How Northwood Moms Define Happiness

Disclosure: Recently, I teamed up with The Motherhood and Northwood Services to discuss what makes moms happy and we can pursue our passions at work and at home. Although compensated for attending the event and writing this post, all opinions remain my own. #NorthwoodMoms

Dear Diary,

When my daughter starting spending half of the month with her father who lives six hours away, I was devastated. I couldn’t imagine living my life without her. That’s an extreme view, but that’s how it felt at the time. My little girl, whose heart beat inside my body for nine months, would be away from me for the longest period she had experienced in her life. Then I realized, I shouldn’t feel sad about our time apart. Instead, I would cherish the memories we made together. So I requested a flexible schedule, which was approved! When Caitlynn is in my care, I work a shortened shift. After she gets out of preschool, we have hours to spend together before bedtime. Sometimes we go to the park to feed the ducks; other days we hang out at the museum. But most days, we play pretend. We imagine we’re royalty, zoo keepers and school teachers.

Right now, this time probably means more to me than it does to my daughter. Toddlers don’t have the same sense of time as us adults. But the hours are priceless, especially since I don’t have to choose between my job and my child. I can have both. Such satisfaction is one of the topics I discussed at a recent meet up with Pittsburgh area bloggers, The Motherhood and Northwood Moms.

Both bloggers and Nothwood moms talked about striving for success at the workplace without sacrificing our home life. We shared stories about our desire for flexibility and respect. And we agreed that being a mom requires passion, patience and understanding–the same qualities required of a real estate agent. Northwood Realty Services recognizes, and celebrates these unique skills that working mothers bring to both their families and their careers every hour of the day.

During the discussion, we asked questions like what makes moms happy and how do you achieve contentment. We each had different answers–all different, but all right. For some, the happiest day happened when they became mothers. For others, the best time of their lives was vacationing. And some working moms said the best is yet to come. So just how can you reach your personal and professional goals? The number one tip–set up a support system. Recruit family and friends to your super team instead of exhausting yourself trying to be a super woman.

Question DFTM Fam–How do you define happiness? Answer that question in a short homework assignment that my friend Janeane posted on Facebook. Make a list of the things that make you happy. Then write down what you do daily. Compare the lists, and adjust accordingly. Share your answers in the comment boxes below.