It’s Not Just the Weight. It’s the Load.
Sundays with Anna | Newsletter #40
Okay, I saw something this week that made me laugh for about three seconds… and then realise why it exists.
Three governors in Japan recently participated in a work-life balance campaign. As part of the demonstration, they wore 7.3kg pregnancy simulation vests designed to mimic the physical weight of the third trimester.
Then they attempted everyday tasks like putting on socks, grocery shopping, and climbing stairs.
Watching grown men struggle to put on socks while carrying that weight was one of those moments where you laugh for half a second… and then you realise why the exercise exists.
Because for so many women, this isn’t a “simulation.”
It’s real life.
And yes, the physical side is huge.
But what really landed for me is that pregnancy is often only part of the load.
There’s also the invisible stuff.
Planning.
Remembering.
Carrying the mental tabs.
Keeping everyone fed, clean, organised, and okay.
All while still showing up to work like nothing’s happening.
And somehow we’ve normalised women doing all of that… and then apologising for not doing it perfectly.
We apologise for needing help.
We apologise for needing time.
We apologise for being stretched thin.
Somewhere along the way, we learned to treat real life like an inconvenience.
I love that this campaign was designed to start a conversation, because that’s where change starts.
And it made me realise something this week:
Most people probably see only about 10% of what someone else is carrying.
So here’s what I’m curious about,…
If someone could step into your day for one hour, what would you want them to understand immediately?
Would it be:
• The mental load
• The constant juggling
• The invisible planning
• Or something completely different?
Hit reply and tell me.
I genuinely read every reply, and I’d love to hear what your day actually looks like.
Big love,
Sundays with Anna is a delightful mix of stories, reflections, and insights to brighten your weekend.
This newsletter complements our XY&Z Newsletter, which many of you enjoy for its educational and informative content delivered to your inbox every second Sunday.
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