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Balancing motherhood

Balancing Creativity With Motherhood & Career

“You can do anything, but not everything.” – David Allen

Without being told, I know that I’m juggling many things in my life; a career, a toddler, a health challenge, a business, and a home that needs to be cared for daily. All of these are competing for time with my effort to produce creative materials daily.

Am I adequately prepared to do this? I can’t say that I am.

Being a digital writer and content creator is a dance of ideas, a constant flow of creativity and inspiration that needs to be brought to life. But when you’re also balancing a full-time job, a business, and the demanding role of being a mother and wife, that dance can feel more like being a contestant in the Survivor reality show. How do you find the time to write when work deadlines are looming? How do you muster the energy to create after a long day of meetings and school runs? It’s a very delicate balance, but one that can be achieved with intention, discipline, and a touch of grace. Not the pursuit of work-life balance.

I Believe That Perfect Work-Life Balance is a Myth.

Let’s start by dispelling the myth, shall we? Yes, a perfect work-life balance doesn’t exist. There’s no magical formula that will give equal weight to all your roles at all times. I tried to achieve that and it led me to burnout so, I’m here to show you the light. It doesn’t exist. Instead of pursuing balance, I aim to achieve a dynamic state where I sometimes lean more into my job, other times into my creative projects, and sometimes, my energy is fully dedicated to being a mother and wife. The goal isn’t to give everything an equal slice of the pie but to be present in whichever role I’m in at the moment.

Sometimes, my days are a blur of client meetings, customer support, and school runs. Through all of that, I’ve learnt to flow with the rhythm of my life. I’m all in when I’m working on my business, but I don’t hesitate to put everything on hold to be there for my daughter and husband. And when inspiration strikes, I carve out time, even if it’s just a few minutes in the mornings and evenings, to write and connect with my audience online.

I Also Believe in Micro-Moments.

I miss when I was single and enjoyed extended hours of creative explorations. When you’re juggling multiple roles, the traditional idea of long, uninterrupted creative sessions goes out the window. Instead, you have to become a master of micro-moments. Whether it’s jotting down an idea while waiting for a meeting to start or drafting a blog post on my phone during my lunch break. Or perhaps it’s brainstorming content ideas while doing household chores. These micro-moments have become my creative playground, a place where ideas are nurtured and my projects take shape.

I used to struggle to write while managing a full-time corporate job and a young family. Instead of waiting for the perfect conditions, I began writing in short bursts—30 minutes in the morning before my family wakes up, 15 minutes during lunch, and another 30 minutes after putting my daughter to bed. Over time, those small moments have begun to add up as I complete and publish an article daily while maintaining my career, promoting my business, taking walks for my health and being fully present for my family.

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Building a Support System Also Helps.

One of the most critical aspects of balancing these roles is having a support system. Whether it’s family, friends, hiring a nanny or even a professional network, having people who understand my goals and help me navigate the challenges in my life has been invaluable. All of the support of these people allows me to focus on my work and passion without guilt or burnout.

Being a mother, a professional, and a creator is a lot, and it’s okay to lean on others. So, if you have a full life like me, don’t be afraid to ask for help. It isn’t a sign of weakness but a sign of strength, an acknowledgement that growth and success are collaborative efforts.

You Should Also Define Your “Why”

In the whirlwind of responsibilities, it’s easy to lose sight of why I do what I do. Why do I write? Why do I create? Why am I pursuing this while managing so much else? Having a clear sense of my “why” has become my anchor, something I can return to when the chaos of life feels overwhelming. This can help you too.

For example, my desire to be a digital writer and content creator is driven by my need to share my unique perspective on varying topics, inspire others with my journey, and build a legacy that my children will be proud of.

Now it’s your turn to define why you’re doing what you do. When you’re clear about your why, it becomes easier to prioritise, to say no to what doesn’t serve your vision, and to keep going even when things get tough.

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A writer I look up to, Chimamanda Adichie, often speaks about her passion for storytelling as a way to make sense of the world. Despite her busy schedule as a mother and public figure, she continues to write because it’s her way of contributing to the global conversation and, in her words, “to show a different side of the African story.” Her “why” fuels her persistence and focus, no matter how demanding her life becomes. That’s what I aim for, and you should too.

So, keep juggling all of those responsibilities as best as you can. But remember, you’re blending roles into a life that’s uniquely yours. So don’t let the pressure to achieve work-life balance and be like those ‘super mums’ get to you. Every moment you spend creating, working, and caring for your family is a testament to your strength, resilience, and creativity. Embrace it all, because what we are doing is nothing short of extraordinary.

P/s: If you have any questions about creating content and writing? Leave a comment below or DM me on Instagram!

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