A while back, I read a book by Bonnie Fuller titled The Joys of Much too Much. The book describes the busy life and mega responsibilities faced by the Director of American Media, while somehow being able to maintain her sanity personally and professionally.
The book points out that it certainly doesn’t help to sweat the small stuff and no matter what it seems on the outside, no one is perfect and everyone wants to scream once in a while on the inside! Life can get quite hectic at times but that doesn’t mean we should forget what is most important to us; our family, and close friendships and loving the overall paths we pave for ourselves professionally and personally. I was inspired by Bonnie Fuller’s drive to succeed, finding a balance between the two different lives she leads at home and at work. She has gone through a few hard times in her life, notably the severe illness of her two daughters and being fired from Glamour magazine. However, she managed to turn unhappy life events into character building experiences.
Women everywhere can relate to Fuller’s drive to have the ‘cake and eat it too’; with a high flying career and a family. Her drive in every part of her life is a true inspiration to us all. Although I must point out that, after reading her book, I was quite exhausted just thinking about how she handles it all so well!
I wanted to share this book with you because as my business is growing, I am feeling the pressure of doing it all at work as well as at home. Because I work for myself and am still in start up mode, some people think I can take a break whenever I want. The truth is that I don’t have the time anymore to just take a mid day break for lunch or spend hours on the phone with a friend. Or as today would have it, take the day off because my husband happens to have it off (although I will make time for an afternoon walk). The work is piling up and my integrity is at stake. This is both stressful and exciting at the same time!! As a sole proprietorship, I am in charge of my own future. I choose whether I win or lose and while this is scary, this is also a relief.
When the going gets tough, just remember that not everyone is perfect. It’s not easy to balance work life, family life and your love life but with a little imagination, and a positive outlook on life this is more possible than most of us may think.
Why not have it all? And a little more for kicks;)
