When your child calls her nanny “momma,” it might be time to take a hard look at your priorities and truly find work-life balance.
I’ve always been driven. I knew what I wanted to achieve, what certifications to earn, what degrees to complete, and what milestones to reach in my career. In my late 20s, I was thriving- working for a Fortune 500 company in the Chicagoland area, stepping into my first leadership role, and loving every challenge that came my way.
My days were packed: up at 5 a.m. to teach an aerobics class, showering at the club, heading straight to my full-time job, then teaching another class or two in the evening before finally getting home around 9 p.m.- sometimes later. I thrived on the chaos. I loved it. I was unstoppable.
Until my daughter was born.
Having my beautiful first-born changed everything. Suddenly, my sense of purpose shifted. I realized my most meaningful role on this earth wasn’t about promotions or performance reviews, it was about being her mom. Yet my schedule didn’t change. I tried to do it all: career, motherhood, and everything in between. Superwoman, right?
Then one day, I went to pick up my daughter from the nanny’s house and said, “Come on honey, it’s time to go home with mommy.” She looked at me, grabbed the nanny’s leg, and said, “No, this is my mommy!”
I felt the air leave the room. I smiled, excused myself to use the bathroom, and once the door closed- I cried uncontrollably. That was my wake-up call. The moment I realized I was losing what mattered most.
That day everything changed. I adjusted my priorities. I still had ambition- but not at the expense of the people I loved most. I became intentional about what truly mattered.
The Lesson: Handle the Fragile Things with Care (Glass vs. Rubber)
In life, we’re all jugglers- keeping multiple “balls” in the air. But not all of them are created equally.
- Rubber balls (things that bounce back) are replaceable: career opportunities, promotions, certifications, possessions, even finances.
- Glass balls (fragile things) are precious and irreplaceable: family, health, trust, relationships, and mental well-being.
The key to work-life balance isn’t about juggling everything perfectly, it’s about knowing which ones need extra care (glass) and which can safely bounce back (rubber).
5 Strategies to Reclaim Balance and Protect What Matters Most
Whether you’re raising a family, building a career, or just trying to live a meaningful life, these strategies can help you prioritize what truly matters:
- Redefine Success on Your Terms
Ask yourself what success really looks like. Is it a title, a paycheck, or peace of mind? Success evolves over time. Give yourself permission to rewrite your definition- one that includes fulfillment, connection, and balance.
- Set Boundaries for Yourself
Boundaries aren’t barriers- they’re protection. Learn to say “no” to things that drain your time or energy. Schedule family dinners, personal downtime, and self-care as if they were appointments you can’t miss, they are just as important.
- Be Fully Present in the Moment
Multitasking might make you efficient, but it can also rob you of connection. When you’re with loved ones, friends, or even yourself, be fully present. Put the phone down. Make eye contact. Listen deeply. These moments are what create lasting impact.
- Leave Space for Breathing
Don’t fill every minute with obligations. Protect white space in your day to rest, think, and reflect. These pauses recharge your energy, spark creativity, and restore clarity.
- Practice Kindness Toward Yourself
You will drop a ball sometimes. You’ll miss an event, forget an email, or simply feel exhausted. That’s okay. Self-compassion is part of balance. The goal isn’t perfection- it’s presence, purpose, and care.
The Takeaway
Work hard. Stay driven. Keep juggling- but remember to handle the fragile parts of life (glass) with care. The most important pieces- your loved ones, your health, your relationships- are what truly matter.
Because at the end of the day, titles fade, goals shift, and accomplishments have been accomplished. But the hugs, the laughter, the shared stories, the playful moments with nieces, nephews, kids or pets- and for me, being a “Momma”- those moments are priceless.
I came dangerously close to losing sight of that lesson once. I never will again.
What about you?
Which “glass” parts of your life deserve more attention today? Pause, reflect, and realign- because balance isn’t something you find; it’s something you create.