Balancing Motherhood and Work

By Leah Stewart

Being a true Libra, I know that balance plays an important part in my life. What I do not achieve in one place, I often find in another. A balanced life is a little like the Block System; we need to navigate our way through it in order to achieve and maintain what is important and vital.

I giggled when I was asked to write an article about how I am balancing motherhood and my Pilates career, because I am right smack in the middle of one of my Libran weighting sessions. Stick-it pads with lists of the pluses and minuses of the major choice I am currently trying to make litter my desk. The decision I am working on has to do with the very essence of balance: How to have the best of both of the worlds that I love so dearly – being the mother I want to be and continuing to build my career.

I believe that every woman is different and, of course, every family situation is different. Some mothers need to work, some do not; some mothers want to work, some do not. In my personal situation, my ability to continue to grow professionally, as a I am growing as a mother, is what is best for Turner, Jason and I.

Life is about exploration; right now, I am exploring the new terrain of motherhood and I am loving every moment of it. At the same time, my professional life is also entering a new phase of exploration. I am discovering new career opportunities which require me to take a step back and ask: Will these opportunities fulfill me as a mother and as a professional? Will they enable me to maintain the life balance that I seek?

It all narrows down to making the choices and decisions that will nurture the lifestyle that I desire. Recently, somebody told me: “I love how you think that you can have it all!” I was taken aback by this statement and my initial reaction was why not? I have every right to be fulfilled as a mother, a wife, a friend, a teacher and as a business owner – and all at the same time too.

The juggling act of life is an exciting challenge. The daily wonders of motherhood have sparked a creativity in my professional life and, in turn, my professional life fuels me as an individual, which allows me to be the type of mother I want to be. My ability to maintain balance depends on how these two parts of me reflect off one another.

For me, the balance between motherhood and my professional life is a constant cycle of slight – and sometimes major – shifts and adjustments. Are there sacrifices? Of course. I get behind on deadlines and many days I resort to Plan B out of pure necessity. The major decision I am currently in the process of making has everything to do with sacrifice – sacrifice for continued professional growth and sacrifice for the maintenance of the family life I love. Sacrifice is a pillar of motherhood: it is a beautiful offering of one’s body, mind and spirit for the well-being, love and growth of another human being.

I like to think that amongst the sacrifices (which aren’t all bad) there is a gentle shift toward balance; that I can carry out my many roles with the love, energy and enthusiasm that will leave a permanent, positive impression on the little being that I am raising in this world.

I find comfort in knowing that my goals are clear and my intentions are pure; with those I will make yet another shift and once again find my balance.