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.

Wordless Wednesday-He's Stolen My Heart

A cute baby and a stuffed animal

I cannot believe that I have to give up spending my days with this cutie in a couple of weeks. He stole my heart right from the start. I am certain that I shall go through withdrawal the first week I am back from work.
My only consolation is that some women get far less maternity leave. Focusing on that, instead of the very generous family leave provided in certain European countries, will give me solace.

Until my leave has been exhausted, I have promises to keep and more evenings before I sleep...

Comments