Awe-Inspiring Wonder Women

How often can you attend an event where the room is filled with accomplished women who are being honored for their work within their companies, communities and families?  Recently, I attended a Tribute to Women and Industry Awards dinner (TWIN). My daughter was one of the 38 recipients and I’m very proud of her and her accomplishments.  It’s not easy today for these young women to keep all of the balls in the air with the demands of work and family; now many of them have the added responsibilities of looking after elderly parents too. This wasn’t just a local event; it’s a US wide annual event that recognizes outstanding professional women who are on the management teams of companies or organizations. It’s satisfying to see a huge range of professions, ages, races and religions represented.

The speaker for the evening was extremely inspiring as she talked about finding a balance in her life and how she has struggled for almost 30 years with being an entrepreneur, a wife, mother and just trying to find some time for her, mainly for sleep.  She heaped praise on the women being honored on the night and told them that they are representing a large number of “wonder women” who are achieving so much.  

I could identify with her because I’ve been there and now I’m seeing my daughters struggling with those same issues.  But it’s encouraging to see that there are companies out there who are recognizing the contributions that these outstanding, talented women are making.  And it was heartening to know that these over-achieving women have mentors and a community of like-minded women to connect with.

Do women ever get their lives into balance or is this some myth that we’ve been fed?  Like most of you my age, I grew up with a fairytale of “having it all” so I went to work while raising my children, making sure that they went to all of the extra activities, cooked, cleaned, and in my spare time, I sewed, did crafts, grew flowers.  You name it and I tried to fit it all into a 24 hour period every day while life passed by in a blur.

The awards evening led me to thinking about my own life nowadays and ask myself, do I now have life balance?  Although retired, I am still working more than my husband would like for me to.  But it’s in my blood and I thrive on events! I can’t say no to a request to babysit my grandkids if I’m not at work. I love taking classes and lessons and am constantly signing up for some sort of class or workshop.  Usually, as soon as I sign up, I get really busy with work so I’m pedaling like crazy to keep up with everything. Currently, I’m doing 3 on-line classes and my work schedule has gone crazy.  Except for keeping my flowers healthy and “flowering”, I’ve not had time for any of my other hobbies. 

So I’ve been asking myself, is my life in balance now?  After living an extraordinary life where I was able to follow my passion for travel and combine it with work, I can tell you that life certainly wasn’t balanced then. I would say that now, I’m still not living a balanced life but I’m not sure exactly what a balanced life is.  I have more time now to do things that I want to do but I’m filling my days with “stuff” and not giving myself enough space. I’ve always taken on too much and had too many interests. I also have trouble saying no.  But at least the awards dinner has given me much food for thought.  (Really – no pun intended)  I now need to explore what a balanced life would be for me.

Maggie definitely didn't have her life in balance but she made a huge impact on a lot of lives, not just in the UK but around the world.  Was she in balance -- probably a definite NO -- but again, maybe this was "her balance".

Do you have your life in balance?  If so, I want to know how you are doing it! Or maybe you are looking to find your balance.  Again, let me know of your journey.