Hi, friends 👋🏽. I’m Stacy Casson, Chief Play Officer at Things to Think About. As a mom of five who also held a full-time job, I used to hold a PhD in creating chaos. Now, I help other busy, overwhelmed parents have peaceful evenings and avoid dramatic mornings. I discovered that by applying organizational principles through play, I could reduce my mental load, stop nagging, and finally move from overwhelm to action. You set the tone for your kids, and I can help you set a calm one. Let’s get started.
Celebrate Your Wins
Pause for a moment:
What’s one thing you accomplished this week—big or small?
- Did you save that dying plant on clearance?
- Got your kid’s volunteer form signed?
- Read that book you’ve been eyeing?
Drop your win in the comments or share it with a friend!
My wins: I applied for a grant to bring my Playshop, A Clean Room, A Clear Mind, to more parents. I won a beautiful heart necklace from Harris Art Studio, playing Gratitude Bingo hosted by Living In Gratitude Today. I won the second round as well and then went home to rest. Today, I survived another year around the sun. Reflecting on your wins helps to energize you when you are drained.
Every week, we explore a Tarot card because Tarot is rich in symbology and helps us to tap into our intuition. Reflecting on the card and noting what comes to mind is a metaphorical form of brainstorming that can provide insights when problem-solving.
Card of the Week: The Four of Swords Reversed
I used to say, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” Going to bed early meant saying “I’m going to bed,” and then spending the next hour folding laundry, finishing that last post, wiping down the counters, and finally washing my face, brushing my teeth, and going to bed. There is a tomb with a statue of a person lying in repose, three swords mounted on the wall, and a stained-glass window. Swords are about our thoughts and mental state, and this person is sealed away to rest eternally. What comes up for you as you reflect on the card?
The Pattern It Reveals
Do you find yourself bolting upright in bed because you forgot something and decide it has to be then and there? Are you frequently sending one last email? Are you regularly drinking caffeinated beverages to function? When cards are reversed, they normally reveal a struggle. Rest is viewed as a nice-to-have and something to push through to reap rewards. What it’s really saying is that you have a boundary issue. I used to keep the Sabbath and rest. I find myself drawn to returning to that practice and getting more tuned into my spiritual and mental rest.
The Question Worth Asking
When did you decide that your to-do list was more of a priority than your rest and health?
One Small Experiment to Try This Week
Notice when you are tired and then pay attention to what “urgent” things pop up to thwart your rest. Then, write them down. Even if they “only take a minute,” those minutes add up. If you had to pay someone overtime to do the task, would you? What does that fifteen minutes of folding laundry cost you? Research shows that increasing your sleep by small amounts over time can help you reduce your risk of a heart attack. How much is it costing your health to focus on your chores instead of yourself?
Ready to move from overwhelm to action?
If that last little experiment hit too close to home and you realized you’re paying the “overtime” of exhaustion, I see you. If you wish you were the man resting in the Four of Swords, you are not alone. Let’s put on the oxygen mask together. Book a Calm Down Session with me. In this session, you can allow yourself to replenish and resource yourself, so you are prepared for parenting and the work ahead. I will guide you through a brief meditation. From there, we can see how I can help you on your parenting journey. People showed an average drop of 3-4 points in their stress or overwhelm levels. My clients often say that my soothing voice helps them feel calm and restored. Let me help you put on your oxygen mask. For my subscribers, use the coupon code BREATHE2026 and get $10 off your session now through the end of May.
