Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Enjoying the journey
Illustration by Emily Ley
So baby’s in bed and I have a few minutes to update my blog before hubby arrives home and wants dinner. Such a busy but exciting day. I’m really enjoying getting back into work and am so worried someone is going to wake me up and tell me it’s all been a dream, I have to go back and sit in the office. I really don’t struggle to focus on work at home, and don’t get (too) distracted by other things that need doing. (It's quite uncanny how working with the sound of a crying baby is not that far removed from working in a busy newsroom...)
What I am finding to be so true is that the more I write, the more I feel like writing – and this blog is the perfect writing outlet that lets me be a little bit more playful and creative after tackling my more serious corporate work.
I’m also finding it so inspiring that I’m finding so many references to work/life balance lately and people who are finding a new way to work.
I came across this presentation in the Huffington Post last week, and the stories are just fantastic. Isn’t it wonderful how many companies are becoming more output driven and seeing people as human beings with many facets to their lives, rather than just beings out to achieve a set of KPIs? (Yuck. I hate that word. And all corporate speak).
I’m so fortunate to have found a company (after searching long and hard, I must confess) that sees that value its people can really add, and not be worried about the minutia of the working day.
Featured in the Huffington Post is Gabrielle Blair of Design Mom, one of my all-time favourite blogs (see list on the right). She is also running a Work/Life balance project, and some of her thoughts on the matter, while they may see obvious, are points that we often need to remind ourselves of.
Here are some highlights:
1) Doing it all is a myth. Doing what you love is the goal.2) It’s okay to ask for help. If you have a parenting question or if you need an extra hand, ask someone. 3) As parents, we joke about sleep, but it will make or break your day. Make it a priority. 4) Multi-tasking creates poor results. Do one thing at a time and do it well.5) Manners matter. Be nice. Play nice.
I really like number four and think while it is very difficult to be completely in the present, it is so important. So if you are at work, give it your all, and don't feel guilty about your kids. And if you are at home, make the effort to get down on the floor and play with your kids, actually be present with them and give them your all, even if it's just for half an hour before you go and make dinner. Speaking of which...
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