How to Find Joy in the Middle of the Mess (Even When You Feel Behind)

Ever crawl into bed and think, “I was busy all day, but I got nothing done — and now I’m even more behind”? Yeah, mama. That’s the behind-feeling.

It’s the frozen chicken at 5 p.m. It’s the school app dinging like it’s your full-time job. It’s the laundry that multiplies while you sleep.

And it leaves you waiting for joy to finally show up someday — when the house is spotless, when the calendar clears, when the kids are older. But here’s the truth: joy isn’t hiding in someday. Joy is right here, in the middle of the mess.

In this episode, we’re talking about how joy yanks you out of behind-mode and drops you into the present — and how that shift is what makes you feel steady, confident, and actually in control.

Here’s what you’ll hear today:

• The real-life gas station pizza + “All Star” story that reminded me what presence feels like.

• Why “behind-mode” tricks you into waiting for joy at the finish line (and why it never works).

• The simple shift to start noticing joy in ordinary, messy little moments — and why saying it out loud matters.

• A sanity check (because yes, hiding in the bathroom with a cookie still counts as joy).

Insight Questions for You:

• Where are you living so far ahead in your head that you’re missing the joy right in front of you?

• Where have you been waiting for “someday” to finally let yourself feel happy?

Mama, joy is what shifts you from always behind → confidently in control. You don’t have to wait for the clean house, the quiet season, or the perfect day. Joy is already here, baked right into the chaos.

And if you’re ready to stop living in behind-mode and start practicing control-mode, come join me inside The Confident Mom Bootcamp. It’s where we stop chasing “someday” and start living steady, present, and confident — right now.

Until next time… remember, mama — you’re not behind. You’re already on the journey. And you’re more confidently in control than you think.

Guilt Loop Workshop

In this workshop, we’re breaking down the sneaky cycle of mom guilt—the one that makes you feel like no matter what you do, it’s never enough. You’ll learn why guilt keeps showing up (even when you’re doing your best), how to spot it before it spirals, and a simple method to step out of the loop and back into calm.

This is a practical, real-talk reset for the woman who’s tired of carrying guilt like it’s her part-time job. You’ll walk away with tools you can use the next time guilt pops up—without adding more to your to-do list.

Register for Workshop click here

Join the next Fireside Chat—a real-talk Zoom room for entrepreneurial moms https://calendly.com/crystalc-ignitetorise/the-fire-circle

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The Confident Mom Bootcamp

You’ll learn the practical, doable steps to move from chaos and guilt into calm, confidence, and control.

Click here to register