Mastering My Messy Life: My Journey from Chaos to Clarity

by Stephanie Pase

Have you ever looked to social media for life inspiration and that looks great, but nothing online remotely relates to my chaotic life? Why would you, when so often the people giving advice are leading these seemingly perfect lives, with their picture-perfect homes and morning routines? They have their lives together and don’t remotely resemble your own hot mess of a life.

Enter Steph Pase, the go-to girl for all things home life, motherhood, health and fitness. And she’s the first to she’s a hot mess too. She’s also scatterbrained, a bit lazy and can’t throw a ball to save her life. So how did this former messy girl-next-door become renowned for cleaning routines, home hacks, organization tips and successful entrepreneurship? It’s a story far from anything you’d expect.

In this candid, vulnerable and revealing memoir, Steph chronicles the key moments in her life that led her to become the powerhouse woman she is today. From a chaotic childhood battling schoolyard bullying, anxiety and an ADHD diagnosis (for a girl in the 1990s, that was almost unheard of), to binge drinking, eating disorders, and, eventually, starting a successful business from her garage with a baby strapped to her chest, Steph's journey from chaos to clarity continues to this day.

With a vulnerable, confessional writing style, Steph tells stories that will have you sobbing one minute and snort-laughing the next. Filled with actionable advice throughout, this is not just another mummy memoir - it’s a story of perseverance, growth, overcoming obstacles and learning how to live your best life using the most reliable tool at your YOURSELF.

327 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 4, 2025

Reviews

[Kelly Hillman]

I have been a follower of Steph on instagram for years and years, she feels like a best friend (that I’ve never met and who doesn’t know I exist) and she’s helped me in so many ways! I don’t rate memoirs because it feels weird, but I plowed through this in two days, so that says it all! Her humour, her way with words and the way she makes people feel seen is why I’ll follow this lady’s journey forever ❤️

[Danni Dimond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it. This book made me cry, feel inspired and most of all feel seen. I love Steph’s humour and life hacks along the way. Just all around a great book and I would recommend it to everyone!

[Sarah Popham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m still working on just getting the hang of a decent review that I feel like can be left. I definitely don’t review everything I’ve read but as the 88th book for the year, Mastering my Messy Life deserves one!

As a I have not long received my sixth Steph Pase Planner for 2026 (seems I have just missed out on the first planner that was launched being 2020. I did scroll back on the Instagram to check) and many other purchases from SPP. I was obviously going to be getting my hands on her book. As I read through chapters, I was finding that I related to Steph on many levels but also enjoyed reading the back story of how these planners were created. I've bought planners (Steph's & others) filling them out well one week and completing ghosting it for months at a time but SPP always pulls me back and back into less of a mess.

My heart broke at times and then I giggled at others, speaking sarcasm is also my second language and acknowledging that Anxiety also lives rent free in my brain especially post partum. It no longer feels like I'm rocking a random brand's jumper, throwing my lunch in a brand's lunch bag and trying to plan out my life in a brand's planner. It has made me love my planner even more and I will be carrying to work with pride when I return from maternity leave next year.

I look forward any future books and of course always looking forward to planner & other product launches.

[Mick Robson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny in parts and heart-wrenching in others, this book was unmistakably Steph. She writes in such a personable way that you can’t help but be attached and invested. If you’ve followed Steph for a while, you’ll know some of the bare bones of what she talks about, but the book delivers new insight. Looking at her life journey through this book, it’s really commendable how she’s built her business and her brand- through the mess and all.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was raw, emotional and deeply healing. 🥹🤍
It’s a memoir, but it doesn’t feel like one; it feels like a real, honest conversation about messy life, Motherhood, growth & learning to show up for yourself. ✨🌿
The compassion, vulnerability and subtle way everything is written made me feel so seen & I have never related to someone and their story so deeply in my life. 🫶🏼💛

From the very first pages, I knew this was going to be one of those books. 📚✨
The kind that gives you that feeling when you close the final page and sit there knowing you’ve read something truly special. 🥹
I slowly savoured every word because the way it is written is a masterpiece; the love, heartbreak, advice, and compassion woven through these pages are simply beautiful. 🤍

She covers so many real, honest topics in such a relatable way
I was laughing, nodding along in agreement, feeling seen & also being gently but firmly called out on my own bullshit, which I absolutely loved 😅✨
Those subtle little Harry Potter & Chris Hemsworth references sprinkled in were such a “yep, that’s Steph” moment too 🤍🔥

It had me laughing, crying, clenching my heart 💓 and feeling all the things all at once.
This is the best book I have read in a long time 🌟
When I closed it, I was honestly left speechless.
It gave me such a high 💫, but also so much hope ✨, kindness 💛 and healing within myself. 🌿

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mastering My Messy Life was a really enjoyable and relatable read. It felt honest, reassuring, and very real, especially if you’re juggling work, family, and the mental load that comes with everyday life.

