Breaking Free from Hustle Culture: How I Found Peace in Slowing Down

For years, I had a bad habit of overfilling my plate—overextending myself to the point of exhaustion. I thought that the more I did, the faster I’d “get to the next level.” Don’t ask me what that even meant. All I knew was that since I was 19, I’d always had my own—my own car, my own place, working full-time, part-time military, and doing pretty well for my age.

But eventually, I hit a wall. I felt stagnant, like I was stuck in the same spot no matter how much I hustled. As a single mom, that hit even harder. I wanted to provide the best life for my daughter, but instead of peace, I felt constant pressure and burnout.

The Trap of Hustle Culture

I thought the answer to my unhappiness was to do more. So I did. I overloaded my schedule, said yes to everything, and told myself that exhaustion was just part of the process. But being “busy” didn’t mean being productive—it just meant being drained.

My relationships suffered. I was irritable, tired, and running on fumes. I was chasing success so hard that I forgot to take care of myself.

The Turning Point

Everything began to change when I started focusing on my relationship with God and going to therapy. That’s when I realized: I was on a hamster wheel, creating impossible expectations for myself. I believed that if I hustled harder, I’d reach happiness faster.

My therapist—God bless her—said something that changed my life:

“Every area of your life—motherhood, marriage, career—should be receiving the overflow of your cup, not the contents from within it.”

That hit me like lightning. I couldn’t keep pouring from an empty cup. I needed to pour into myself first—spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.

Learning to Slow Down

I started saying no more often. I made time for me. I tried new things I’d always wanted to—kayaking, horseback riding, new recipes (because I love to cook and bake!). I got back to journaling and writing poetry. I danced and sang around the house again.

I even started taking myself on solo dates—just me, Jesus, good food, and peace. No guilt, no pressure. Just being present.

My husband used to joke that I didn’t know how to sit still. He wasn’t wrong. But I finally learned that resting is productive too.

Reconnecting with God

During my quiet time, I came across Psalm 37:4:

“Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires.”

That verse flipped a switch in me. I realized that joy and fulfillment don’t come from chasing goals—they come from alignment with God. When I stopped trying to control everything and started finding peace in Him, my whole life shifted.

Now, instead of stressing about where I “should” be, I focus on gratitude for where I am. When negativity creeps in, I pause and thank God—for another day, for food on our table, for a roof over our heads. Gratitude keeps me grounded and reminds me that God is already providing.

Life Now

Things aren’t perfect, but they’re peaceful. I’ve learned to set goals that are meaningful and realistic—not pressure-filled. I’m no longer driven by hustle, but by purpose. And for the first time in a long time, I can say I’m genuinely happy.

🌿 Final Thoughts

If you’re constantly pushing yourself and still feel empty, take a step back. Breathe. Refill your cup. Spend time with God. The peace you’re looking for doesn’t come from doing more—it comes from being still and letting Him lead.