No I am not comparing myself to Gwyneth Paltrow. My locks are brunette, not long and golden, my husband is a lawyer, not officially a rock star and my children don't have eccentric names- ok they might but my point still stands!
But I did get a good knowing laugh while reading Aline Brosh McKenna's feature in LA Mag's October edition.
She’s No Gwyneth. What a Relief exposed the often untold story of the working Mom in the shadow of the pervasive Overachievers of the world- cue Gwyneth!
Looks like McKenna may have a good point when she redefines having it all and excludes a clean car, surgical enhancements and mastering Angry Birds- in fact she may have very well written this from the driveway where my car is the beloved spot for a flock of angry birds with stomach problems- but I'm not willing to give up having it all just yet!
McKenna talks about "managing expectation downward, " and while she keeps it light-hearted, it's our high expectations that keep the exhausted engines running. It's trying new recipes to liven the dinner table, buying new seasonal styles to dress up for fun occasions and getting it all done every day that drives the euphoria I get from my accomplishments. To give up on this would be to lose who I am, and would frankly be boring. I'll admit, I could do without some of the guilty moments, but that's what my friends are for on the other end of the line.
I’m here to tell you: There’s an easier way to have it all. Ready? Wait for it, as they say.
You just redefine all.
It’s a strategy that my husband, who works in finance, might call “managing expectations downward.” It means figuring out which things matter to you and tossing out the rest. I’m married, with two kids, a full-time job, a great family, and lots of terrific friends. Anything that is not one of those things gets 86’d. To pull this off requires commitment, a deep laziness, and an ability to be proud of all that I am shirking. So here it is, my public confession about the things I’m notdoing in my quest to “have it all.” Might give you some ideas.
Looks like McKenna may have a good point when she redefines having it all and excludes a clean car, surgical enhancements and mastering Angry Birds- in fact she may have very well written this from the driveway where my car is the beloved spot for a flock of angry birds with stomach problems- but I'm not willing to give up having it all just yet!
McKenna talks about "managing expectation downward, " and while she keeps it light-hearted, it's our high expectations that keep the exhausted engines running. It's trying new recipes to liven the dinner table, buying new seasonal styles to dress up for fun occasions and getting it all done every day that drives the euphoria I get from my accomplishments. To give up on this would be to lose who I am, and would frankly be boring. I'll admit, I could do without some of the guilty moments, but that's what my friends are for on the other end of the line.
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