Life doesn’t slow down just because your body tells you it needs to. As a mom, a small business owner, and someone juggling multiple chronic illnesses—including celiac disease, diverticulitis, and whatever mystery diagnosis my body is cooking up next—I’ve had to learn (sometimes the hard way) how to balance it all. Spoiler alert: some days, I absolutely don’t.
But that’s the thing—balance isn’t about perfection. It’s about figuring out what works for you in the moments that matter. So, if you’re someone managing a chronic illness while trying to keep your family, career, and sanity intact, here’s a peek behind the curtain of how I do it—messy, imperfect, but real.
Mornings: A Race Against My Body’s Clock
Mornings in my house look a lot like controlled chaos. Braydin (9) is bouncing off the walls, and I’m navigating fatigue that never quite goes away, trying to convince my body that, yes, it does need to function today.
Braydin is a high-needs child who requires 24/7 supervision and multiple appointments per week—4 to 5 at a minimum. That means my days are already packed before I even factor in work, household responsibilities or even my own appointments. The mental load of managing schedules, therapies, and doctor visits while also dealing with my own medical needs can feel overwhelming.
One thing that helps? Routines and prep work.
• I set out clothes the night before because morning brain fog is real.
• I about to start meal-planning to avoid the dreaded “What’s for breakfast/dinner?” meltdown.
• I keep a detailed calendar (TimeTree) with all of Braydin’s appointments and set multiple reminders because, trust me, I’d forget otherwise.
Still, some mornings, no matter how much I prepare, my body just won’t cooperate. On those days, I remind myself: resting isn’t failure, it’s survival.
Parenting When You’re Running on Empty
Being a mom with chronic illness means I’ve had to accept that I can’t do everything the way I once did. I want to be the hands-on, always-there, never-miss-a-thing mom, but some days, I have to parent from the couch, and that’s okay.
What helps:
• Teaching independence where possible – While Braydin needs supervision, I still encourage him to do small things on his own where he can.
• Mom guilt detox – If I need a day to rest, I remind myself I’m still showing up in the ways that matter.
• Quality over quantity – Maybe I can’t take him on an all-day outing, but I can read with him, have a movie night, or be present during his therapies and appointments.
Parenting a high-needs child while dealing with chronic illness means constantly adjusting expectations and redefining what success looks like. Some days, it’s just making it through—and that’s enough.
Running a Business When Your Energy Is Limited
Neon Bloom is my other baby—one that also demands time, energy, and focus I don’t always have. And let’s not even start on my blog, juMOMjia, where I try to keep up with writing, deals, and engagement. Running a business with a chronic illness means working smarter, not harder.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
• Pacing is everything – I break work into chunks, scheduling the hardest tasks during my best energy windows.
• Automation is my best friend – I use scheduling tools for social media and templates for blog posts.
• Listening to my body is non-negotiable – If I push too hard, I will pay for it later. I’ve had to learn (again, the hard way) that breaks aren’t optional.
Some days, I have to push through. Other days, I let my business run on autopilot. It’s all about finding the rhythm that works for me—because if I burn out, everything suffers.
The Mental Load: Keeping It Together (or At Least Trying To)
Let’s be real—parenting, chronic illness, and business ownership all come with huge mental loads. Doctor’s appointments, school schedules, work deadlines, meal planning—it never stops. And on days when my brain fog is at its worst, it feels impossible to keep up.
Here’s what keeps me (somewhat) sane:
• A home binder – I track appointments, kids’ schedules, and important notes in one place. (Yes, I’m making printables for this!)
• Brain-dumping everything – If I don’t write it down, it’s gone. I keep lists for everything.
• Asking for help – I used to think I had to do it all myself. Now, I lean on my husband, my support network, and even my online community when I need support.
The Takeaway: Grace Over Perfection
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in this journey, it’s that grace matters more than perfection. Some days, I’m on top of it all. Other days, I’m just doing my best to make it to bedtime. And both are okay.
For anyone else balancing chronic illness, parenting a high-needs child, and a business—I see you. You’re doing enough. You’re not failing. And even on the hardest days, you’re still showing up in the ways that count.
So, tell me—how do you manage the chaos in your own life? Let’s swap tips (or just vent) in the comments!
juMOMjia 