Welcome to Dr. Jo’s blog. I’ ve been meaning to do this for months, but I needed to learn more before I started. This first entry is about juggling - juggling a professsional life and being a mom. I remember when my son was little I used to want to sprout more arms so I could carry him, the diaper bag, the nursing bag, lunch, my briefcase and be able to open the door so I could put us all in the car. Now I don’t need the extra arms (which, by the way never arrived) I just need extra time…and since all my prayers for extra time are answered by the message, “prioritize and eliminate what you can” I’m accepting that I’m not going to be gifted 4 more hours each day. It’s just not in the cards for this lifetime. So, I’m trying to prioritize, learn, and simplify. One of my latest concessions to simplyfying is picking up more ready made food at the supermarket if it looks healthy. So I make part of dinner and pay for part of it. The evening is easier that way.

The other thing I’m doing is being more efficient and focused in my efforts. That way, when my family comes home I can leave my home office or arrive from my clinical office and truly be present for them. I think that’s the key to a good family evening - being present and not pre-occupied. It goes along with one of the basic strategies of Respectful Parenting - focus on your child. But you also have to focus on your spouse and have time and energy for your family members at the end of your work day. Working out in the morning helps me focus and somehow leads my day in a more efficient manner.

Perhasp the keys to juggling successfully is to prioritize, focus on one thing at a time, complete work thoughts before interacting with family members and remember to enjoy whatever and whoever is in front of you.

What are your thougths on juggling work life and family life? I’d love to hear them.