Can you really have it all—a satisfying job, a happy home life, good health, beauty, peace of mind? Do you think it’s impossible for a working mother like yourself? Not if you follow this guide.
1. Set goals for every area of your life: family, career, health and fitness, spiritual life, personal growth, and finances. Write them down, mark the most important ones, and give yourself deadlines.
2. Learn to manage your time. Now that you know your priorities, put your time in things that really matter. Learn how to identify and eliminate time wasters.
3. Handle your stress. Some proven stress busters include breathing techniques, meditation, yoga, exercise, writing on a journal, and prayer. Mice Domar, author of Heating Mind, Heattby Woman, recommends at least 20 minutes of relaxation a day; but even five minutes can make all the difference if that’s all you can manage. Not only will regular relaxation make you calmer and more efficient, it will also alleviate many diseases and health conditions.
4. Be prepared for some sacrifice. Nobody said it would be easy. You will struggle, experience conflict, and have doubts. Don’t whine; they’re all a part of life. Expect to relinquish the less important things in your life—it could be watching TV having an active social life, or being on the career fast track.
5. Get organized. Organize yourself, your home, and your workspace. Have a family conference and brainstorm ways to organize the family. You’ll get mote things done in less time. I rely on lists, color-coded diaries, and cell phone reminders. Discover what organization tool works best for you, and use it.
6. Don’t neglect the physical. There is nothing enjoyable about being ill, being tired all the time, and worse, having to depend on medicines or medical treatments to function in your daily life. You need energy and stamina to reach your goals, so take good care of your body. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. You’ll look and feel great to boot.
7. Nurture your spirituality. Every human being hungers to connect with the Higher Being. Whatever your religious or spiritual leaning, pray at least once a day, regularly read spiritual writings, participate in community worship, and go on a silent retreat at least once a year.
8. Let go of the guilt. Aside from stress, guilt is a big constant in every working mother’s life. Don’t let it control you; that would only be counter-productive. Assure yourself that you are doing your best. However, do be sensitive to signs of neglect in your spouse and children like sudden behavior changes, declining grades, developmental delays or regressions, and emotional outbursts, to name a few.
9. Count your blessings. When we’re busy chasing after our goals, it’s easy to lose sight of the things that are going right. Take time every day to be thankful for blessings big and small. Teach your children to do this too.
10. Give to others. We don’t live in a vacuum. All around ware people who have less or suffer more than we do. Be sensitive to them and help whenever you can.
By now you may have realized that I’ve told a little white lie: Nobody can have it all. We need sacrifice, discipline, and not a little elbow grease to achieve our aspirations. But if you know what you value, and keep your “eye on the prize,” you can have a fulfilling, productive and, yes, happy life—most of the time.