Planning Fatigue and a Tuesday Morning MentyB

This morning, I had a slight menty b. For those unfamiliar, that’s slang for a Mental Breakdown. And not the dramatic kind... more like the "walking out the door with tears in my eyes while trying to hold it together" kind.

Poor Zach, as usual, caught the brunt of it. But he gave me the hug I didn’t even realize I needed and sent me off to work with the reassurance that I’ll figure it out, like I always do. (Bless that man.)

So why the MentyB on this Tuesday morning?

Because I am overwhelmed. I’m underappreciated. And I’m flying through what feels like a logistical tornado with everything going on between now and the end of October. Just to paint the picture: I have 11 trips or events in the pipeline. Eleven. That’s eleven separate things I am currently planning, executing, collaborating on, or sorting out travel logistics for.

And yes, I counted. There are 14 weeks between now and the end of October. That averages out to one major thing per week. I’m basically in full-blown event mode until Halloween.

Now don’t get me wrong... some of these things I’m really looking forward to. Like our second annual girls’ camp this weekend with all my high school besties and their daughters. I’ve been counting down the days. Or the trip to Boston I’m planning with Zach, and the visit to Atlanta to see my niece and go to a concert with one of my best friends. Those are the things I planned with intention. They fill my cup.

But then there are the other things. The ones I somehow got roped into. The ones where someone asked, "Can you help?" and I said yes, because that’s what I do. I get stuff done. People know that if I’m involved, it’ll be handled.

Here’s the problem though: I’m tired. Deep down, soul-level tired. I have hit full-blown decision fatigue, and it’s only August. As I dramatically told Zach this morning, “I am not planning one more F***ING thing this year.”

And I meant it. (Probably.)

Planning events is no small feat. It’s juggling spreadsheets, timelines, calls, and a never-ending list of reminders. It’s coordinating with other people’s schedules, chasing down responses, and managing expectations... usually with fingers crossed that someone actually gets back to you. It’s the invisible mental load that often goes unnoticed. Because when the event finally comes together, most people just show up without thinking twice about what it took to get them all there together.

I don’t need constant praise. That’s not what this is about. But I do want people to see me. To see the effort. To see the care and the detail I put into even the smallest touches. Because those little things? They matter.

So, if you’re reading this and you’ve ever felt the same (spread too thin, trying to do all the things for all the people with little recognition) I see you. And if you’re someone who has an amazing friend, colleague, or partner who always steps up to make things happen, tell them thank you. Today. It makes a difference.

Here’s to more hugs, fewer mental breakdowns, and the occasional reminder that even planners need a break.

Running on caffeine, chaos, and sheer will... catch you after my next breakdown,

-CC