I use to believe to the core in the mantra, “I am woman, hear me roar!” It seemed to apply to my life and the thought that as a woman I could do anything! As I have matured I realize that by 40, I have lost the need for that mantra. Maybe it’s just that all those years shouting it has left me hoarse. Either way, this decade of 40 finds me needing balance.
If you know me personally, you know I am a strong outspoken woman, just like the women in my family tree before me. I have a strong work ethic and family is foremost. My husband knew this about me, so when we were involved in a debate with another couple about women’s rights, he became slack-jawed when I declared I wasn’t really a supporter. I understand some of you may feel differently and I respect that, I really do. Women’s Rights have gained us so much, but at the same time, we have lost a great more.
Before Women’s Rights, it wasn’t a luxury to stay at home and take care of family and our children. It was just what women did. We provided wholesome meals that nourished our family. We had time to sit down and help a child with homework and science fair projects. We volunteered in our community and schools and took care of our homes. Gangs were something we saw in West Side Story, not in our own neighborhoods. Latch Key Kids were non-existent.
I’ve been in the work force and I appreciate the opportunity to have a career and earn a fair wage. I do. I’m thankful that I can cast my vote for a candidate. We learned to be responsible for our bodies–good or bad.
This year has been filled with some rather large challenges for my family. I realize as we muddle through that balance, above all else is necessary. I struggle with being a Stay at Home Mom. There are people who feel I do nothing all day. When I was PTA President, a working mother who volunteered and I were working together on a project and she inquired about what I do. I stated I didn’t work outside the home. Her response floored me, “Oh, so you have plenty of time!” While it’s true that I was making time for the responsibility of a PTA President, I’ve known women who worked full-time and still made fabulous PTA Presidents.
Being a Stay at Home Mom shouldn’t make my time any less valuable. I still have to prioritize. I still have an obligation to fulfill each day. My family makes tremendous sacrifices and lives lean so that we can provide for our children in a manner we feel is a priority.
The past two weeks I’ve been extremely run-down. There’s no time for mom to be sick. I fight it and yet, I know that if I could just lay down and rest my recovery time would be astounding. Small people need me.
My plate has been full and I”m learning to say “No”. It’s difficult. I want to be involved. I enjoy supporting my community by volunteering for organizations that I believe in and that nurture my community. I feel it is important to volunteer at my children’s school and participate in the activities they provide for families. There are national organizations that are important to me and I want to do my part to support them. I want my children to be tolerant of others, have commendable social skills and be outstanding citizens. I cherish being here when they come home from school/work and being able to talk with them about an issue in their life that they need some direction. I love blogging and the emails I receive from you, my readers, are amazing. I have discovered some wonderful friendships and talents out there and I want to be a part of each of you.
I watch my husband and I ponder at our differences. He is constantly showing me a wood creation he has whittled and sanded. His sewing skills are fantastic. He has regular potty moments. He reads books crazy fast. The greatest difference is that I am the MOM. I tend to teach my children to sew, create, read–which means I’m bustin’ through one Junie B. Jones book a night and ya know I don’t think I’ve been potty alone in 21 years!
As a woman I think our perpetual inner voice is constantly seeking balance. Once we have it, we tend to take on more. It’s our nature to nurture.
My new mantra as I try and regain balance in my life is “Strength rests in Balance”.
What tips can you share that make balance possible?