But I don't want it all

I love Rebecca Thorman's bog Modite. In her post today, She talks about work/life balance. I found it interesting because it seems to be the age old question - can we have it all? I think the real question, is do we want it all.

With today's technology, you can keep in touch with the office on a remote island beach. But do you want to do that? Have we allowed our pursuit to be connected to overcome us and not allow us to unconnect from the world and be by ourselves or just be? I feel that I am finally at a point in my life where I have acheived work/life balance. But here's the joke. It isn't a 50/50 balance. Just like a marriage, where someone is always giving more then the other work /life balance means that sometimes your work will take more of your time and energies and sometimes your life will take more. One thing I have learned, if I let one or the other be out of balance too long, and take up too much time, I start feeling the effects, sooner rather then later.

The key is to pare down or simplify the commitments you make and realize, you don't have to do everything now. There are activities and events that I want to be a part of and are important to me. However, I have found that if I over-commit, I don't do anything well.

Right now, I know the time I have with my Mom is short. I am re-prioritizing my time and commitments so I can spend time with her, my Dad and other family members. I have had to say "not now" to volunteer groups that I have enjoyed,I am fortunate in that my job allows me to work remotely when needed and I have a supportive husband.

But is is very freeing to say no once in a while. To put my priorities first instead of everyone else. I like the person I have become. I am more direct, more focused and have more fun. I have started to look at invitations from the perspective of :
1. Is it something I want to do?
2. Will it help my close relationships grow?
3. Is it a one time opportunity or can I do it another time?

I am learning to cherish time with those I love and friends who I enjoy being with. I am learning the most important things in life are family and health. Without those, you don't have anything. I love my job, but it really is just a means to an end. My job allows me the freedom to spend time with those I love.

I don't want it all- I am happy with what I have. And that is enough.