Work-life balance?
Lets talk about work life balance. Is there really such a thing? This phrase has a way of making people, especially women, feel overwhelmed at accomplishing this illusive balance. When we are working we feel bad for not being able to do things with our families and when we are with our families we can't help but think about the work we need to get done.
Over the years I have heard women asked over and over again how they balance work and family. A question that is never posed to their male counter parts. However, I have heard some really great responses to the question that make me personally feel less pressure to do it all and be everything to everyone all at the same time. So my hope is that sharing these quotes will also give you permission to GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK!
"Women, in particular, need to keep an eye on their physical and mental health, because if we're scurrying to and from appointments and errands, we don't have a lot of time to take care of ourselves. We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own 'to do' list." - Michelle Obama
"I've learned that you can't have everything and do everything at the same time." -Oprah Winfrey
"When I think about work-life balance, I don't imagine it as a perfect day where I got to spend the exact right amount of time having an impact at work and snuggling with my kids at home. I never achieve that. But over the course of a month, or a quarter, or a year, I try to make time for the people and experiences I value." - Jane Park
"Trying to do it all and expecting that it all can be done exactly right is a recipe for disappointment. Perfection is the enemy." - Sheryl Sandberg
“You will never feel truly satisfied by work until you are satisfied by life.” - Heather Schuck
"You can't have it all, all at once. Who—man or woman—has it all, all at once? Over my lifespan I think I have had it all. But in different periods of time things were rough. And if you have a caring life partner, you help the other person when that person needs it." -Ruth Bader Ginsburg
“Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” -Dolly Parton
“We think, mistakenly, that success is the result of the amount of time we put in at work, instead of the quality of time we put in.” -Arianna Huffington
“When in doubt, choose the kids. There will be plenty of time later to choose work.” -Anna Quindlen
So lets stop putting so much pressure on ourselves. Focus on doing our best when we are working and be present with our family and friends when we aren't! Who's with me?
