With Mother’s Day right around the corner, I’d like to take a moment to recognize and say thanks to all of the amazing women around the world who expertly perform the mind-boggling juggling act of motherhood each and every day.
As a mother myself, I know the pure joy a child can bring to your world. From the moment Lex arrived, I was overjoyed, and still to this day, just seeing her smile or hearing her laugh brings me such happiness!
I can honestly say that being a mother has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life … but, as with any worthwhile and meaningful endeavor, it comes with its fair share of challenges and frustrations.
As a mother, you want only the best for your children, but all that joy and laughter come with a lot of late nights, early mornings and overall exhaustion. A mother’s to-do list is ever-growing, and her work is never done – laundry, dinner, dishes, homework, soccer games … not to mention meetings, projects and deadlines if you work outside the home.
I can still remember leaving work in Cincinnati well after the close of business, only to drive almost three hours to Indiana University to watch Lex play in a soccer game that evening. Sure, I was exhausted, but I did it because I love her more than anything, and I knew it was important to her.
The second my little girl was born, my priorities shifted – she became the center of my world. But I still had a life outside of her, full of responsibilities and obligations that required my attention … and these days, working mothers are the norm.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, nearly 71% of mothers were working or looking for work in 2011, and some of those women are also caring for elderly parents and grandparents. The term “Supermom” has taken on an entirely new meaning!
This Mother’s Day, I encourage you to take a minute to just say “Thanks” to all those Supermoms around the world, whose daily sacrifices, selflessness and generosity are a true inspiration to all of us.
In addition to traditional flowers, chocolates and cards, offer your Supermom a couple hours of respite care by watching the kids, doing the laundry or making her a nice dinner. Or have a little fun and calculate your Supermom’s salary!
Remember, we do what we do because we love it, but a little appreciation always helps!