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| Balance: Moving From Overwhelmed to Empowered |
This month’s
theme at the Center is Balance. I’m looking forward to hear what insights Dr.
Heather has to share on the topic.
I have to
confess, that the word itself conjures feelings of inadequacy in me. I know it
shouldn’t. In fact, its intent is just the opposite. But the fact is that I
have chased the idea of balance for years, and it has proved even more elusive
than finding an extra hour to squeeze in a pedicure. I suppose those feelings
come with the territory. After all, as the busy mother of three active
children, there isn’t a lot of time left over at the end of the day for
introspection. It is easy to let myself become overwhelmed by the activities
and demands of the life that I have chosen, but the thing is, when I do pause
to stop and think about it, I come face-to-face with the fact that I am at
choice. I also realize that there is nothing inadequate about me.
confess, that the word itself conjures feelings of inadequacy in me. I know it
shouldn’t. In fact, its intent is just the opposite. But the fact is that I
have chased the idea of balance for years, and it has proved even more elusive
than finding an extra hour to squeeze in a pedicure. I suppose those feelings
come with the territory. After all, as the busy mother of three active
children, there isn’t a lot of time left over at the end of the day for
introspection. It is easy to let myself become overwhelmed by the activities
and demands of the life that I have chosen, but the thing is, when I do pause
to stop and think about it, I come face-to-face with the fact that I am at
choice. I also realize that there is nothing inadequate about me.
I chose to
stay with my three wonderful children. I wouldn’t change that for anything. It
has been the greatest experience of my life. It means fewer vacations and older
cars, but it also means never having to miss a swim meet, water polo game or
school function.
stay with my three wonderful children. I wouldn’t change that for anything. It
has been the greatest experience of my life. It means fewer vacations and older
cars, but it also means never having to miss a swim meet, water polo game or
school function.
I also chose
to volunteer for numerous organizations, but they all have meaning for me and
my family. It is a matter of setting priorities. Most of the activities I
participate in directly benefit one or more of my children. This has become my
litmus test: when given the opportunity
to help, I ask myself how my involvement will benefit my family. If I don’t see
the benefit, I let the opportunity pass, knowing that there is someone better
suited for it.
to volunteer for numerous organizations, but they all have meaning for me and
my family. It is a matter of setting priorities. Most of the activities I
participate in directly benefit one or more of my children. This has become my
litmus test: when given the opportunity
to help, I ask myself how my involvement will benefit my family. If I don’t see
the benefit, I let the opportunity pass, knowing that there is someone better
suited for it.
Perhaps one
of the best tools in my quest for balance is talking with other mothers. As we
share our stories, I am reminded that each of us is a work in progress. One of
the best places to share those stories is at the Center’s monthly Parent Forum.
Facilitated by Rev Pattie Mercado, the Parent Forum meets from 11:30-1pm on the
first Thursday of each month. Not only
do the monthly topics generate insightful discussions, but there is something
very empowering about knowing there are others who have made similar choices,
who grapple with similar issues, and who I can clearly see are excellent
parents. I am reminded that I am a really good parent, too.
of the best tools in my quest for balance is talking with other mothers. As we
share our stories, I am reminded that each of us is a work in progress. One of
the best places to share those stories is at the Center’s monthly Parent Forum.
Facilitated by Rev Pattie Mercado, the Parent Forum meets from 11:30-1pm on the
first Thursday of each month. Not only
do the monthly topics generate insightful discussions, but there is something
very empowering about knowing there are others who have made similar choices,
who grapple with similar issues, and who I can clearly see are excellent
parents. I am reminded that I am a really good parent, too.