Ever feel like life is one never-ending list of things to do — and you can’t catch your breath?
I’ve been there too. Between running a business, managing a home, and caring for my family, overwhelm used to be my constant companion. But over the years, I’ve learned how to build peace into my days — through priorities, planning, and trusting God to order my steps.

In episode 6 of the Flipping Furniture for Profit Podcast, I shared what I’ve learned about managing mornings, creating routines, and avoiding unrealistic expectations that steal our joy.

Finding Margin in Life (and in Design)

Along with everything else I do, I’m also a graphic designer. If I want my design to stand out and grab attention, I have to leave white space around the elements. My copy needs to be short, to the point, and catchy.

Some of the phrases I keep in mind as I design are:

• “Dot is a lot.”

• “Less is more.”

• And my favorite: “A line is a dot that went for a walk.” — Paul Klee

These same principles apply to life. Our lives need margin just like good design. We can’t go full speed every day and expect to stay joyful or productive. Overwhelm steals our creativity, our peace, and even our ability to do our best work.

Our Lives Are Made of Dots

Our lives consist of a bunch of “dots” — the little things that make up each day.
When connected, they form a beautiful picture — one that honors God and blesses those around us.

But we can’t have that victorious, beautiful life if we’re constantly worried, discouraged, or overwhelmed. I know, because I lived that way for years.

During my time in full-time ministry, I wore many hats — teaching, mentoring, leading, creating, running an Independent Study Classroom, and raising 15 kids, most with special needs. My days were packed from sunrise to bedtime. My heart races even thinking about it!

I learned to schedule, manage, and innovate just to stay afloat — but I also wish I had known then what I know now: I needed margin.

The Key to Peace: Focusing on God’s Priorities

It took me years to realize that my true “to-do list” is simple:

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” — Ecclesiastes 12:13

"Moreover, it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful." — I Corinthians 4:2

Those verses changed everything for me. When I remember that my main goal is to honor God in all I do, I can let go of the guilt that comes from not doing everything.

If I use my time wisely, give my best with the gifts He’s given me, and rest in His timing — I’m good. That truth alone can erase so much overwhelm… if we remember to apply it.

The Importance of a Morning Routine: Setting the Tone for the Day

Here’s what helps me stay grounded and productive — without feeling like I’m spinning my wheels:

1. Decide your priorities. Stick to them and only add other tasks if there’s extra time.

2. Start the day right. I get housework done in my first hour so it’s not hanging over me all day.

3. Tackle one business-building task daily. Just one thing that moves the needle forward.

4. Eat the frog first. I do the hardest or least enjoyable task first — then everything else feels easier.

5. Use a bullet journal. Writing things down and crossing them off gives a sense of control and accomplishment.

These simple habits help me manage my mornings and set the tone for a productive, peaceful day.

A Lesson from My Cat (and a Crazy Morning)

Just this morning, I woke up at 6 a.m. to a sharp pain — my cat Mia had a bad dream and leapt from under my chin, clawing my hand and arm as she fled. Blood everywhere. Not the morning I had planned!

After cleaning and bandaging myself, I remembered all the unexpected things that had to be done — and I had only one day at home to do them before heading back to our campground for another week.

I needed to:

• Make space in our freezer for a half cow being delivered (which meant canning 8 gallons of frozen tomatoes!)

• Can the beans sitting in the fridge.

• Make cat food for the week.

• Do laundry.

• Write, record, and upload two podcast episodes.

• All… one-handed.

Was I overwhelmed? Almost. But then I took a deep breath and remembered: I have systems. I have margin. I know my priorities.

Because I’ve built routines that keep my life organized and peaceful, even chaos doesn’t shake me anymore.

The Takeaway

You don’t need to do everything — you just need to do what matters most.
When you plan your days with intention, give yourself margin, and focus on honoring God first, peace naturally follows.

Life will always have cats, cows, and curveballs — but with balance and faith, you can handle them with grace.

🪑 For more helpful tips >>> listen to The Flipping Furniture for Profit Podcast, and while you're there, don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Blessings,