As I sit down to write this, I can't help but chuckle at the irony. Here I am, a psychological therapist who spends my days helping others find balance in their lives, while struggling to juggle my own roles as a dedicated mum and a committed professional. The journey of being a working mum has been nothing short of a roller coaster ride - a beautiful chaos that constantly challenges me to find harmony between my two worlds. Sometimes it feels like I exist in two alternate universes, running parallel to one another, starkly different but intersecting at times.
‘Mornings’
Ah, the morning hustle – a symphony of alarm clocks, breakfast battles, and missing shoes. While I guide my clients towards setting healthy routines, my own mornings are often a whirlwind of multitasking, as I strive to get both myself and my little ones ready for the day. And yet, amidst the chaos, I've come to realise that taking a deep breath and savoring those rare calm moments can set the tone for the entire day.
‘In the Office’
Stepping into my role as a therapist, I immerse myself in the emotional journeys of my clients. Each day, I wear my therapist hat with pride, offering a safe space for others to explore their thoughts and feelings. But as the clock ticks, the transition from therapist to mum can be quite the challenge. How do I leave the weight of my clients' struggles at the office door and embrace the joy and innocence of motherhood? It's a dance that requires practice and a dose of self-compassion.
‘Afternoons’
The afternoon rush hits like a tidal wave, as I pick up my kids from and shuttle them to various activities. While I encourage my clients to find pockets of self-care, I find myself stealing moments to recharge, even if it means stealing a quick meditation session in the car or indulging in a favorite podcast during the moments between home and pick up! It's a gentle reminder that nurturing my own mental health is just as important as nurturing those around me.
‘Evenings’
As the day winds down, the house becomes a hub of activity – homework, dinner prep, and bedtime routines. Just as I guide my clients towards setting boundaries and managing stress, I'm faced with the challenge of drawing my own lines. It's an ongoing process of learning to say "no," delegating tasks, and embracing imperfection.
‘Weekends’
Sometimes the two worlds collide. I can be working on something, intellectual, almost quite high brow, peacefully alone in my office space - a tidy, cool, calm corner of the home. And then in walks a child, a little grubby, a little frayed around the edges, scrabbling around all elbows and knees as they clamber to get a better look on my lap. Trying to connect these two worlds is a challenge and I hold them in it just for a while, knowing they can’t stay because then this world will cease to exist. If they stay it will be consumed by them, because that is what little children do, not intentionally and with no malice, they consume all that is around them, in their enthusiasm and curiosity they make it all there own.
'Reflections'
Looking back on this journey, I realise that being a working mum and a therapist isn't about achieving the elusive concept of "balance." It's about integration – blending my professional insights with my personal experiences to create a mosaic of resilience. I've learned that showing vulnerability and seeking support isn't a sign of weakness; it's a testament to my commitment to my own mental well-being.
So, here's to all the working mums out there, navigating the beautiful chaos with grace and grit. As we traverse our roles as employees, caregivers, and champions of our own mental health, let's remember that it's okay to ask for help, to lean on our support systems, and to prioritise self-care. After all, by nurturing our own well-being, we become better equipped to guide our children on their own journeys to mental wellness.
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