The Moment:

"My teenage son is using substances, refusing help, and showing complete apathy toward school, home—everything except hanging out with friends and making money. He has called me names no mother should hear, and his disrespect is beyond anything I ever imagined. I spend my work hours and late nights researching what he’s likely using, how he’s getting around screen time limits, and what health concerns I should be watching for.

He’s started seeing a therapist but only wants to go once a month. He’ll stop using one substance, only to replace it with something else—things that won’t show up on a drug test but still harm him, like energy drinks, excessive screen time, or even CO2. I’m working with his school to explore options, and I take care of myself as best I can, but as a single mom, it’s just too much sometimes."

The Moment:

“Every September, I find myself questioning my life's purpose and my direction with work. I’ve been in the same job for over a decade and even stepped away two years ago to try something new—only to realize it wasn’t what I wanted. Now that I’m back, the parts of the job I hated are still there. The only thing keeping me going is the paycheck because I value contributing financially to my family. But truthfully, I could do without the rest.

At the same time, I’m building a side business, but I question if it will ever succeed if I’m not giving it my all. I feel guilty even thinking about walking away from a reliable income. And in the quiet moments, I find myself constantly wondering—what really fills me up? Imposter syndrome creeps in, making me doubt if I’m capable of figuring it out."

The Moment:
“I’m feeling burnt out professionally and a bit trapped personally. I don’t know if I can focus like I need to this year—it’s the same thing with constant deadlines. Personally, I’m never home alone anymore. My husband works from home, as do I. I need space! Today I worked from my son’s bedroom to get some space from him for the first time.”