The Evenings Dance: Work, Home, and Finding Balance
Paula Fleming, CMSO, discusses the evenings dance: work, home and finding balance. (March 2024)
My Evening
My phone buzzes the second my car slides into the driveway – another reminder that even with the consultation wrapped up, my work is never quite done. As I step inside, a symphony of welcomes greets me: the excited barking of two overly enthusiastic bulldogs (Bella & Bogey), the chatter of my teens recounting their day, and the question from my husband about dinner plans.
First, a quick change, shifting mental gears from business to home-mode. Then, my home office beckons. It's a space carved out of organized disarray, filled with colored sticky notes and reminders of the day's accomplishments. Emails await, a never-ending stream of requests and opportunities. Social media needs attention; I engage with a few posts, throw out a question to our followers, and add reminders of upcoming events. The phone beckons – a few quick return calls, and then a conversation setting the stage for tomorrow's meetings.
The work/life dance begins anew. My teen pops their head in, asking for a ride to a friend's house, or simply a snack. I offer quick guidance, then back to task for another focused burst. The dogs nudge my leg, a gentle reminder that walks are essential even on busy days. We leash up, and for fifteen minutes it's just the rhythm of footsteps and the fresh late afternoon air clearing my mind.
It's a delicate balance – being present for my family while keeping an eye on the wider world that my career demands. Over laughter or arguing depending on the day and their moods, I sneak a glance at my phone, mentally outlining an email I'll draft later.
Twenty years in with BBB, and I still love the thrill of navigating this complex, exciting world of marketing, business, and public outreach. There's always room to learn, to adapt, to reach further. But these days, my greatest focus is on intentionality. It's slowing down enough to really listen, to be strategic in where I invest my energy. It's saying no more often, carving out time for the things that recharge me outside of work.
After dishes are cleared and the house begins to settle down, I find a quiet moment to reflect. Today has been a whirlwind, as always. Yet, I'm grateful for the challenges and the joy both my career and my family life provide. It's a messy, beautiful, ever-evolving journey, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
IMO It's not about achieving perfect balance, but about finding the rhythm that allows you to thrive in all aspects of your life.
