Having it All
Can a woman really have it all? This question has been on my mind a lot lately. On a morning television show, a statistic was shared that 77% of women work outside the home. This made me reflect on the number of women who are juggling so many different roles every single day. Not only are they professionals in their chosen careers, they also hurry home to soccer games, meal prep, fold laundry, clean the house, grocery shop, schedule doctor’s appointments, etc. The days are long and hard. Even with a committed and helpful spouse, women often feel pressure to “do it all”.
But I’ve been thinking…do we really need to do it all? And is it even possible to do it all? I’m not sure it is. I’m a firm believer that there is a time and a season to everything. I am also a woman who believes that I could have it all. I do not doubt that if I wanted to run my own business, I could. If I wanted to be an artist, I could (although this would take a good learning curve). I am blessed to live in a country where opportunities are abundant. Working hard goes a long way. However, I think we as women are falling into a dangerous trap. We know we are capable and smart. We are nurturers and givers. We need to also remember that we don’t have to do it all right now, all at once. Our kids don’t need to play every single sport or play 3 instruments. Our homes don’t have to look like a magazine. This is something I try to remind myself when I start feeling overwhelmed with the demands of life.
When I try to “have it all”, I end up dropping one of the balls I’m juggling. Something has to give. I don’t want to live a life that has been so busy doing all the “things” that nothing has been done well. Women tend to wear their busyness as a badge of honor. I think that needs to stop! Busy isn’t always better. Quality will always win over quantity. And that goes for our work-life balance! Taking time to evaluate my priorities and what needs the most attention helps me know where my focus should be. Doubts and feelings of guilt or failure go away when I know I am focusing on the right areas of my life. Women have amazing potential, but we must remember not to run faster than we have strength or to set unrealistic goals.
As we celebrate our moms this weekend, I hope we take time to be proud of the women we are. Don’t compare yourself to other women and be joyful. After all, comparison is the thief of joy! Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing women out there, conquering their corners of the world.