We Are Stewards Of Life
Not too long ago friend texted to hear my thoughts about an Atlantic article focused on Sheryl Sandberg and the Crackling Hellfire of Corporate America. If you haven’t read it, the piece paints a societal portrait that is akin to the plot of the 2006 sci-fi thriller ‘Children of Men’ except infertility isn’t the reason procreation has stopped; work and the concept of ‘leaning in’ is. The author argues that having kids is the most joyous moment of a person’s life. She writes, “here is a person who has been uniquely designed to love you.” You are the top of the power structure in the role you play as a mother in the corporation of your kids’ love.
While I did love these lines when I first read them, I don’t feel they are true for everyone. Having babies for love alone and to be the center of said transmission of love, is not enough. As mothers, we are stewards of life, which often requires more love out than in. This level of sacrifice isn’t right for everyone and that is 100% ok. Society foists the concept of having kids on everyone like it’s a natural step. This often happens without discernment or consideration for the fact that the job is about stewarding the whole life of a dynamic person that you have to get to know while also figuring out who you are with this gained responsibility. Double this reality with taking care of yourself so that you can continue to steward their life with resilience and power...and oof.
It's a lot!
The children and I celebrate Thanksgiving at our Lenox Ave store, a return to our pre-COVID tradition of hosting holiday meals in the place where the next chapter of our life began for us as a family.
If you sign up for the gig and you do it with intention which, for me means you are not singularly focused on chasing "the paper," it is THE most important job and the biggest gift we can give society.
I can think of many greater joys a person can experience than having children (yes, I said it), but I do believe there is no greater privilege and no greater contribution that we can leave society if we become parents and raise our children with care, intention, and time to see and know them.
The Internet’s Favorite Troublemaker Luvvie Ajayi and I recently at an American Express. The picture was taken right after she spoke to executives and right before I took the stage.
If you’re looking to find balance between your domestic and professional lives, I invite you to join my next Mastering the Art of Work cohort next month.
Looking for a more robust and customized hand in defining a new chapter to your life? Book a call to explore the possibility of working together. I’ve loved witnessing all my clients’ transformations this year and look forward to what 2023 will bring for us all.
Have a great week!
Petrushka
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