Seesaws and Circus Acts

Composed as a written audition to the assigned topic of "maternal balance," this little piece from 3+ years ago was discovered in an archived folder on the laptop yesterday. Forgive if it's a wee bit off-color...just thought 'twas a message worth sharing. --CRL

In a perpetual quandary on how to “balance” your multiple roles?

Loving mother. Adoring wife. Successful professional. Fulfilled woman.

Ignore the propaganda promulgating the misconception that success as a mother and success in other arenas must be mutually exclusive. Use of the word “balance” suggests disparate, divergent aspects…polar ends of a spectrum, teetering precariously on a fulcrum.

Equally offensive is the oft-applied term “juggling”…as if we are never maintaining a genuine grip any of the roles we fill. Sure, catching each ball and re-throwing each aloft rapidly requires skillful, practiced dexterity…yet to all appearances provides minimal enjoyment for the juggler. Ever seen a “relaxed” expression on a juggler’s face? Men protect---even fondle---their balls.

We should, too.