“If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands?” Milton Berle
The funniest birthday card I ever received conveyed this idea. The incredible feat of balancing laundry, career path, cooking, taking care of booboos, reading to children, keeping up with continuing education and helping with college applications all occurring practically simultaneously.
Happy Mother’s Day to those of you who are mothers and those of you celebrating mothers. Mothers can be really amazing. There is an extra sense of purpose which can keep one going even in the face of daunting odds. When many women look back to their childrearing years, they are quite impressed that they did all that.
When children are living at home and you’re working, your life is full of doing. BEWARE – especially for nurses who want to be problem solvers and fulfill the image of a perfect caregiver. This is a recipe for burnout. The image of nurse and mother sometimes go together for people. The idea of a nurturing person, usually female, who will care for another with great compassion and be implicitly loving is an image which persists.
It is beneficial to have an ideal or role model to strive for and it is also important to be present and look at your own reality. What are the strengths you bring to your career? What are your limitations – external commitments like family as well as your own personal development? Life is complicated, the more people you care for and who depend on you, the more pulls on you and your time. It’s important to take time daily to check in with what you need as well as what you need to do for others. Check out the series of articles on self-care March 2 – 24.
Remember to pay attention to the being as well as the doing. Whether you’re a nurse, physician or another professional, knowing that you have a tendency to always do and try to meet the needs of others, means that you have to make an effort to allow yourself to be. Notice how you are behaving and being. The way you are is influential. How do you want to be?
In celebration of Mother’s Day, take time to appreciate who you are, as well as all that you do.
If you know someone who would like to
- Recover personal joy
- Live with greater ease and
- Improve well-being
Consider giving the gift of participation in Revitalize Your Life small group coaching program beginning this week. Drop me a note so we can connect.
Be Well,
Dina, 203.744.YOU3 (9683), Well-Being Coach
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“A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.” author unknown