Steph Pase isn’t the most polished writer, but her authenticity is what makes this book work. It reads like a genuine conversation rather than a perfectly crafted self help manual, and that actually made it more comforting and accessible. She openly shares her messiness and struggles without pretending to have everything figured out.

I appreciated that there was no pressure to be perfect or radically fix your life. It’s validating, down to earth, and encouraging in a quiet, realistic way.

If you’re after flawless writing or deep theory, this may not be for you. But if you want something relatable, honest, and supportive, this book is well worth reading.

[Lauren Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I flew through this book. Steph writes with honesty, vulnerability, and a healthy portion of humour.

In Mastering My Messy Life, Steph takes us behind the curtain of her empire and shares her journey from childhood to now. She didn't have the picture-perfect childhood, nor was her route to organisation guru/planner extraordinaire easy or straightforward. Steph doesn't shy away from the messy bits; she embraces them and acknowledges how they've shaped who she is.

Even if you aren't familiar with Steph Pase Planners or Just Another Mummy Blog, I promise you that you'll take something away from this book. It is raw and powerful. It inspires you to not only look at how your experiences have shaped you, but to be kind to yourself when things don't go the way you planned.

This is a must-read.

[Brooke Hutchins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so relatable for so many reasons.

-The 90s & 00’s nostalgia that’ll transport you straight back to your childhood bedroom.
-Feeling like you’re too much and never enough all at once.
-You’ll cry tears of joy and feel so PROUD of Steph as if she is your best friend you’ve known her your whole life.
-You’ll cry tears of sadness and wish you could give Steph a massive hug.

But mostly and this is my favourite. You’ll feel like you’re not alone, you’re not broken and there’s nothing wrong with you.
I would recommend this book to anyone feeling stuck or feeling like they aren’t good enough.

Stephs message is clear and true 💗

[Amanda Lam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, this book was such a light and enjoyable read. I’ve been trying to get into using Steph Pase’s planners for a while now, and reading her story made everything click. I could definitely see how my mind works a little like hers, and it was so reassuring to see how she manages and juggles everything in her life with such intention.

Her life hacks feel achievable, her honesty is refreshing, and the way she breaks down organisation made me feel genuinely motivated. Truly inspirational — I’m excited to put more of her strategies into practice as a mom of soon to be two, business owner, nurse and student!!

[Stephanie Delphin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know where to begin. I have been a follower of Steph since I received my first planner as a gift. I am only half way and I'm loving this so far. I feel like I'm listening to a friend pouring out their heart, but also tips on their experience to help. This book shows that we are not alone, we are heard and lots of amazing tools to help us get through our messy life and head that causes so much stress. Steph has a great sense of humour, which I enjoyed.

[Jaaackles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have followed Steph for years - back when she was ‘justanothermummyblog’ on IG.
This book was funny, raw and sooo relatable. We’re all trying to juggle the chaos called life and it felt nice to know that it isn’t only me that struggles with the mundane day-to-day stuff, whilst working, whilst trying to look after children.
I loved this book and recommend it a lot.
I went to the book event in Sydney where Steph signed my copy, so it made it all the more special❤️

[Marcella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! I laughed and cried whilst reading, as it hit home in so many different ways. I really enjoyed getting to know Steph in a more personal way, and I look forward to her future books.

[Felicity · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me longer to read this book because I was hearing Steph’s voice in my head whilst reading - she’s so hilarious!! An incredible autobiography and life hacks and tips along the way. You’re inspiring Steph, thank you for sharing this gift with the world ❤️

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve followed Steph for a long time and although a lot of this story was not new to me as I consume any media this woman puts out immediately 😂 I absolutely adored reading her story and the little life lessons along the way.

Love everything you stand for Steph 🩷 from one messy gal to another

[Sharna Browning · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you follow Steph, you will know most of what’s in this book. Just a little extra context. Reading it you hear her voice in your head. It was enjoyable to read and know you’ve supported this person.

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

If i knew this was a memoir i woudnt have bought it as I don't know who this person is or follow this influencer. The book is well written but there's not really any useful tips. The tips are very generic that you could get from a google search.

[Lucinda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this would give me actual tips but it was more a lukewarm memoir low-key want one of her planners now though

[Kirby Inglis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional and raw!

[Gemma Pickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this!