Hi, I’m Lu, and I’m almost 35, a woman who’s completely overwhelmed. By information, by endless to-do lists, by dreams that feel too big, and by frustrations that feel too small to matter. I’m caught in that impossible chase of trying to be everything: beautiful, successful, the perfect mom, someone who nurtures relationships, takes care of her health (both mental and physical), and keeps a Pinterest-worthy home.

I’m the one who beats herself up over every mistake. The one juggling a dozen spinning plates, and when one crashes to the ground, I feel like I’ve failed — completely ignoring all the plates still spinning perfectly. I’m the woman who keeps accepting more plates, even when I’m running on empty.

I am one of us.

I’m gentle with everyone else. I cheer on my friends, encourage my family, support my husband, celebrate my daughters. I see the best in others without even trying. But with myself? I’m harsh, critical, unforgiving. I minimize my feelings, sabotage my desires, put my needs dead last. I fail myself daily. It’s like all the kindness I’m capable of giving is reserved for everyone else, never for me.

I am one of us, and I created this blog as a reminder. A reminder that I can — and should — be gentle with myself. With my mistakes. With my bad days. With the moments when I feel like I’m not enough.