Hey mama, have you been feeling exhausted lately? Maybe snapping at your kids more than you’d like, resenting everything on your plate, or just wondering how much longer you can keep going like this?

I’ve been there. And I know how easy it is to chalk it up to “just the season” or “just being a mom.”
But I want to challenge that today. Because I don’t think this is how God intended us to live.
Running on empty is not your Kingdom calling.

In this week’s episode of the Faith Fueled Mompreneur podcast, we’re continuing our 5 Habits series with Habit 2: Expand Your Physical Capacity. And let me tell you, this one hit home for me. It’s the foundation for everything else we do.

Because if your body isn’t equipped, your calling will feel heavier than it was ever meant to be.

What God Showed Me on the Side of the Road

Let me take you back to a moment I won’t forget. We were driving home from our very first camping trip with our camper, coming down from Flagstaff, when all of a sudden, a warning flashed on the screen in our truck: “Trailer Disconnected.”

My husband pulled us over on the shoulder, cars flying by, and my heart was pounding. Turns out, the trailer brakes weren’t working. The connection was corroded.

And that’s when it hit me.
This is exactly how so many of us are living.
We’re doing all the things, moving full speed ahead, but the connection between our physical bodies and God’s strength is worn down. We’re technically “plugged in,” but not really receiving what we need.
That’s when things start to feel unbearably heavy.

You Can Love Jesus and Still Be Running on Empty

We don’t talk about this enough, but it’s true.
You can be deeply surrendered to God and still physically falling apart.

If you’re sleep-deprived, skipping meals, and carrying stress like it’s normal, it’s going to catch up with you.
And that kind of burnout? It doesn’t glorify God.
It disconnects us from Him.

I used to believe taking care of myself was selfish. But Scripture is clear, our bodies are temples. They are sacred. And when we care for them, we’re not indulging ourselves. We’re honoring God.

Let’s Talk About What Expanding Capacity Actually Looks Like

This isn’t about a fancy morning routine or rigid schedule.
It’s about simple shifts that help your body partner with the calling God has placed on your life.

Here’s what that’s looked like for me:

Start with Sleep
I used to stay up late just trying to “catch up,” but I was waking up exhausted and edgy. Prioritizing sleep was the very first thing I changed. If you’re struggling here, you’re not alone, but don’t ignore it. Your sleep matters.

Fuel Your Body Like It’s Worth It (Because It Is)
I didn’t realize how undernourished I was until I started working with a macro coach. I was moody, foggy, and drained, and skipping meals without thinking twice. Eating balanced meals and focusing on protein has made such a difference in my mood and energy.

Keep Movement Simple and Sustainable
You don’t need to work out for an hour a day to feel better. I started with 15-minute YouTube workouts a couple times a week. Now, I aim for 4–5 short sessions each week, and it’s made such a difference. Start small and stay consistent.

Give Your Nervous System Some Love
This one was new for me. Nervous system regulation wasn’t even on my radar until I started working with a coach who helps women slow down and connect with their bodies. From breathwork to reflecting on triggers, these tools have helped me respond to life instead of constantly reacting to it.

The best part? That same coach is now a guest expert inside the Collective. So if you’re craving this kind of support, you’ll find it there.

Caring for Yourself Isn’t Optional. It’s Obedience.

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 says your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.
That means the way you care for your body is actually an act of worship.

It’s not selfish. It’s spiritual.
It’s not indulgent. It’s obedient.
And it’s one of the most powerful ways you can stay ready for the work God is asking you to do.

When I’m rested, nourished, and clear-headed, I’m more patient with my kids. More connected to my husband. More present in my business.
That’s the kind of fruit that grows when we tend to the vessel God gave us.

Why This Matters So Much for Your Calling

Every role God has given you, wife, mom, business owner, friend, it all matters.
And you need physical strength and capacity to show up for those assignments with joy.

When we’re too tired to disciple others, too stressed to be present, or too overwhelmed to hear God’s voice, that’s when the enemy wins.
That’s when we miss opportunities that were meant for us.
That’s when we start surviving instead of thriving.

And friend, you were made for more than survival mode.

One Small Step You Can Take Today

Ask yourself:
What’s one habit I can shift today to support my body better?

• Going to bed earlier?
• Making time for lunch?
• Moving your body for 10 minutes?
• Asking for help with the kids so you can rest?

Whatever comes to mind, take action. Even if it’s small.
Because small steps matter.

Let’s Figure It Out Together

If this resonated with you and you’re feeling like “Ashley, this is exactly what I needed,” I want to invite you to book a free 20-minute Clarity Call with me.

We’ll take a look at what’s draining you, and I’ll help you map out a simple plan to start rebuilding your capacity with God at the center.

Schedule your call at thepurposegathering.com/clarity

Final Words from My Heart to Yours

You weren’t created to carry the weight of motherhood and business all on your own.
God has already provided His strength.
Now it’s time to clean the connection so your body can carry what He’s given you.

And remember mama, your family and your business don’t need what’s left of you.
They need the best of you.

So let’s stop normalizing burnout
Let’s start rebuilding from the inside out
And let’s keep showing up, rested, rooted, and ready

With love and grace,

Complimentary Episodes:

1. Ep 213. Activate the Armor of God and Get in the Fight
2. Ep 212. Cultivating Godly Contentment in a World That Screams “Not Enough”
3. Ep 211. Choosing Aligned Coaches: How to Discern the Right Fit (Part 2)
4. Ep 210. Choosing Aligned Coaches: Expanding YOU, Not Just Your Strategy (Part 1)
5. Ep 209. Foundational Habits to Becoming a Faith-Fueled Mompreneur 
6. Ep 208. How to Tune Into God’s Voice in a Noisy World
7. Browse All Mindset Related Episodes

Resources:

1. Book a Free Clarity Call – This call will help you breakthrough one area in your life in which you’re feeling stuck. You don’t have to do this alone!! (Available only in June and July 2025) 
2. Join the Free Purpose Gathering Community – A welcoming space for Christian mompreneurs to connect, grow, and be encouraged in both life and business.
3. Learn more about the Collective Mastermind – A Christ-centered space for ambitious mompreneurs seeking support, clarity, strategy, and strong Kingdom sisterhood.
4. Local to Gilbert/Mesa Arizona (For Mom Business Owners) Join our in person membership community
5. Have a question for me? Or a specific struggle you’re dealing with? I’ll address your question on the podcast. Submit your ‘Ask Ashley’ question here
6. Please connect with me on Instagram @thepurposegathering
7. Message me on Voxer (My username is afreehan)