Give Yourself Grace: Small Shifts for More Ease
When I originally sent this post as a newsletter, it arrived a little later than usual.
I chose to delay it by a day to create more breathing room in my week, and chances are, no one even noticed.
A few months ago, I would have agonized over that choice. But instead, that one small shift gave me exactly what I needed:
Time to chat after a meeting instead of rushing back to my office
A long-overdue lunch with a colleague
Focus to prep for a complex case (which turned out to be one of my favorite visits)
Momentum to start a closet cleanout that already produced three donation bags
And I wasn’t the only one making space in unexpected ways.
This week, two women in my life shared similar choices:
One signed up for a meal prep service after realizing cooking was draining her. Letting go of the “homemade everything” mindset gave her more time to connect with her family.
The other hired a pro to finish a home project she could have tackled herself. Now that it’s done, she feels more energized and at ease.
Small choices can lead to big shifts. All because they gave themselves a little grace.
5 Ways to Show Yourself Grace
Embrace Flexibility
Life rarely sticks to the plan, and holding yourself to rigid expectations can create unnecessary stress. Instead, give yourself permission to move things around. Reschedule that meeting. Shift a task to tomorrow.
Flexibility does not mean you're dropping the ball. It means you're responding to what’s real, not what was penciled in a week ago.
Delegate or Outsource
There’s no prize for doing everything yourself. Whether it’s ordering groceries online, using a laundry service, or asking your partner or kids to pitch in, outsourcing a few tasks can free up time and mental space.
That energy can be better spent on your health, your relationships, or simply taking a moment to breathe.
Set Realistic Expectations
Perfection is an impossible standard that often leads to burnout. Instead, focus on what’s achievable today, not what you wish you could do if everything went perfectly.
Progress counts, even if it's slower than you hoped. Meeting yourself where you are sets you up for success and helps build sustainable habits over time.
Take Breaks
Your brain and body are not built to go full speed all day. Breaks are not indulgent. They are necessary.
Whether it’s ten minutes to step outside, a slow lunch without multitasking, or a pause between appointments to regroup, these moments of rest are what allow you to stay steady, creative, and clear.
Let Go of Guilt
You are allowed to need rest. You are allowed to change your mind. And you are allowed to ask for help. Feeling guilty for taking care of yourself only adds another layer of stress.
Giving yourself grace is not selfish or lazy. It is a practice of compassion that builds resilience and restores capacity.
Grace does not mean giving up. It means giving yourself permission to honor your needs, without shame and without pressure.
The next time you feel like you are falling behind, ask yourself:
What would grace look like right now?
Want more stories and strategies like this?
Join my weekly email list for health insights that support your real life and real body, especially in midlife.