A Secret to Success as a Working Mom: Turn Burn Out Into Bliss and Embrace Joy

Last weekend my youngest was committed to going to the "Water Steps" a man-made water fall in Pittsburgh by the rivers. (Fun Fact: Three rivers converge in Pittsburgh--The Ohio River, The Monongahela River, and the Allegheny River.)  He kept asking. I knew he was serious when he said, "If you won't take me, I'll ask  daddy!" Given that it was highly unlikely that would happen on an unscheduled day, I relented. So, we went. It wasn’t planned in the way most things in my life are. No calendar block. No checklist. No “productive” purpose attached. And, so in some respects it was uncomfortable. And yet, it seemed necessary. It was the idea of my 8-year-old—offered with the kind of urgency only children possess when something is profoundly important to them.

The "Sound of Music" is all about love...


Watching the Sound of Music as an adult last night revealed lessons that I missed as a child. As a child, I was consumed by the music and the commentary about the Nazis. I realize that missed one of the movies most obvious messages--love matters, in a most significant way.

The love story of the Captain and Maria illustrates this message. They both exercise great courage in pursuit of love. And, both believe that it is worth it. The Captain cancels his engagement to the baroness. Maria leaves the convent. They do these things because of the strength of their love. The baroness is left heart broken. The abbey loses a nun. However, as they say, all is fair in love and war.

As I watched the movie, I was keenly aware that I have allowed thought to rule my life and have tried to subtract my feelings from the equation. Given similar choices, I would have married my betrothed or joined the convent. I would have justified my decision as being right and noble.

Quite honestly, I don't have to guess about what I would do. I have largely chosen to live a life that makes sense instead of one based on my heart’s desire. I have been “smart”.

Don’t cry for me though. My life is really good. I have a career, security, and social respectability. However, as I watched “The Sound of Music”, I longed for the courage to answer the call of the music of my heart. Hopefully, I will find that courage in 2009 and take a risk for love…
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