Perspective is Everything Every Day
Cheryl Marks-Young
So this week was particularly stressful for this Executive Mom. My business and family obligations had me pulled in all directions. My entire family was being interviewed by my son’s school and we had a death in the family and some pretty intense deadlines were looming closer without resolution in sight. Then it hit me.I decided to stop and slow down for just a few minutes. I closed my office door and decided I would do one thing at a time until I felt a little calmer. No more answering every question the minute it arrived. Everything could wait just a little bit so that I could take care of myself and my family.
I finished working for the day and went home to spend time with my family. After putting my son to bed I decided to check my email one last time and found an email that needed attention. It was also at this particular moment that my son got out of bed and ran to sit on my lap. I apologized via email to the person and told them that it was difficult to write them back with my son sitting on my lap and that I would get back to them in the morning.
The next day I was able to get that person what they needed and the impact of their response on my life was nothing short of a miracle. The thank you I received included advice that I had done the right thing by holding my son as more important than work the night before. You see, this person had just returned from an overseas trip with their entire family that had been paid for by the Make A Wish Foundation.
As I read those words I got the chills and all I wanted to do was run home and hug my family. All of my stress and worry were momentarily washed away by just those few words. It was a reminder that life is precious no matter how challenging and that it is here to be danced with and appreciated no matter what is happening.
I was reminded in that moment of my own inner strength as well as awed by that of those around me. I never knew anything was amiss in this other person’s life. They are always so present and available and yet they too have challenges. It was and is a great lesson in stopping to enjoy as many of life’s moments as we can each day.
It is a wonderful reminder that no matter how tough things can be, there is always some light at the end of the tunnel. We just have to keep moving forward, toward what we want that is good for ourselves and our families.
I challenge you this week to find some time to appreciate yourself and your family.
Until next time,
Cheryl
Cheryl Young is the founder and president of Creative Blueprints, LLC (www.creativeblueprints.com) and the Creative Blueprint Process as a way to help individuals define and design the life they want to live. She also founded Momorphosis (www.momorphosis.com), a company that helps women navigate each key transition within the motherhood life cycle. Cheryl is working on her next project - The Executive Mom Blogs (www.theexecutivemom.com). Her work as a leader, author, speaker, and professional coach has resulted in her recognition as an expert in personal and professional success. Cheryl works with her clients to help them to energize and balance their busy lives, deepen their personal connections and establish passion and purpose in their lives and work. She speaks to organizations throughout the United States on subjects ranging from relationships and team building to motherhood. She is the author of the upcoming book “Momorphosis - What Every New Mother Needs to Know about the Transition through Motherhood (Overcoming the Myths and Embracing the Truths of Motherhood)” and co-author of “Live Your Purpose, Love Your Work”. Cheryl is currently a full time Chief Financial Officer for an $80 Million Not for Profit company that serves individuals with disabilities. Her professional experience includes senior management positions in the cable, media, entertainment, and telecommunications industries. In addition, Cheryl has held positions as a board member for the New York Chapter of Women in Cable and Telecommunications (NYWICT).
August 17th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Cheryl,
Thank you for sharing, which served as a heartfelt reminder to stop and be present with my child, (even though he’s 16) when I can clearly choose to make him the priority over certain work commitments. The email was a powerful reminder of just how precious life is.
Alex
September 9th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Alex,
I must admit that I keep this particular entry posted on my computer as a reminder to lean back and focus on what is important on a daily basis.
It’s nice to know that even at 16, our children remain on our lists of priorities. I can also identify with the need to choose that priority on a daily basis.
Life can be very hectic and relationships with family and friends are a key to creating a sense of peace.
Cheryl