A colleague asked Pam and me recently, how we get it all done and manage to not feel overwhelmed – client work, helping to manage our wacky shop and then going home to start our first job of being moms and wives. I looked at her with absolutely nothing to say. No brilliant answer or pearls of wisdom. Pam responded that you just grow numb to it over time. I laughed at that and we continued to talk about our colleague’s workload and offer some practical tips.
But the conversation really struck me. Pam and I have been friends for a long, long time. She was the matron of honor at my wedding 10 years ago today actually. Back then I was young and self-absorbed and couldn’t imagine a life without sleep. I looked at her in awe as she juggled everything. Where did the energy come from? It was enough for me to make it through the day, walk the dog, watch TV and pass out.
Now, reflecting on my life and all of the things that fill my day today, I want to answer my colleague’s question. I don’t get it all done and neither does Pam – though I think she’s still better at it than I am. (I chalk it up to more practice.) I try not to be so hard on myself. There are days that I feel like maybe I didn’t give my best at work or like I wasn’t the best mom. I may feel like I’m giving my all in one area of my life and everything else is going to pot. Over time, I think you get better at prioritizing and not beating yourself up for your iniquities and failures. But it starts with knowing who you are and what’s important in your life. I don’t know if those are pearls of wisdom, but that’s all I’ve got.
And it doesn’t hurt to work in a family friendly, supportive environment. Having left Spectrum and come back, I can say it’s not like any other place. John has seen all of us through some really difficult times and is very much the father figure. And the people here are so great and so smart. The work is interesting and rewarding. What more could I ask for? I get to do cool things for great clients and then go home to some cool little people. It’s just about perspective.
Good luck friend and my door’s always open. (If it’s not, just knock).
