Balancing work and motherhood is like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle. Okay, maybe that’s a *bit* dramatic, but you get what I mean. Some days, I feel like I’ve got it all under control. Other days? I’m one lost pacifier away from a meltdown. I work, I mother, I try to keep the house standing, and somewhere in there, I’m supposed to “find time for myself”, right? (That’s what I’ve heard, anyway.)
For anyone who’s ever wondered how working moms “do it all,” here’s my secret: we don’t. But we *try*, and that’s where the magic (and chaos) happens.
Embracing the Morning Madness
Mornings in my house are a beautiful blend of chaos and caffeine. I’m not a morning person by nature, but when your tiny human decides 6 a.m. is party time, you adapt. I’ve tried those peaceful morning routines I see on Instagram—you know, where you meditate, journal, and drink lemon water in silence. Yeah, no. My mornings are more like a fast-paced relay race, where the baton is a baby with a dirty diaper, and the finish line is me trying to get out the door with matching shoes.
Some mornings, I feel like Supermom. Other mornings, I consider it a win if I manage to grab my coffee before it gets cold (spoiler: it’s usually cold). But I’ve learned that as long as everyone is alive and somewhat dressed, it’s a successful morning.
Work-Life Balance (LOL)
I used to think “work-life balance” was this magical state where everything would just… balance. Like if I could organize my time well enough, I’d effortlessly glide between ribbon cuttings, dinner and drinks with friends, and playtime with my baby. Turns out, balance is more of a juggling act, and sometimes, something drops.
But here’s the thing: I’ve learned to forgive myself when things don’t go as planned. If I have to answer emails while my baby naps in my lap, that’s okay. If a deadline gets pushed back because my kid is teething and the world’s *clingiest* human, that’s okay, too. The balance is constantly shifting, and I’ve accepted that it’s not always going to be perfect. I’m thankful to be surrounded by a lot of people who have been there and done that and remember what it’s like.
The Art of Rest (Baby’s and Mine)
Nap time is sacred. It’s like a little gift from the universe, wrapped in silence and potential productivity. But let’s be real, when my baby goes down for a nap, I have two choices: tackle my to-do list or collapse on the couch and binge-watch something mindless for 30 minutes.
Here’s the trick: you need to listen to your body. Some days, I power through and knock out a bunch of work while the baby naps. Other days, I choose self-care in the form of a nap or catching up on Netflix because, guess what? A tired mom is not a productive mom. Rest is just as important as work.
Mom Guilt is Real (But I’m Working On It)
Ah, mom guilt—my constant, uninvited companion. Whether I’m working or spending time with my baby, I always feel like I should be doing more of the other. If I’m answering emails, I wonder if I’m missing precious moments with my child. If I’m playing with my baby, I feel like I’m letting work pile up.
But here’s the thing: guilt doesn’t help anyone. I remind myself that I’m doing my best, and my best is *enough*. My baby will grow up knowing that I worked hard to provide for them, but also that I made time to be present in their life. Plus, let’s be honest—there’s nothing wrong with a little screen time if it buys you five minutes to finish that Zoom call.
Asking for Help Doesn’t Mean I’m Failing
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that asking for help doesn’t make me a bad mom—it makes me a *smart* one. Whether it’s leaning on my husband to handle dinner or asking family to babysit for a few hours so I can catch up on work, I’ve realized that I don’t have to do everything myself.
A lot of times, I feel like I need to prove I can juggle it all. Spoiler: I don’t. No one can. Getting help doesn’t make me less of a mom or a less capable worker; it just makes me human.
Finding Joy in the Little Moments
At the end of the day, the best part about balancing work and motherhood is that it forces you to savor the little moments. When I’ve had a long day of work, hearing my baby’s laugh instantly makes everything better. When I’ve had a tough mom day, celebrating a new business at a ribbon cutting reminds me that I’m still *me*—capable, driven, and more than just one role.
The balance isn’t perfect, and I’m pretty sure it never will be. But it’s mine, and I’m learning to embrace the messy, beautiful chaos of it all. If you’re a working mom reading this, just know: you’re doing great. Your version of balance might look different from mine, but as long as your baby is loved and you’re trying your best, you’re winning.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, my work emails are calling, and I have to go pump. Time to get back to juggling those flaming swords.
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