Chanel Fortier Kittle is a Mental Health Psychotherapist, Life Coach, Executive/CEO business coach, financial expert, keynote speaker, and published author. She was part-owner in a finance firm for a decade, where she did financial portfolio management and financial advising. She is the founder and CEO of Fortier Therapy Group, where she currently provides mental health therapy. She has a Master of Science in Business Management and a second Master’s Degree in Social Work to pursue her passion for helping others with their mental health.
Balancing Act: Female Empowerment and Mental Health
Sometimes, we go through life without ever truly discovering who we are at our core. The demands of life keep us spinning our wheels, leaving little time to ground ourselves and remember who we were before the world told us who we should be.
Modern women often wear multiple hats: career professional, partner, mother, friend, caretaker, all while carrying a huge mental load. While it’s inspiring to see women thrive in so many areas, juggling so many responsibilities can be overwhelming and take a toll on mental health. Empowerment comes from acknowledging these challenges and finding practical strategies to manage them without losing yourself in the process.
I have been intentional about taking the path less traveled, following my heart and intuition in life. I welcome and embrace the twists and turns of life. Career-wise, I demonstrated an affinity for problem-solving while helping others and was a partner and part-owner in a finance firm for over a decade. I knew in my heart that I was ready for a new and completely different challenge. I made the decision to shift sails, did a complete 180, enrolled back in school, and earned a second Master’s degree in mental health therapy. From there, I downsized my house and all of my belongings, moved into a custom-built RV, traveled the country while providing mental health therapy and life coaching, met the man of my dreams, and got married.
I was already an empty nester with a 20-year-old son I raised as a single mom, and I decided to start over and have more babies with my husband. I now have a 23-year-old and two babies under the age of two. My husband and I have our roots in Kansas, spend summers at Table Rock Lake in Missouri, and winters at our home in Clearwater, Florida. Life is truly beautiful, and I feel so happy and content. Being adaptable and following your heart is essential. If you’ve ever been a life coaching client of mine, you’ve probably heard me say: “Just remember: you are just one decision away from an entirely new life.” Don’t stay stuck—whether in a job, career, friendship, or relationship. Set boundaries and change directions if needed. Our days on this planet are numbered—live life to the fullest!
I am passionate about empowering the next generation of women to follow their hearts and fearlessly pursue their purpose and passions. Success is not just about making it to the top in your field but about lifting others up and being of service to others as you climb. As cliché as it sounds, life is truly about the journey, not the destination.
Tips for Maintaining Good Mental Health While Juggling Life’s Demands
1. Prioritize Self-Care Without Guilt
Self-care is not selfish—it’s essential. Taking time for yourself allows you to recharge and show up better for others.
- Schedule daily “me time,” even if it’s just 15 minutes to meditate, journal, or enjoy a quiet cup of tea.
- Practice saying “no” to commitments that drain your energy or don’t align with your priorities.
2. Nurture Your Mental Health
Empowerment starts from within. Mental health is just as important, if not more, than physical health.
- Seek therapy or life coaching—there’s no shame in asking for help.
- Incorporate mindfulness practices like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing into your routine.
- Use affirmations to counter self-doubt, such as “I am capable of handling today’s challenges.”
3. Strengthen Your Relationships
Supportive relationships with family, friends, and partners are crucial for emotional well-being.
- Communicate openly with your partner about your needs and expectations.
- Schedule regular friend dates, whether it’s a coffee catch-up or a walk in the park.
- Create family rituals that help everyone bond, such as weekly game nights or shared meals.
4. Set Boundaries at Work and Home
Boundaries are key to preventing burnout.
- Establish clear work hours and stick to them. I do therapy sessions at 5 AM so I can stay home with my babies during the day, then work in the evenings after my husband gets off work.
- Divide household responsibilities with your partner to ensure a fair balance.
- Learn to delegate tasks at work and home—empower others to help.
5. Stay Active for Physical and Mental Resilience
Physical activity boosts mood and reduces stress.
- Incorporate short workouts into your routine, like a 20-minute yoga session or a quick walk.
- Choose activities you enjoy, such as dancing, swimming, or yoga, to stay consistent.
- Make exercise a family affair—go on bike rides or play active games with your kids.
6. Embrace Imperfection
Let go of the pressure to be perfect in every role.
- Balance doesn’t mean equal—it’s okay for some areas to take precedence at times.
- Celebrate small wins instead of focusing on what you didn’t accomplish.
- Focus on progress over perfection—every step forward matters.
7. Stay Connected to Your Goals
Your ambitions and dreams matter. Stay connected to them while managing life’s demands.
- Write down your personal and professional goals and revisit them regularly.
- Break larger goals into smaller, manageable steps.
- Share your aspirations with a partner or friend for accountability.
8. Seek Help When Needed
You don’t have to do it all alone.
- Lean on your support network—friends, family, or colleagues.
- Join communities, therapy, or support groups where you can connect with others facing similar challenges.
Final Thoughts
Empowerment is not about having everything perfectly balanced all the time; it’s about knowing your limits, honoring your needs, and embracing your unique journey. By prioritizing mental health and adopting practical strategies, women can navigate their responsibilities with confidence, resilience, and joy.
Remember: You’re not alone. Every step you take to care for yourself empowers and inspires others to do the same. Shine your light!
Check out more about Chanel on her socials;
FB: https://www.facebook.com/fortiertherapy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fortiertherapy
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanelkittle
