You’re allowed to do this differently.

Every August I swear I’ll do it differently.

I promise myself I won’t overcommit.

I won’t sprint through Target throwing random folders in the cart.

I won’t get swept up in “new school year, new me” energy.

And yet…

There I am again. Running on caffeine and overwhelm, whispering “it’s fine” while definitely not fine.

Last week, I stood in the water staring at this massive rock formation in Anguilla — the arch at Little Bay.

Carved by years of waves and pressure.

Still standing. Still holding.

But different than when it began.

It reminded me of us.

Mothers. Women.

We get shaped by constant waves. Back-to-school being one of the strongest.

But the difference is: we get to choose how we hold.

We get to pause.

We get to protect what matters.

We get to preserve our peace, even when everything else speeds up.

That’s why I’m trying something new this year — a Nervous System Survival Plan.

No white-knuckling.

No arching under pressure.

Just anchoring deeper into who I’m becoming.

🛠️ One Tool: The 3-Part Nervous System Plan for Back-to-School

Here’s a soft, doable structure I’m using this season.

No big commitments. No perfect routines. Just a few anchors for peace.

1.

PAUSE

(before the day begins)

Most mornings used to hit the ground running.

I’d wake up right at the nick of time because I hadn’t gone to bed at a decent hour — and then came the whirlwind: lunches, backpacks, lost shoes, missing homework.

Sound familiar?

But I’ve learned this:

Even 5 minutes of quiet before the wave hits can change your whole day.

Here are a few things that helped me (and might help you too):

• Phone-free for the first 15 minutes

• Deep belly breathing while making coffee

• Stretching in the kitchen before anyone wakes up — because let’s be honest, 45-year-old bones hit different

• Listening to a calming song before school chaos

• Prayer or reading the Bible (I use the Bible app — love the quick guided plans)

These days, I’m part of the 5AM club.

Not because I’m some ultra-disciplined person, but because it buys me back time in my day.

I used to go from one thing to the next in a blur. Rushing. Reacting. Never breathing.

It took me a full year to figure this out, y’all — so if you’re struggling with mornings, please be patient and kind with yourself.

My rhythm now?

Barre or Pilates at 6am, just 45 minutes.

It’s not perfect, but it’s mine.

And it reminds me that I get to care for my body before the world gets my energy.

2.

PROTECT

(your energy and your schedule)

August and September come with so many asks — class parties, sports sign-ups, teacher emails, “can you just…” texts.

Here’s your reminder: You are allowed to say no.

Make a quick Boundary List for the season. Ask yourself:

• What will I not overdo this year?

• What can I say no to — even if it feels uncomfortable?

• What are the non-negotiables for my peace?

One of mine? No more volunteering for every school event just to be a “good mom.”

You’re already a good mom. Protecting your peace is part of it.

3.

PRESERVE

(your time + nervous system)

This is the season to simplify wherever possible.

Think: less pressure, fewer decisions, more softness.

A few swaps I’m trying:

• Meal fatigue? Rotating the same 4 dinners every week (no shame)

• Inbox overwhelm? One email check a day, not ten

• Afternoon crash? Keep a snack + water in the car for pickup

• No energy? Say yes to rest instead of overdoing evening plans

You’re not lazy. You’re preserving energy for what matters most.

🤍 One Gentle Reminder

You don’t have to earn your rest.

You don’t have to impress anyone.

You don’t have to say yes to every ask.

You are allowed to move slower than the world around you.

Especially now.

You can start transitioning before September . You’re already on the mend.

Let’s not lose that healing momentum just because Target will soon start to put out Halloween candy out early.

Before you go, here’s what’s been keeping my brain company lately.

🔥 By the Fire Pit

A few things feeding me lately—books, articles, quotes. Take what you need.

📚 Reading:

We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers — Bold, practical, and honestly? It’s shifting how I think about worth and money as a woman and a mother.

🖥️ Article I saved:

ADHD in Women & Girls — I’ve been hearing from so many women who feel like they’re constantly “behind” or overwhelmed by everyday life. This article offers a compassionate lens—especially if you’ve got teen girls at home, too.

💬 Quote I’m sitting with:

“I don’t rise and shine. I caffeinate and hope.”

— Unknown

(If this isn’t the most honest parenting motto…)

I’m with you,

xx

Moya Mathison, LPC, ACS