In June of 2004, I had given birth to my first son just 8 weeks prior. Six weeks after having him I was forced to return to work in a new role as a Regional Manager; we were young broke parents with no additional paid maternity leave left. The first couple of weeks back to work were a complete blur between night feedings, conference calls, nanny drop offs, bottle cleanings; not to mention the pain and discomfort I was still experiencing after an incredibly long and difficult delivery. The world seemed to be running around me as I stood in a dazed state going through the motions with little idea of when it would all start to get better.
Category Archives: Working Moms
SHAKE IT OFF
Some of my good friends would tell you that I am very good at giving advice; helpful, actionable advice. However, they would also tell you that when it comes to ME following my own advice, well that is something I need to work on. I am really good at telling others how to address their stressors and resolve their challenges but when it comes to addressing my own, I am often deaf to my own words.
A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog about burnout. The impending feeling of burnout coming on and how most people show the signs and react to burnout. At the same time as I was writing, I was also feeling the impending signs of burnout and for once in my life, I listened to my own inner voice. I took a break from writing this blog, I gave myself the grace that I tell everyone else to give to themselves. For the first time in 30 some weeks, I just stopped. I released myself of the burdensome feeling that I needed to post something every week, that I had some kind of responsibility to anyone else but me for this “passion project” that truly was designed to be nothing but a creative outlet for my personal passion of helping others. For once, I took my own advice.
NEW TO THE MIDDLE
As a recent resident of the middle, I’ve found it harder than I expected to find my place. I’ve learned a few things along the way, but I am by no means an expert. If you’re new to the middle too, it’s sticky. We’re all a little bit stressed, we’re all a little unsure, but it’s one of the best opportunities I’ve had to really discover myself.
I’ve been with my current company for over 12 years. It was my first home after college, and it feels like home most days. I pride myself on having a deep knowledge of the company and many allies across the business. I count some of them as mentors and friends. I was a highly skilled individual performer, and I thrived in that role.
YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL; JUST NOT ALL AT THE SAME TIME?
This week I am taking my own advice and keeping my life in balance. Please enjoy a repost of the MOST READ Heart of the Middle blog post. Later this week I will have the pleasure of speaking to a group of professionals on “Having it all is not a destination…”; seems appropriate as I prepare for that event to repost this one and keep things in balance!
SEPTEMBER CHAOS
September is a beautiful month for great weather in New Jersey. The shore towns are quiet, and the temperatures start to go down to an enjoyable 70 to 80 degrees during the day. Anyone who does not have children in school and also a full-time job probably truly loves September. Since I am a Virgo and my birthday falls in September, I should enjoy it as well. However, for the most part I hate September! School starts back up, fall sports are in full swing and the endless school paperwork and back to school events pile on my calendar like the used wet towels on my kid’s bedroom floors.
Just Be a Mom
Here is to the moms. The expecting moms, the new moms, the first-time moms, the experienced moms, the corporate moms, the struggling moms, the exhausted moms, the multi-tasking moms…. All of these “moms” describe me at some point in my life.
MEET HER IN THE MIDDLE
Four weeks before my first son was born in 2004, I was promoted to a Regional Managers position; I began reporting to a man that had little patience for the idea that I was going to have my first child in a few weeks.
The Heart of the Middle 