Finding Balance

My girls are my number one priority and being a full time mother is, for me, the ultimate luxury. I do believe, however, that there exists an obligation by all mothers to be true to themselves, for the sake of their kids. While many women feel completely fulfilled by dedicating themselves entirely to their homes and families, some of us have interests beyond the all encompassing title of "Mom." The trick is finding a balance between the two.

In my case, that balance had to come in stages. It was very important that I gave 100% of myself to my girls in their baby years, and luckily I was able to. However, after eight years of being quite fulfilled by baking cookies and cultivating the minds of my young daughters, the moment came when I knew that the girls could survive a few days without me. I realized also, that to continue to feel a part of the arts, I had to be working in it. Suddenly I found myself feeling exposed, without the skirt of pregnancy and dependent children to hide behind. The years of, "only mama will do," had passed, and the age of, "eventually I will..." was no longer justified.

I had two choices. I could either step out into the world and find that balance, or risk always wishing I had. So I took that step, I brought people together to create art. For four days, and three nights, I offered a part of myself to others, and together we all grew a little. It has been a long time since I feasted in that much creativity. It was amazing. Now I have to continue my walk into the great unknown. After all, now that I have the mom thing down pat, it's time to get to know that person on the other side of the scales.