Working Mummy

I am a Wife, a Mother of three, a Daughter, a Sister and I WORK full time! This automatically makes me superhuman. Superwoman.

Now, I'm not going to go into details of how I fulfil each role perfectly. I want to discuss being a working mummy.

Those that know me, know that I take each day as it comes. I don't plan out every single detail of my day. I always have a plan and a focus and a couple of things I intend to achieve for the day. Then I leave the rest for God because I have come to realise that you cannot plan your life to the very letter when you have children. Things you don't expect happen and you have to be prepared for the unexpected!

So this morning, while piggy-backing my 3 year old to school, I mused on being a working mum. My daily routine would be, get the children ready, feed them, take them to school/childminder, run for the train and then hop on the train (literally), compose myself (get some air back into my lungs) and then run into the office to start the day.

The life of a working mum is never a straightforward one. There are always hiccups and bumps along the road. How do we do it? We are constantly feeling guilty because we are not always there for our kids. We do try to attend every recital and every sports day and every school play/assembly, but sometimes we just can't. Sometimes we just forget. How do we give our children the best of our time. Where do we pull our inner strength from to be all these things to the best of our ability. None should be lacking in any area. A few months ago, I was so close to quitting my job. Not because I don't like working, but because sometimes, I feel so overwhelmed. I work full time like a lot of mothers out there. I asked myself again and again. Why am I working? Every job we do should add value to our lives and not take away the essence of life. I felt I was working and not seeing the benefit of working. I barely have time to look after myself properly or be the domestic goddess I aspire to be or to cater to my husband the way I ought to.

But..

I took a tiny trip down memory lane. Only a few years ago, I was the same person who prayed and prayed for a job. Any job. I wanted to be the kind of mummy that my children will be proud of. The kind of children that will stand tall among their peers because they have a soldier and a lioness behind them. To set certain standards for them to live by so they know they have to work for their keep. That hard work and diligence pays. That God will reward the works of their hands. As they work, they will know they can buy anything they want. The sky will be their starting point. Its all about seeing life from a different perspective. Your surroundings (although we live in a relatively nice area), doesn't have to limit you. They can travel on holidays three times a year or more, every year without restriction if they so desire. They can live a life where they are fulfilled and satisfied in all areas. Professionally and Personally. There is an excitement and job satisfaction I get when I go to work. I know I am needed at work as well as at home. There are things I do that cannot be done by another no matter how they try. So my presence (and absence) is strongly felt on both sides.

My sister and mum used one word. The same word. Balance. Balance your time. The time you do share with your children, make it magical and memorable. Let them look forward to spending the whole weekend with mummy and daddy. Go out. Do fun activities with them (at this point, all I could think about was, they must be living on another planet because, on the weekend, all I want to do is clean. Clean Clean and Clean again. Cook, tidy, laundry- washing, drying, putting away. We are a big family with a lot of clothes. I'm lucky I don't have to iron clothes or curtains and my understanding husband irons his own clothes. Make hair - take out, wash, dry, comb, plait. A lot of hair. For each child) They said "You can make time to do it all and still rest"! (WHERE? HOW?). This is coming from two of the most hardworking women I know. Working mothers too. So I just put a lid on it and opened my mind and heart to listen. What's my excuse? There is always a better way.

Of course, there is nothing better than family time! Nothing compares to the time invested in raising our future generation. Now we make the most of our time together. On the weekends, it is all about the quality not the quantity. They know I am mummy and their daddy is their daddy. The love we have for them is deeper and stronger than we could have ever imagined. They all know we take time to spend that same quality one on one time with them. They know they are all individually loved and important.  I tell my daughters constantly that they are Queens. They are future mothers to Kings and Queens. They are the light of the world and they can overcome every obstacle. Not every day is the same. But when I do feel down and feel like the world is falling on top of me, I (and you should too) remember one thing. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".  Say it with me:- I can do ALL things! Knowing that simple principle should give us the motivation to carry on. Working mothers, we are not weary or faint. We are stronger than ever. Our strength is renewed each day.

Be Inspired!

xoxo