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Exposing the β€˜Do-It-All’ Myth: How Ambitious Women Are Finally Reclaiming Their Peace and Sanity with Roshonda Thomas

Dec 18, 2024

In this episode of the Leading with Heart podcast, we are chatting with guest Rashonda Thomas, an Army Reserve officer, entrepreneur, yoga teacher, and mother of four. Rashonda’s experiences span entrepreneurship, fitness, leadership, and active duty deployments—providing a unique, firsthand perspective on navigating the demanding world of military life while still carving out room for self-care. Together, we tackle the tough questions around why women, especially in high-stress environments, often push themselves past their limits—and how prioritizing mental health, setting boundaries, and embracing support can unlock sustainable motivation, productivity, and personal growth.

Redefining Strength in High-Stress Environments
For many women—particularly those navigating military life—the idea of “doing it all” has long been celebrated. The more you juggle, the more you’re praised. But this relentless pursuit of perfection comes at a cost. Stress becomes constant, burnout inevitable, and self-care often slips to the bottom of the priority list. It’s time to question the narrative that equates nonstop productivity with strength.

The Cost of Overcommitment
Long hours, multiple responsibilities, and a pressure to excel at everything can leave women feeling overwhelmed. Add the unique challenges of military life—deployments, frequent moves, and the emotional toll of supporting loved ones through hardship—and the stress compounds. Many women push themselves to the limit, ignoring warning signs of exhaustion and mental strain. The truth? Overcommitment doesn’t lead to sustainable success; it drains energy, creativity, and joy.

Prioritization: A Necessary Skill
Instead of trying to maintain a never-ending sprint, women are learning to downshift gears and operate with intention. By examining schedules and identifying “white space”—those hidden pockets of time—they’re uncovering moments for rest, reflection, and rejuvenation. This could mean saying “no” to extra projects, seeking out flexible work arrangements, or carving out daily morning workouts. Prioritization isn’t about doing less; it’s about doing what matters most.

Mental Health and Breaking the Stigma
The reluctance to seek mental health support often stems from fear, stigma, or believing one “should” handle it all. Yet, the most resilient leaders understand that seeking professional help, engaging in therapy, or exploring resources offered by the VA is not a weakness—it’s a wise investment in long-term well-being. Self-compassion is a crucial element here: talk to yourself with kindness, celebrate small wins, and remember that you deserve the same care and understanding you extend to others.

Tools for Sustainable Growth
Yoga, meditation, journaling, and other self-care practices offer powerful ways to calm the mind, recharge the body, and find balance. Women like Army Reserve officer and entrepreneur Rashonda Thomas are proving that inner peace isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. By embracing supportive routines, setting boundaries, and seeking help when needed, they’re pioneering a new path forward.

Embrace the Change
The “do-it-all” myth is being shattered. By redefining strength, prioritizing self-care, and acknowledging the importance of mental health, women are forging a sustainable, fulfilling future—one that honors their ambition without sacrificing their well-being.

If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue this conversation with you, over on Instagram, or in my Facebook community!

RESOURCES:

Connect with Roshonda Thomas:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Diva_becomethedifference

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/royoga7

 

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/youmatterauthor?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa6eEKLqfc_05cQQPrJ1CDZ_Rwbk-gJeeBCOV1If7QilC_G8YBpDIkjyDE_aem_l2tbBCYKgS7XKMMZVeqAYw

 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3ARoshonda+Thomas&s=relevancerank&text=Roshonda+Thomas&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1

 

Join the Strong and Resilient Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/336774597179247

 

SHOW NOTES: https://www.christinamattisonyoga.com/blog/episode59

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