In the hustle of daily life, I find myself rushing into preschool to drop off my daughter, Lily. As I frantically encourage her to tame her wild hair for the umpteenth time, I also remind her not to share her fondness for public flatulence with her teachers or fellow classmates. (“Mommy, I just farted!”) After assisting her with handwashing and settling her in for group breakfast, the reality of my busy life hits me hard.
It’s a reminder that the pursuit of “having it all” can be overwhelming. Lily’s teacher subtly nudges me about the overdue baby picture for a group project. I assure her—while sending a reminder text in ALL CAPS to my husband—that we’ll get it in today.
As I leave the school, I encounter that one mom who seems to glide effortlessly through life, her younger child snuggled close while her older one walks calmly beside her, radiating a perfect “earth mama” vibe. This stay-at-home mom asks when I’ll attend the next Parent Meeting or volunteer for an upcoming field trip. My heart sinks momentarily. As a full-time working mom in an executive role at a Fortune 500 company, my day is packed with meetings, events, travel, and commitments to nonprofit boards.
Here’s the truth, though: I genuinely enjoy my work (gasp!). It brings me joy and fulfillment. From the start of my maternity leave, it was clear that being a stay-at-home mom wasn’t my path. I admire those who embrace it fully, but I’ve come to terms with my multifaceted identity. I’m not just a mother; I’m also a wife, a friend, a public relations expert, a passionate communicator, a lover of good wine, and a weary coffee drinker, all rolled into one. When I do find a moment to breathe, I prioritize family time, cherish date nights with my partner, or indulge in some well-deserved “me time.”
Yes, it’s tough when work commitments mean missing special moments, like Lily’s first school trip to the zoo. And yes, it stings to receive videos from our nanny capturing my youngest daughter Mia’s newest word during a busy workday. However, these fleeting moments become even more precious because I can step back and appreciate them. I want my daughters to understand that they can aspire to achieve their dreams, pursue their education and careers, and create families. The journey will undoubtedly be challenging, but the rewards are worth every effort.
At a recent Career Day at Lily’s preschool, she wore a shirt with my company’s logo and confidently declared to her classmates that she wants to be “just like Mommy” when she grows up. Sharing what I do, including my interactions with famous athletes, illustrates to her the value of hard work. These moments validate the ongoing struggle of “having it all,” reinforcing that my daughters can achieve anything they set their minds to.
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In summary, balancing work and motherhood is no small feat, but it’s a journey filled with rewarding moments that shape both my life and my daughters’ futures.