Dear Annie: I am writing to you about something that I suspect many people wrestle with but rarely admit out loud: feeling completely drained by trying to “do it all.”

On paper, my life looks fine. I have a steady job, a family I love and friends I try to keep up with. But in reality, I feel like I’m stretched so thin that I’m not fully present anywhere. At work, I’m behind on deadlines. At home, I’m guilty that I don’t spend enough quality time with my spouse or children. With friends, I cancel plans at the last minute because I just don’t have the energy.

Everywhere I turn, there are messages telling me to “set boundaries,” “practice self-care” or “say no more often.” I try to follow that advice, but then I feel like I’m letting someone down. If I say no to my boss, I risk my job. If

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