Navigating Work-Life Balance: Insights from a Proud Mom of a 5-Year-Old by Joanna Eldridge
Life as a mother is a delightful whirlwind of emotions, and when you add a fulfilling career into the mix, it becomes a delicate balancing act. As a proud mom of a vibrant 5-year-old, I've come to realize that the concept of work-life balance isn't just a goal to achieve – it's a continuous journey of adjustments, priorities, and treasured moments.
Embracing Flexibility: One of the key lessons I've learned is to embrace flexibility. Each day brings its own set of surprises, whether it's a spontaneous playdate, a sudden fever, or a heartwarming request for a bedtime story. Adapting my work schedule to accommodate these unexpected moments has not only reduced stress but also allowed me to be present for my little one when she needs me the most. I am very much grateful for having a more flexible schedule due to the responsibilities I hold. Sometimes my job requires more time in the evening which gives me more time in the morning before sending the kiddo to school or during the day for a pick up from school.
Quality Over Quantity: In the quest for balance, I've come to value quality over quantity. While spending long hours at the office might seem like the norm, I've found that dedicating focused, meaningful time to both my career and my child makes a world of difference. It's about making the most of the time we have together – engaging in activities we both enjoy and creating cherished memories.
Setting Boundaries: As a mom and soon-to-be wife, setting boundaries has become essential. Establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life helps me maintain my sanity and be fully present in the moment. When I'm with my child or my man, I commit to being there mentally and emotionally, letting go of work-related distractions. When I am at work I fully apply myself by staying off of social media and keeping up with my to-do list. My work is extremely busy and I need to keep myself on task with the right pace of task completion to keep up with what is needed of me.
Asking for Help: Supermom is a mythical creature, and I've come to accept that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether it's getting assistance from family, friends, or childcare services, seeking support has allowed me to recharge and tackle both my roles with renewed energy. Ask grandparents to babysit or come over for a sleepover while you take time to yourself or spend some nice quality time with your partner. Ask for help, it takes a village. There is no gold medal for doing everything by yourself. You can easily run yourself into the ground. You need yourself to feel well, mentally, emotionally, and physically before you can be that best mom or wife. Take care of YOU! And that transitions so well into the next component I want to discuss.
Self-Care is Non-Negotiable: Amidst the demands of motherhood, career, and romantic relationship, I've learned that self-care isn't negotiable – it's imperative. Taking time for myself, whether it's through exercise, hobbies, or simply enjoying a quiet moment, replenishes my spirit and equips me to give my best to both my child, my fiance, and my work. Self-care looks so different to so many people. Mine are spending time out in nature, hiking, playing piano, composing music, reading, taking long baths, and getting pampered either at home or at the spa (it depends on the budget... #reallife), quiet time where I can enjoy silence. One of the things I found over the years is that I have to wake up a little earlier than I used to do to get some quiet before everyone wakes up in the house. I brew my espresso with a glass of warm milk and go out to the back deck to sit in silence, watch trees, listen to the wind, and enjoy the fresh air. This works of course only in the fall, some winter and springtime. Summers are way too hot and I find myself struggling mostly because I can't continue my morning ritual by grounding myself in nature and silence in the mornings. Still working on what works best for me in the summer.
Embracing Imperfection: Perhaps the most liberating lesson has been embracing imperfection. Striving for perfection in either role is a futile endeavor that only invites stress and guilt. Accepting that there will be days when my to-do list remains unfinished or when I'm not the picture-perfect mom or wife allows me to be kinder to myself and enjoy the journey more. I grew up in an environment where imperfections were scolded and perfect was the only way I was recognized and felt love. I have been working through that in the past with my therapist and have made great progress where I recognized what childhood perspective of love and being loved did to my adult mind. I had to relearn that nobody is perfect, we are not machines, and we can't give 100% to everything flawlessly without paying the price of being burned out. I had to relearn what love actually is and feels like. These lessons cost me lots of grief, tears, dark moments, divorce, transformation, refocus, and another beautiful chance at a beautiful life with the right partner. Some good things take time and are worth waiting for.
Celebrating the Little Wins: Finally, I've learned to celebrate the little wins – those tiny moments of triumph that make the juggling act worthwhile. Whether it's witnessing my child's milestones or achieving a professional goal, these victories remind me that I'm capable of managing both spheres of my life. I have learned that I have to stop, breathe, and immerse myself in the moment. Be fully present. Nowadays with technology surrounding us and access to so much social media, we sometimes lose focus on what matters and how to feel the moment fully. Celebrating in a genuine way with your people, family, and friends is so so needed for your mental health, not just on social media. That like might make you feel a rush of good emotions for a second but in-person celebration, conversation, and created memories last forever.
In the grand tapestry of being a mom and pursuing a career, there will be days of chaos, but there will also be days of pure magic. Through it all, remember that balance is unique for each of us, and what truly matters is the love we pour into both our families and our passions. So, fellow moms, let's navigate this intricate dance with grace, acknowledging that our journey is as beautiful as the moments we create.
