It was February 2022. I was sitting in my chair, no TV on (surprisingly), not working, just… stuck. My mind was racing with questions:
What do I do with myself?
Do I start my business?
Should I just focus on being a stay-at-home mom? (Which I quickly dismissed because, hello, Bay Area bills.)
I felt overwhelmed. Defeated.
You see, I was saying goodbye to my dad while simultaneously trying to navigate life as the “new Michelle”—the one diagnosed with a chronic illness.
I was lost, and for the first time, I had to admit that I couldn’t do it all anymore.
That’s when the idea of life systems came to me, like a little whisper in the back of my brain:
What if I applied the concept of standard operating procedures (SOPs)—you know, those corporate checklists—to my personal life?
From SOPs to Life Systems
At first, I called them personal SOPs. It was a good idea, but something didn’t feel quite right. It wasn’t connecting in the way I hoped.
Then, after a poll and some reflection, I rebranded them as Life Systems. That name stuck because it wasn’t just about routines or checklists—it was about creating a personalized, sustainable way to manage life’s chaos.
The Wake-Up Call
The problem was simple yet so hard to face: I needed to take care of me. For years, I put myself last. I was the “doer of all things.” The person who always said:
“I’ll take care of it.”
“Don’t worry, I’ve got this.”
But after my diagnosis, I realized I couldn’t keep pouring from an empty cup.
It wasn’t easy. Asking for help felt foreign and uncomfortable. But one of the first life systems I created—Household Harmony—became a game-changer.
Household Harmony: Learning to Ask for Help
This system was all about getting my family involved in the day-to-day running of our home. I started small, with simple, direct asks:
“Today, can you take out the garbage?”
“Can you help mop and vacuum?”
“Could you clean the counters while I work on something else?”
And to my surprise, it worked.
For the first time, I wasn’t drowning in chores. Even better, I started teaching my daughter about responsibilities. She chose cleaning the bathroom over doing the dishes (which honestly felt like a win!), and while we’re still working on the whole cleaning-her-room thing, the key has been clear communication and collaboration.
Some families thrive on assigning specific chores, like “You’re in charge of the kitchen,” or “The bathroom is your domain.” For us, it’s all about daily conversations and clear asks.
“Can you help me with this today?”
Is it perfect? No. Is it always easy? Absolutely not. But it works.
The Bigger Picture
Life Systems didn’t just help me manage my household—they became my roadmap for navigating everything. Whether it’s managing my health, balancing work, or simply finding time for self-care, these systems give me a sense of control in a life that often feels unpredictable.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about progress.
From My Chaos to Your Calm
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or like life is running you over, I get it. I’ve been there. Life systems were my stepping stone to a calmer, more balanced life, and they can be yours too.
You don’t have to figure it all out at once. Start with one system—just one—and see how it feels.
Let me help you create YOUR version of a balanced life. It’s not about having it all together; it’s about learning to manage life’s beautiful bitchiness in a way that works for you.
Ready to start your own Life Systems journey? Let’s talk. I can help you design a system that fits your life and your needs—whether it’s asking for help, managing a busy household, or simply finding time for you.
Until next time, wishing you a better today than yesterday!
Michelle 🥰🧡
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