Have it all or do it all?
Okay, there’s long been talk that women, in particular, can’t ‘have it all’. 
The argument goes that we were duped by feminism when we were told we could be amazing mothers, career zealots and domestic goddesses, whilst still getting enough beauty sleep.
The modern day mantra now goes that we can’t ‘have it all’. There are only so many hours in the day, and fuel in the tank so something has to give.
I don’t entirely disagree with ‘there are only so many hours in the day’ argument. But I want to challenge semantics.
I do believe you can ‘have it all’. I just don’t think you can ‘do it all.’
People say to me, How do you find time to run a business, raise two kids, and write books?
It is simple. There are many other things I don’t do including:
I don’t keep a pristinely clean and tidy house
One of the major domestic duties that goes astray in our house is putting away clean clothes. The clothes go from the dirty clothes basket into the washing machine, onto the line, and then into the spare room where they get dumped into piles. Looking for something to wear? It’s probably in the spare room.
But my domestic life is relatively ordered. There are decent meals, set bed times, and lots of love.
I don’t have as many hours as I would sometimes like to work on my business
My husband and I are both business owners with a fair degree of flexibility. And we negotiate pick ups and drop offs depending on who is interstate, who has meetings and who has important functions. I often fit my work around my kids - and work nights and weekends to make up time. But sometimes I wish I could work more.
Instead, I’ve had to learn to work a bit smarter. I’ve learnt to be more efficient, better focused, and to celebrate my achievements.
I don’t get time to read for pleasure
One of my greatest indulgences has been to curl up and get completely engrossed in a good book. Unfortunately, with lots to do and interrupting kids, I rarely get the opportunity to indulge.
But on holidays, I always head off to the bookshop and the library, get a stack of books and work my way through as many as possible.
As a working mum, I don’t believe I can do it all.
But I do believe I can have it all - because, to me, having it all means living a good life.
This is what I have:
I have a wonderful family
My kids amaze me every day. Watching them grow into little people is an incredible privilege. And I also have a wonderful husband. He is a true partner.
I have a wonderful job
I absolutely love my work. Writing books, developing and delivering workshops, and helping people enjoy work and life is my passion.
I have a wonderful life
My life is rich and fulfilling, and although it is difficult and demanding at times, I still feel incredibly blessed.
I can’t do everything I would like to do. But I can have a good life. And to me, that is much more important.
