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.

A Peek Into the Life of a Working Mom: Maternity Leave

My son is 8.5 weeks old. And I have been on maternity leave as many weeks. I have been spending my days cuddling with him and staring at him.



In my heart I'm a Stay-at-Home mom, but in my reality I'm a corporate attorney.  So, I appreciate the blessing of my maternity leave and I am reveling in it. Some may say that I should lean in to my maternity leave, but I prefer to recline and enjoy my son.

Often I feel guilty for not being more productive.  My house isn't cleaner (unless we're showing it to potential buyers.  A topic for another post). My hair isn't nicer and I don't always have dinner on the table. But I am in love and enjoying getting to know the new man in my life.

I know me. In order for me to be focused on work when I return I need to be focused on the baby now. Work will survive as will my husband.  After all I'll be back full time soon enough. And when I am they'll have my complete attention!
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