My Gravestone Won’t Say “She Was a Successful Business Woman”

My children have unknowingly become the moderators of my work/life balance. As parents, we focus on teaching our children and preparing them for the future. The by-product of parenting, if we pay close attention, is the lessons we learn from our tiny humans.

Looking back, there were lots of cues offered to me from my kids. As early as 2-years old, my son would close the lid on my laptop and say, “no ‘puter”. Then, I would sometimes listen. Now that he is 5-years old, and those years have flown by, I close the computer every time and accept that heart-filling snuggle, that might prove elusive in another 10 years.

This winter, my 8-year old daughter asked if she could cut-back on her public speaking lessons, because it was taking away from family time. At 8 years old, she already possessed the ability to balance - that work-life balance that I had strived for, over 2 decades. I immediately agreed and praised her for her insight, bravery and honesty.

One thing I know for sure, when it is my time to leave this earth, my gravestone won’t read, “Here lies a successful Business-women, and author, a diligent housekeeper and gardener.” Daily I remind myself to prioritize appropriately, so that my legacy is a committed and supportive Mom, a loving Wife-Daughter-Sister and a supportive Friend. I languish in my accomplishments, but they alone do not define me.

What will your gravestone say about how you spent your days?

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