It’s funny how I pull out of my driveway and, by the time I get to work, I have become so lost in thought that I don’t remember the drive. My thoughts bounce from work to family, back and forth, like a perpetual Ping-Pong ball. I know you know what I mean…did I turn off the flat iron? What time is that meeting today? Is soccer practice at 5:30 or 6? Did I respond to that email yesterday afternoon? I think I remember drafting the first half and then the phone rang and I can’t remember if I pressed send? I need to schedule a dentist appointment soon. It’s been way too long and it hurts every time I chew with that back tooth! Why God have I put that off for soooo long??? God, if you’re listening, please help me remember to send that email as soon as I get to the office! Oh, and if it’s not too much trouble, can you please help me maintain sanity today?!?! And it goes on and on.

It’s a wonder that I can have a conversation on any given day on a focused topic! My brain seems to redirect constantly. But, I’ll tell you this. I think being a mom has helped me to be a better employee. As the Director of eCommerce at Planet Beach, I love what I do, but like all jobs, it comes with certain pressures and great responsibility. Since being a mom for the past 7+ years, I will tell you that I have learned to handle stress better. I stay grounded and keep things in perspective, shifting priorities are understandable, and when an office debate becomes too heated, I just put my fellow co-workers in time-out (I wish)! Yes, I am constantly thinking about what I did yesterday, what I have to do today and what has to be done tomorrow. The to-do list of (insert slow-mo deep projecting voice) epic proportions grows and grows.

Honestly, I find that the busier I am, the more organized I am forced to be. The give and take battle of home and work life has somehow proven to be a symbiotic relationship. What I learn from home life impacts work life, and it is the other way around, too! I attended a Marketing and Sales training. Oh, how I love those (insert sarcasm). However, I will tell you that the tactical selling and marketing communication skills are applicable to everyday situations: navigating through a tough tension-filled conversation, negotiation strategies, managing information skillfully and strategic communication tactics. The list goes on. These ‘skills’ have been used and leveraged at home and in everyday life. I can say that, although my life is centered around my family and they mean the world to me; I think I am more well-rounded because of the experience and growth I have attained through my working years – thus far.

As such; henceforth, I will remind myself of this on those days when things are out of balance and I am struggling. I will remind myself that I do this for the good of my family and for the good of the world, or the little bubble I live in that is my reality. Yes, join me friends, and strive to find balance so both work and family get your BEST! I bet that if you really start thinking about this, you can account for the skills and talents (if you will) you have cultivated at each that you leverage in both. Give yourself a pat on the back! Raise your glasses whether they are filled with wine, cucumber-infused water or leftover apple juice from your kids’ cup! Bravo to you! We, the working moms of the world, need to remind ourselves that it is okay to be a mom and have a career and there is good that comes from both! Stick with me ladies and I leave you with this: “Do your best, give your best and know that in doing so you’ll enhance the quality of your life.” (verybestquotes.com). Until next time…

-April Granbouche