I’m writing this on one of those rare “lower energy days” – and honestly, it feels strange. My default setting is naturally upbeat and bubbly, but here I am, feeling a little quieter than usual.
It reminds me of what my midwife told me eleven years ago, shortly after having my second daughter: “Even Wonder Woman needs to take her cape off.” Those words have stayed with me ever since, and they feel especially relevant today as I navigate running my own business while supporting thousands of women doing the same – all around the beautiful chaos of motherhood.
Recognising That Energy Fluctuates Is Normal
Here’s what I’ve learned: we’re all wonderfully, beautifully human. Our energy levels naturally ebb and flow, just like the seasons. Some days we wake up ready to conquer the world, other days we need to move a little gentler through our to-do lists.
And you know what? Both versions of us are equally valid and valuable.
Understanding Your Unique Values As A Mum In Business
Can I tell you something? We’re a special breed, us self-employed mums. We’re definitely not hobbyists (please don’t patronise us with that label!), but we’re also not solely chasing six-figure dreams either.
We’re something more meaningful – we’re purpose-driven women with deeply held values, quietly making an impact in the world every single day. We take genuine professional pride in what we create and how we serve others.
Our driver is balance. We want thriving businesses AND to be present for school plays and family holidays.
Learning To Work With Your Energy, Not Against It
The real magic happens when we learn to dance with our energy instead of fighting against it. Just like water naturally flows around obstacles, we can learn to flow with whatever energy we have each day.
I love thinking about it like tending the most precious garden. We lovingly nurture our children, watching them grow and blossom. We do the same with our businesses and clients – we’re not just providing a service, we’re genuinely invested in seeing them flourish and thrive.
Practical Strategies For Lower Energy Days
On days when your energy feels a little softer, try being extra gentle with yourself. Here are some of my favourite ways to nurture that quieter version of you:
- Journaling – let those thoughts flow onto paper
- Taking a mindful walk in nature
- Meeting a friend for a gentle stroll and chat
- Savouring a peaceful coffee moment in your garden
- Choosing music that feeds your soul
- Having a digital detox – giving your mind space to breathe
- Moving your body in ways that feel good, not punishing
- Curling up with a book that nourishes your soul
And when you’re ready – only when you’re ready – choose one small task that feels manageable and give yourself the satisfaction of ticking it off.
Embracing Self-Compassion In Business
Here’s what I want you to remember; I know it might sound like a ‘fridge magnet’, but you absolutely cannot pour from an empty cup. Taking time to fill yourself back up isn’t selfish – it’s essential.
Today might be one of those gentler days for you too, and that’s not just okay – it’s perfectly human. Be wonderfully kind to yourself. Let your energy flow where it wants to go, trust the process, and know that this quieter, more reflective version of you is just as valuable and worthy.
You’re doing something incredible – you’re an amazing mother writing her own life story, building a business on your own terms. Every version of you, even the tired ones, deserves celebrating.
Learning to work with your natural energy rhythms as a self-employed mum isn’t about limitation – it’s about creating a sustainable, joyful way of doing business that honours who you are as both an entrepreneur and a mother.
Sometimes that means taking your cape off, and that’s not giving up – that’s wisdom.
I’d love to hear from you – how do you navigate those gentler energy days? What helps you feel supported and kind to yourself? I’d genuinely love to connect with you and share ideas about building businesses that work beautifully with motherhood.
All photos have been chosen to reflect my current mode. A squige with my girls, is what’s required right now.
Photo credits from Nina Raingold (black and white, main photo) a kind passer by on the school run and Adele, from Super Funky Penguin.
