As a Mum, I’m always in search of what I deem the holy grail of parenthood – BALANCE. It’s a term thrown around a lot in my circle of friends and I’ve often wondered; is it ever possible to achieve just the ‘right’ balance?
I spent many years in the world of marketing before children and I’ve worked in a part-time capacity ever since. My week is split between crazy project driven professional, to stay at home Mumma Bird. Worlds that are seemingly so very far apart, yet always collide.
My business card reads Mother of three rockstar children, Passionate Marketer, Blogger & Lover of Ticking Stuff off Lists. I guess I should probably put ‘Wife’ on there somewhere too. Sorry hubby!
Splitting myself between these roles is a luxury. I get to ‘dabble’ in a bit of everything that is important to me & our family. From ‘giver of love’ to chef, guidance counsellor, personal shopper, cleaner, chauffeur, referee, hairdresser, laundromat, storyteller, tutor, dance mum, first aid officer and social director. These are all the reasons I became a parent, ok maybe not so much the laundromat part, but I knew my fairly ‘manageable’ pre-kid life would be rocked to the core.
Just when you think you’re on top of it all, the unexpected ‘wee in the car seat’ will throw out the day. In your professional life you can plan for a certain outcome through structure and process, however kids are fairly oblivious to this concept. Each day is full of new challenges, situations & emotions that need to be nurtured & supported (completely pro bono). You’re remunerated with love, smiles & sometimes a special tantrum. Your sense of worth and job satisfaction really needs to come from within, you need to know that what you are doing is enough, more than enough.
I’m surrounded by a real mix of parental partnerships. It seems as though everyone has their own challenges to iron out and work through as the needs of their families evolve. Am I working too much, too little or not at all? What is best for us financially & emotionally? What happened to date night? Is coffee a food group? Am I actually doing a good job of anything? The inner Q&A session seems to be a daily ritual for most people.
There is not a ‘one size fits all’ solution to mastering ‘balance’ as a parent. The scale is far too grand, the method of measurement is endless. There are only so many hours in one day right?
I certainly don’t have my ‘balance’ figured out, it’s a work in progress. I guess for me, it’s more about acceptance, feeling content; this is how it’s going to be and thats ok. I will admit, the constant state of juggling somehow makes me feel alive. It’s like my very own personal challenge in ‘creative cramming’. Sure, most of the time I’m a little overwhelmed and totally sleep deprived but I take comfort in knowing there is a whole gang of us out there just doing our best, one un-balanced day at a time.
I came across this short film by The School Of Life. Love love love it. It simplifies the notion of real balance. Enjoy xx
‘Finding Balance Drawing’ sourced from the talented http://perspective-collective.com
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