I am reading Overwhelmed: Work, Love and Play when No one has the Time by Brigid 
Shulte. Well, reading assumes a more peaceful process, I keep finding sections I adore and then either write them down or Google search something related to it.
You see, the concept of slowing down and looking after yourself is something everyone could do with, but especially a person with chronic pain and fatigue.
“She herself [an assistant professor of psychiatry] works hard at not feeling stressed. Among other things, she gets enough sleep, eats right, exercises, stops to breathe, meditates, sets realistic expectations, and makes constant adjustments to her goals and schedule – as life around her shifts.” P56
She sounds amazing. And like she has no children.
It’s the perfect time to read this book as I contemplate my new work/life balance as a mama.
Shulte explores the current employment law in America (very limited and not at all employee focused) and some of the innovative companies who are incorporating more employee focused measures. Things like flexible work hours, part time hours and less face time, surprisingly, lead to higher levels of productivity and retention of good staff.
I devoured this book.
I clung to it as if it could give me the answers I so desperately need about how to balance motherhood with work with a chronic illness. And it did give me a lot of guidance.
Shulte explores the concept of time and how gendered expectations can get in the road. She weaves memoir with research in a seamless story, leaving you feeling like you’re reading a stream of consciousness as it’s happening.
My learning highlights: Time is power; work smarter not longer; balancing work/rest periods; choose your most important goal and tackle that first; dads are as capable as mums; help kids develop resilience, perseverance and grit; play; meditate.
