Hey, wonderful readers! First off, I owe you a big thank you for reaching out when I skipped my blog post last week. Hearing that you’re enjoying Shirin's Snippets - the Wisdom on the Go series lights me up, and I’m thrilled that these reflections are adding a little spark to your journey.
So, here’s a bit of what I’ve been up to—last week, I was back in New York, not just for sightseeing or bagels (though, of course, there was some of that) but to receive the “Inspire Award” from the Universal Women’s Network. And wow, it was one for the books.
Now, picture this: I’m at a rooftop party in the middle of Manhattan, right under a sparkling New York skyline, mingling with incredibly inspiring people—folks making waves in fields from business to social impact. These are true changemakers, yet as I talked with each of them, their humility struck me the most. They were, with big titles and accomplishments, grounded in kindness and warmth.
There’s something beautifully ironic about the most successful people who are often the most down-to-earth.
But here’s where things get complicated. Just as I’m basking in this moment, I get a call that throws me off-kilter. My son, who was back home, got sick—so sick he had to be taken to the hospital in an ambulance. Imagine the scene: one minute, I’m in my element, talking about visions and making a difference; the next, I’m back in my hotel room, grappling with that gut-wrenching feeling all moms know too well. Guilt. Helplessness. And that nagging question: “Should I have stayed home?”
So, here I am, sitting in a fancy hotel room in one of the world’s most dynamic cities, entirely enveloped by a blanket of guilt. Is this the inevitable choice we face as vision-driven women and mothers? Do we have to pick between family and our dreams? It’s a tough call—especially for those who are determined to make an impact and be the best parent we can be.
The Myth of the “Perfect Balance”
Here’s the thing about balance: the picture-perfect kind we see in magazines is just that—a picture. Life isn’t static, and balance isn’t a fixed destination. It’s more like a moving target, shifting with each new day, demand, and challenge. There’s this common myth that the “right” choice should feel easy or that, if we’re dedicated enough, we’ll somehow manage to keep all the plates spinning without ever dropping one. But here’s the reality: the scales will sometimes tip in pursuit of a vision. And when they do, it’s easy to be hard on ourselves.
But why do we hold ourselves to a standard we would never expect of anyone else?
We tell ourselves we should be perfect and somehow do it all. Yet if we saw someone else in our shoes, we’d understand in a heartbeat that they’re doing their best.
Releasing the Guilt: It’s Part of the Process
Guilt is natural; it shows we care deeply about our loved ones. But the trick is not to get stuck in it. Guilt can become like quicksand, pulling us down if we let it linger. So, how do we let go of it? One way is recognizing that guilt often stems from a false narrative—that choosing one thing means failing in another. What if we reframed our choices as evidence of our commitment to family and our dreams?
Imagine a situation where someone has to choose between attending their child’s first recital and a career-changing event. There’s no “right” or “wrong” answer. Each choice holds value, and each sacrifice reflects commitment. Guilt doesn’t acknowledge the nuance in these decisions. But we can. And in admitting that, we reclaim our peace.
The Power of Setting Intentions
When managing competing responsibilities, I’ve found it helpful to set intentions. It’s a simple but profound practice. By defining what truly matters to us at any moment, we find clarity amidst the chaos. While in New York, I reminded myself of the intention behind my work and why I was there in the first place. But importantly, I held space for my family in my heart, even far away.
Setting intentions allows us to be present wherever we are. And here’s the kicker: it’s not about being everywhere or doing everything at once but being fully present wherever we are.
At the award event, I permitted myself to be fully there. And when I was on the phone with my son, I let everything else fade into the background. We may not be able to control circumstances, but we can control our focus and presence.
Asking for (and Accepting) Support
The superwoman syndrome is one many of us know too well. We try to handle it all, but sometimes, the best thing we can do is simply ask for help. If we’re committed to our vision and family, that doesn’t mean we have to bear it all alone.
In my case, I had to rely on a support system back home to care for my son while I was in New York. It wasn’t easy, and the temptation to hop on the next flight was strong. But allowing others to help doesn’t mean we’re neglecting our responsibilities; we’re realistic about our limits.
Redefining “Success” on Our Terms
This experience raised an important question: What does success look like for me? Success for some might mean acing every aspect of life, but for me, it’s about honoring my dreams and my family as best as I can—knowing that sometimes the scales will tip.
With all my emotions swirling in that hotel room in New York, I realized that success isn’t about flawless execution; it’s about navigating life's imperfections with grace. It’s about forgiving ourselves when things don’t go as planned. It’s about choosing courage over fear, compassion over criticism, and trust over guilt.
Embracing the Journey
So here’s my takeaway: life, family, and dreams are happening simultaneously. Sometimes, they harmonize perfectly, and other times, they collide. But isn’t that the beauty of the journey? If everything were perfectly balanced all the time, we’d never experience the growth that comes from learning to adapt.
The key is not to seek a static balance but to build resilience in the dance. We can hold space for joy and worry, ambition and love.
It’s a beautifully messy journey, sometimes overwhelming, but always worth it.
So, to everyone juggling dreams and family, know that you’re not alone. Keep showing up for your vision and your family, and when those inevitable moments of guilt or doubt arise, remember that it’s all part of this glorious, unpredictable, extraordinary journey we’re on.
If you’re feeling the weight of balancing it all and want to explore ways to align your dreams with your daily life, I invite you to connect. Join me for a free 30-minute video call, where we can talk about how to set intentions, release guilt, and embrace your unique path. Whether you’re navigating family dynamics, career ambitions, or the balancing act between it all, I’m here to support you on your journey.
You don’t have to go through this alone. Let’s create a strategy for your growth together. Book your free call now and take the first step toward feeling more empowered and aligned every day.
And I’ll keep sharing my ups, downs, and the wisdom from the trenches. So until next time, here’s to balancing, forgiving, and keeping that spark alive—one beautifully imperfect day at a time.
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