Competent businesswomen are adept at balancing work and family demands. We serve on PTO’s, civic, church and service groups, work out daily, and maintain excellence in our careers. The media has long told us we can “do it all”, be “forever young”, “bring home the bacon and fry it up in a pan” beautifully coifed in a glamorous evening gown (Enjoli commercial). And if honest, most of us would say we are overwhelmed and resentful!

There is one word that can help to stop the people pleasing: “NO”! As women, culture and biology program us to nurture others and be the keeper of relationships. These are good things if we include our selves in those to be nurtured. Afterall, a relationship consists of at least 2 people: you and them. Mental, physical and spiritual health dictates that we must put ourselves in the equation.

Take some of the following steps to help you prioritize, plan, delegate, and put balance in your life:

Be honest: Will you be resentful later if you do this task for that child today? Can you do this favor and still meet your other obligations with reasonable calm?

Are you truly benefiting someone or are you rescuing them and taking away their responsibility? Allow others to be accountable for their choices.

Are you doing what someone else wants or demands, to compromise or do you compromise your self to keep peace. Conflict, managed well, can build true intimacy.

Let go of perfectionism. You can’t do it all and do it all perfectly. Parenting needs to be done very well but dusting does not!

Be comfortable being on the team, rather than leading the team. You do not have to be President of all the organizations to which you belong!

Listen to your body. Are you on a treadmill? If so, then you may be escaping your self and your feelings. You may be avoiding facing a relationship or job that is not working.

Be still; listen to your feelings and your Higher Power every day. Live an authentic life today.

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