Are You Exhausted for the Right Reasons? My Journey to Clarity
- Coach Dwana Olsen
- May 21
- 4 min read
Hi friends! If it feels like you haven't heard from me in a while, you would be correct Schedules, responsibilities, and endless to-do lists besides my fitness goals and big dreams. Yet, I am deeply mindful of the powerful energy that I'm constantly surrounded with. In my live classes at the gym, my supernatural workouts and at all the events of my kids. That energy fuels me so much and I'm reminded that the passion we have for our families, the passion for our personal growth, and the pursuit of new challenges is a gift. Today, I'm sharing my journey of balancing mom life with fitness and my dream of turning in-person retreats into nonprofit work. Along the way, I hope to inspire you to share your story and create your own balance.
The Busy Season of Life and Staying Connected
Right now, my life feels like a constant rush. My oldest is preparing to move away to college, a milestone filled with excitement and bittersweet emotions. Meanwhile, my senior’s schedule is packed so tightly it feels like they’re fueled by a dozen cans of Red Bull every day. Despite the busyness, we make a conscious effort to stay close and connected. The world feels heavy, and those moments of connection are what keep us grounded.
At night, when I finally lay my head down, I feel exhausted—but in the best way possible. It’s the kind of tired that comes from giving your all to your family and your passions. It’s a reminder that every challenge is worth it.
Cheering on the Youngest and Celebrating Team Spirit
My youngest keeps us on our toes with soccer, and for the past three months, Friday nights have been reserved for flag football games. I’ve been cheering on her team, watching their hard work and determination unfold on the field. Last Friday was unforgettable. A 7 p.m. win turned into an 8 p.m. win, pushing them into the championship game. The energy and celebration lasted well past 10:45 p.m., feeling like it could have gone on until dawn.
This experience reminded me how important it is to celebrate every victory, big or small. The joy of watching my daughter’s team push through challenges and succeed is a powerful motivator for me in my own fitness and life goals.
Embracing a New Season of Training and Leadership
I’m officially in my next season of training for a race coming up in September. This season feels different because I’m not just training for myself—I’m leading a group of men and women who have always wanted to complete a race but felt intimidated or unsure where to start. We focus on nutrition, recovery, and training schedules, breaking down barriers and building confidence.
This group interaction is a daily reminder that fitness is not just about physical strength but about community and support. It’s about showing up for yourself and others, even when it feels hard. If you have ever thought about completing a race and would like my daily support. Please register and join me! https://forms.gle/si4rdPuFNJk4dMa1A
The Power of Consistency and Gratitude
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned recently is the power of consistency. I’m working on being more consistent with this blog and newsletter because of the gratitude I’ve received from those who read it. Hearing that my words encourage and support others keeps me motivated to keep sharing.
One of my proudest moments in the past few weeks was not skipping my health screening. I got my mammogram and was called back for additional screenings. The anxiety was real, but all results came back clear. That relief was a powerful reminder to prioritize self-care, even when life feels overwhelming.
Dreaming Big: From Retreats to Nonprofit Work
My dream is to take the in-person retreats I’ve been leading and expand them into nonprofit work. I want to create spaces where people can heal, grow, and connect without barriers and off social media. This dream keeps me moving forward, even on the busiest days.
Turning this dream into reality means balancing the demands of mom life, fitness, and leadership. It means showing up every day with energy and purpose, even when exhaustion tries to take over.
How Are You Taking Care of Yourself?
I’d love to hear from you. What’s new in your life? How are you taking care of yourself these days? Sharing our stories helps us feel less alone and more connected. Whether it’s a small victory or a big challenge, your experience matters.
Practical Tips for Finding Balance in Busy Seasons
Prioritize connection: Make time for meaningful conversations with family and friends, even if it’s just a few minutes a day.
Celebrate small wins: Recognize and honor progress, whether it’s a workout completed or a personal milestone.
Create a support system: Surround yourself with people who encourage your goals and understand your challenges.
Set realistic goals: Break big dreams into manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Practice self-care: Schedule regular health screenings, rest, and activities that recharge you.
Stay flexible: Life will throw curveballs. Adapt your plans without guilt or frustration.
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