I know how I do it

My dear friend, Christy Dreiling, recommended the movie "I don't know how she does it" to me recently. This is a must see for all mothers who work outside the home. I will give a disclaimer that I do not support the view that women who stay home with their children full-time do not work. (It is mildly suggested in this film as a strike of humor) The support of some of my friends that are stay at home mothers is part of "how I do it".

 As women we are held to a very high standard in society. We must show that our children are perfect and our careers are to run smoothly beside a clean home and well manicured lawn. I would also argue that we must show some struggle, some battle wounds, some proof that our situation wasn't just handed to us. These ideas are confusing to me and I cannot locate the source. Is this an idea that we as women have put on ourselves? Do we compete to prove ourselves and in turn make others feel the guilt of not maintaining the perfect working female balance?

 I guess my bottom line statement is, "I do know how I do it". As you see in the movie, it is a constant juggle. But this juggle is something I enjoy. I work hard to maintain a career that I love and a happy family. I have a story of how I got to where I am today, but it doesn't hold a tale of struggle.  It is a tale of encouragement and hard work ethic that my parents taught me.    I am passionate about learning new skills and ideas. I love my life, as fast paced and wild as it may seem, it has balance and happiness from many realms of life that all work together to make me who I am. My kids are busy and so are my husband and I. Therefore I cannot take complete credit for them doing so good for as busy as they are. My kids live in a family and a community that cares for them and supports them. This is a key tool for "how I do it". As for my juggling act; I hope I'm not making it look too easy. Being a working mother is not easy. But being a mother of any kind is not easy. The thing is, mothering is not a competition. So as women lets stop competing, and start building one another up.

I love my children, my husband, my friends and family! Thank you for all you do to support my juggling act.

Any mother could perform the jobs of several air traffic controllers with ease.  ~Lisa Alther