When It All Feels Heavy- Be Kind to Yourself

Some weeks feel heavier than others. Not because something went wrong, but because everything is happening— responsibilities, emotions, decisions, the quiet pressure to do more, be more, fix more. And in the midst of it all, I had one of the most important conversations with my son.

He shared that he feels uncomfortable in his body. That he wants to lose weight. He shared he heard other kids his age talking about weight loss and getting muscular. He didn’t feel good in his own skin.

He’s not online. He’s not seeing influencers or chasing impossible filters, but he’s still feeling the weight of unrealistic expectations— the ones that sneak in through comparison, self-doubt, and silence.

Honestly? I get it….

I told him that I wish someone had told me when I was younger that everyone — kids and adults alike— wrestles with feeling “not enough”. That you don’t have to change who you are to feel worthy. That treating yourself with care isn’t about luxury, but about compassion.

I reminded him

• Eat food that fuels you

• Move your body to feel strong, not punished

• Rest

• Laugh

• And most of all, be yourself

The world doesn’t need another polished version of someone else. It needs your realness, your wit, your questions and curiosity. It needs your heart.

And as I shared those words with him, I felt the words land inside of me, too. The truth is, I’ve spent too much of my own life hiding behind expectations— doing what I was “supposed” to, being afraid to show up fully as myself. But not anymore.

No more shame. No more blame.
Just compassion.
Just care.
Just truth.

This community — Rooted Feast — was never about perfection. It’s about presence. It’s about showing up messy, tender, curious, and whole.

Let’s raise kids who believe in their own worth. Let’s become adults who live like that belief is true.

Nourishing forward,
Jennifer