Without fail, every morning I take my kids to school donning a ballcap, workout clothes and no make up, someone says to me "I don't know how you do it?" Meaning, how do I keep such late hours (anchoring the 10pm News) and be at school in the morning and go all day, just to repeat the cycle five days a week. Or what they're really saying is "Wow...you look awful."
I always tell them, as long as I don't sit down, I'm okay. And, frankly, there used to be some truth to that. Now, I HAVE to lay down. And, I try to for at least 20 minutes some time in the afternoon, just to get a second wind. But, like most working and stay-at-home Moms, taking a breath is next to impossible some days. For instance, during my 9 year old son's baseball season, my dinner breaks are at a ballfield eating take-out in the stands, while constantly eyeballing my six year old daughter running around with other siblings on the sidelines. Not exactly what I call a "break". But yet, on some level it is. The pure joy, raw agony or utter silliness all the kids so boldy and without shame display is so refreshing. I work in a world of "spin" we have to unwind, soundbites we have to make sense out of, and a world that some times feels is going to pot.
So how do I do it? Honestly, my kids force me without their knowing to stop...look...and listen. And, without fail...I find myself smiling quietly in the corner, knowing it's all worth it.
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