A Deeper Look into Today´s Hybrid Mother

Just like everything else I do in life, my creative juices that inspire me to write come in short, intense spurts as the pressure bears down on me knowing that at any minute, I will be miserably interrupted never to again recall my prior thought- thanks to my five high maintenance children. As I strive to juggle paying attention to my kids with my writings and sales calls to customers for my business, I find myself failing dreadfully by any practical measure. I meander from one task to another and take advantage of quick bursts of “down time” that permeate the household atmosphere sporadically throughout the morning.



I know, I know, I should set myself a schedule and designate specific time slots for all respective “departments” of my life each day, but I cannot operate that way. It’s too structured. Too obvious and all my anxieties would probably vanish if I had so much organization and discipline and that would be no fun! But is that really so bad?



Whatever the case may be, for us mothers who love our children passionately yet feel our calling extends beyond that of parenting, it is never easy; with or without “an organized system.” We feel ourselves as women with many purposes and by now most of us have gotten over the guilt of wanting components in our lives outside of our traditional roles as wife and mother.



However pragmatically speaking, we need order and direction to be able to synthesize it all together; yet we simultaneously require spontaneity in order to be able to make it all work. Leading such a colorful life full of dimension is truly fulfilling and when we keep ourselves on “stand by,” we recognize and take advantage of the unexpected opportunities that manifest daily. Things just pop up or we can pop them up- attending a daughter’s presentation at school, an unplanned trip for gas and snacks with the kids, a call to a client, coffee with an old friend, or going to a meeting.



It is a balance that is a work in progress and takes a lifetime to achieve and I doubt anyone really ever stays “there” day after day. There is no one right way to divide ourselves amongst so many competing factions. Each day brings new priorities and with a plan in mind, we have to also just “go with the flow” when the situation demands it. One day we may feel we neglected our children just a little too much or didn’t make our spouses happy by burning the rice or that we mishandled something important at work. It happens and we should expect these imperfections and not feel guilty.



Bottom line is that there is no recipe or list of “tips and strategies” to provide here. If we take care of ourselves mentally, emotionally, intellectually and physically, we will be empowered to wear our many hats with pride and confidence as we glide self-assuredly from one responsibility to another. We are hybrid mothers, bold women on a mission; women full of poise, integrity and self-confidence; fearless creatures.

This story was originally published April 26, 2010 at 10:30 AM with the headline "A Deeper Look into Today´s Hybrid Mother."