose Between Committed and Fulfilled
Precious reminds us, “You have permission to be committed and fulfilled. You can care for your family and yourself. Start by acknowledging your reality, setting boundaries, and inviting support.”
Rest and restoration are not indulgences; they are essential for nourishing yourself and the generations that follow.
You deserve to be whole and not just holding it together. Join us in episode 24 to nourish your soul and take the well-deserved rest you need.