Good day, everyone. I’m a very busy person — I work two jobs, go to school, and I’m also the main support for my partner, who is disabled. Between his appointments, work, and classes, I feel like I’m constantly juggling everything at once. I try my best to keep learning about the craft, but I always feel like I’m falling short. Everything I know so far, I’ve taught myself by reading whenever I can, and this website has helped me a lot.
My question is: how do I slow down enough to breathe and reconnect with my roots? I come from a line of witches, but there’s a big gap between me and my great‑grandmother, and I feel that calling — but I also feel lost. What can someone in my situation do to find their way back?
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I hear you. Real Life does tend to take over quite often, and it is important to get things done in RL. There are mini ways to sneak in a bit of this or that, here and there.
Deep breathing during bathroom breaks can reduce stress as you breathe in the good you’re learning or creating and releasing the stress others put upon you with your exhalations.
Adding intentions to daily activities doesn’t take extra time, just a second of clear thought to imagine inner stressors being washed away when washing hands, negativity being rinsed down the drain in the shower or bath, or positive thoughts pushed through the mop while cleaning house. The vacuum can suck up negativity. Dusting can remove what you want to release to make space for something new in life.
I once knew a woman who wouldn’t start the car without a moment to request protection and guidance on the road.
With every drink of water, drink in the good things in life. Health, beauty, and happiness are good things to drink in.
Stirring clockwise while cooking inserts positive intentions, while stirring counter clockwise can be used to kill germs or reduce inflammation. If all you have time for is a tv dinner, imagine the microwaves cooking negativity to death or use the timer to count down to a peaceful state within as everything else seeps into the ground beneath your feet.
Ask the ingredients of each food to do something helpful. You don’t need to study endless correspondences. Just state your need while throwing them together in the pot. The biggest idea is to concentrate on something rather than allowing the mind to run off in many different directions.
Got an earworm? Popular songs can be chants for your wishes.
Trouble concentrating when you’re studying? Accept the invading thought instead of fighting it. I’m not suggesting indulging in it, just tell the thought you hear what it has to say, offer it thanks, perhaps jot down a note for later, and ask the thought to allow you to concentrate for the time being. If it is important, you can go back later, after your study session, and pick it up again.
The best thing is to find a sense of flow so everything gets done in the few hours we have each day. Make things as easy for yourself as possible and release the rest as belonging to someone else.
You’ve probably already learned the value of having a place for everything and everything in its place. I learned when ill to conserve energy by doing more than one thing at a time: if I’m going into the kitchen and have to pass the desk, I take the phone with me to plug it in so it can charge while I’m doing the dishes.
Someone once said we shouldn’t put anything down unless it is in the space designated for it. I found myself having to go to the restroom with items in my hands for opposite ends of the apartment. Thus, find the appropriate pattern for yourself and ignore what doesn’t work for you. Remember that your great grandmother didn’t have the same lifestyle you do, since college and jobs outside the house were unheard of for women.
May you find the flow you need to get through your days with peace and success!
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I agree with the lovely @georgia. Just take little bits of time when you are doing your thing. Three deep breaths in a row can be sacred, and saying hi to the moon in the sky on the way somewhere can be meaningful.
I do have three books on my wish list that look interesting that may help you. I haven’t read them yet, but it might be worth a shot!
The Busy Witch’s Guide to Everyday Magic: Practical Spells and Rituals to Re-Enchant Your Life
Good luck! I hope this helps!
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Hello @secilia 
By respecting your inner-calling and with your intention, you have set magic afoot! You are more than enough. There is no race. I share the idea of a daily, morning mantra, like “I am open and receptive to learning about the craft.” Let magic make the space for you!
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Hi, @Senna - that’s just beautiful!
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O my thank you so much I’m almost crying with relief. Some of the things you mentioned I already do. I have a ritual every morning. I make my coffee and I give thanks to my goddess for even waking up. I water my plants as I’m doing. I think about the things that I need to do for the day when I get to work again. I think my goddess and I spray my office down with moon water and salt. My door to keep people who want to talk bad and do evil against me. Because I do work in a very high stressful environment but sometimes I just feel like I’m not doing enough my goddesses do so much for me
So I appreciate you responding. Thank you very much.
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Thank you no I have not read the books you mentioned but I will add them to my list.Thank
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Welcome @Senna!
Perfect!
Great support!
Have a magical day, all!
Sounds like you are doing Great! Now to relax into it and resist the temptation to compare your path with others. 
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Hi, @Senna, and welcome!
I like that! That’s a good affirmation, I may use that one! If you don’t mind.
You’re welcome! I hope you find time to read in between the craziness of your life, and one of them helps you!
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Wow Secilia,
I feel your frustration. My great-grandmother and I too. I do not know how I can help you, I finally have ME time, the kids are grown. I can offer this mantra, does wonders:
I am Vital
I am Strong
I am Unique
I Belong
Any time you are feeling harried, just take a few seconds and say this to yourself.
Lady Gene 
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Hi Friend!
You have so many phenomenal answers here - I don’t have much to add except that I’m in the same boat - so. very. busy! Everyone is right, small steps add up to big things and it sounds like you are well on your way! Keep it up! I just wanted to remind you to give yourself grace, too! Some days you just get to everything you want to get to! Another trick I use - audio books - while I’m in the shower or the car or waiting at an appointment! Enjoy your journey! It’s the best part!
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Audiobook is my best friend.I listened all day every day
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