Hi, My name is Jennifer and I am a workaholic. Okay, I jest, where perhaps I shouldn't. I love my work, I'm lucky to be able to say that. Because I love it, I have a great deal of true satisfaction in what I do. That's the reward. It does come with an awareness of the need to create time outside of my work. I love my family, love spending time with them, love laughing with them, love sharing a meal together. So how do I take two things I love dearly, and balance it out? Well that isn't a new question is it? Neither is setting boundaries. But it IS an on-going question, with as many answers as perspectives. So what's my plan?
I'll start with no Blackberry at the table. You laugh - Last time, dinner with my son - I had it within arms reach - My son left the table for a second to grab his own phone and sent me a text message - "Mom, turn off your phone". Oops. Next time, I'm turning it off before he catches me.
The bottomline? Even if you love your work, you've got to love yourself and your family enough, to put it on hold when it's important. Whether a meal, or if your son needs a little one-on-one Mom time, figuring out in each moment what your priorities are - makes life a little more rewarding, and a little less one-sided.
JT
