As I rush into preschool to drop off my little daughter, Lily, I find myself in another frantic moment, trying to convince her to brush her hair yet again while reminding her not to share her enthusiasm for public flatulence with her teachers and classmates (“Mommy, I just tooted!”). Once in the classroom, I help her wash her hands and settle into her seat for group breakfast.
That’s when the reality of “having it all” hits me hard. Lily’s teacher subtly reminds me that we missed the deadline for submitting her baby photo for a class project. I assure her (and send an ALL CAPS reminder text to my husband) that we’ll get that photo in today.
As I leave the school, I run into one of those effortlessly calm moms, a true embodiment of the earth mama vibe, with her two-year-old comfortably strapped to her chest and her older child strolling beside her. She exudes a zen-like presence, and as a stay-at-home mom, she casually asks when I’ll join the next Parent Meeting or volunteer for an upcoming field trip.
For a brief moment, I feel a pang of inadequacy. As a full-time working mom holding an executive position at a Fortune 500 company, managing public relations for an entire region, my schedule is filled with back-to-back meetings, events, and travel commitments, alongside my roles in community nonprofit boards.
But here’s the truth: I genuinely love my work (yes, I said it—cue the gasps!). I feel more fulfilled and happier because of it. From the very beginning of my maternity leave, it became clear that being a stay-at-home mom wasn’t for me. I have immense respect for those who thrive in that role, but it’s not my path, and that’s perfectly okay. I’m a complex person: a mother, a wife, a friend, a public relations expert, an enthusiastic communicator, a wine lover, and a bleary-eyed coffee drinker (not necessarily in that order). I wouldn’t change any of it.
When I manage to carve out some free time, I prioritize spending it with my family, enjoying date nights with my partner, or indulging in some “me time.” Yes, it stings when I miss special moments, like Lily’s first school trip to the animal shelter or receive videos from our nanny showcasing my youngest daughter, Mia, achieving new milestones. However, these instances become even more precious because I can step back and truly appreciate them. I want my daughters to understand that they can achieve anything: their dreams, their education, their careers, and have a family too. Yes, the journey will be tough, but the rewards make it worthwhile.
At a recent Career Day at Lily’s preschool, she donned a shirt emblazoned with my company name and excitedly shared with her classmates that she aspires to be “just like Mommy” when she grows up. She talked about my job and how I get to work with celebrity athletes as part of my role. Those moments are what make the everyday challenges of “having it all” feel incredibly rewarding. I want my girls to see me as an example that they can accomplish whatever they set their minds to.
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In summary, while the pursuit of “having it all” poses significant challenges, it is also filled with immeasurable joy and fulfillment. By navigating this journey, I hope to inspire my daughters to reach for their dreams while embracing the complexities of life.