There’s a Time for Everything

When the pandemic started, my role as mom of our amazing daughter took me to a new level. With the arrival of Covid 19 came a strict quarantine in our small Bogota apartment and many of my work projects tumbled down. Suddenly, I had the full time responsibility of taking care of my house, being in one small place all of the time and supporting my daughter as she was thrown into virtual school, something new for all of us. Not only that, but I became my daughter’s only playmate as I tried to replace her friends due to the forced confinement.  I wanted to hold on to my work projects so I had the great idea of working  from 5 to 8 at night, after the exhausting hours of doing everything else. I reasoned that it was the best way to have that highly coveted perfect balance. During the day I could be a homemaker, pay the bills, take care of everyone’s needs and at night I could focus on my professional goals. 

The months passed and my idea was a disaster! I was continuously tired and when 5pm would arrive I would turn into a frustrated woman begging for silence so I could work on my things. Our small apartment is an open space and most moms  know that asking for peace and quiet at this time is not an easy task. Not only that, but at the end of the day I found it very difficult to just let go of control and allow my husband to do things his way. The stress and extra work seriously affected me and damaged my hands.  

After 6 months of trying to keep this routine I had to stop, or should I say I was forced to stop when I got Covid. At that moment I realized that I was falling apart out of stubbornness. In my desperate desire to maintain an unattainable balance, I allowed for my health and emotional stability to be compromised, not to mention my relationship with the people I love the most. I don’t mean that a woman can’t do it all, but we can’t do it all at the same time. 

The  recovery from the pain in my hands has not been easy. I have had to visit several doctors and I have been close to having surgery which would mean months without being able to use both of my hands. But I have been better since I decided to stop expecting the impossible from myself. Now from 5 to 8 I share time  with my family and I dedicate some precious time to myself. I work a few hours in the morning on my projects and in the afternoon if possible, but if I can’t I  give myself grace and patience. This pandemic season is just that - a season, and sooner rather than later I will have the time to dedicate to my professional  goals. Guard your time and your peace. There’s a time for everything. 

Ana