I got an interesting phone call a few days ago. It was a man and he said, "Hello Holly, this is Sam, and your friend Joel gave me your contact info. I don't really have much of a reason to call other than to introduce myself. Joel said you were a really sharp businesswoman in the Nashville community who I must know." (Joel, by the way, was in a networking group with me when I was a recruiter, and is a wonderful businessman, and great family man). Ya'll, I couldn't help but laugh out loud when he said that, and returned his comment with, "Yes, maybe 2 kids ago! I'm not so sharp now, but rather dull." Anyway, we had a good laugh and agreed to meet for coffee soon to talk business.
As I thought about this conversation, I was first of all, very honored that Joel would think of me this way...a sharp businesswoman is quite a compliment! And while I run my own business now, it is nowhere on the level that I was doing business "pre 2nd child." But I also started thinking of the woman I was 3 or so years ago, and the woman I am today. Have I lost it? What do we "career women" sacrifice for our children? Or is it a sacrifice at all? When/if I get back to where I was in my career, how long will it take for me to switch back into business mode, or is my "business brain" gone. Don't get me wrong. I love my job as a mommy, and my life is richly blessed because of my children. But (excuse my transparency), you can't help but wonder if you will be able to hold a professional conversation when that time comes without saying somthing like "May I use your potty?"
As I pondered all of these questions in my mind, I started thinking of the people in my life that have been so dear to me since I have become a stay at home mom. They are very "sharp" women! Even though most of them are in similar situations as me, we have very intellectual conversations, they are just different than what my conversations would be 3 years ago with my colleagues.
All in all, I think I have come to this conclusion. If God wants me back in the workforce, he will help me make that transition just fine. In the meantime, he will continue to put women into my life so like we are told in Proverbs 27:17 we can keep each other sharp. Thanks to all of you who are my iron
Proverbs 27:17
"As iron sharpens iron, so man sharpens his fellow man."
Angels We Have Heard on High – The Dream
2 days ago
6 comments:
Holly,
Thanks for sharing your blog with me! I guess you know I wouldn't have read it if you had not forwarded it to me! This post is really insightful! I know that I have often wondered about the whole issue of being home with the little ones all day long. There are times that I wondered if I would lose my mind! But after reading your blog I realize that you 3 girls were the iron that molded me into the women I am today! And I realized I am the iron that molded you! And seeing what great women you and sisters have turned into I would say it was as it should have been!
Whether you return to the workforce or not, you will not be the same person you were before! And for that we should thank God! We are on a journey and hopefully we will continue to become the best version of ourselves, formed into the image of God!
Mom
First, your Mom is so sweet!
Second, you are my iron...I would be such a bad button down girl dresser if I had not found you! So, thank you for making me more pleasing the eye.
Third, anytime you need help with life, business or whatever, know I am here for you. My only regret is not having met you a long time ago.
Have a fun day with the little ones!!
Holly,
Wow as I was reading it was taking me very Sex in the City! You are a wonderful writer! I want to tahnk you for sending this to me and believe me I am so glad to have you in my life. I could so easy be sweatsuits and ponytails everyday but you inspire me to be cuter!
I will say for stay at home moms everywhere, you may think that you are losing your edge however I believe you are sharpening it greatly. The ability to deal with others diplomaticly whether it be a teacher or a three year old is enough to keep anyone sharp. Kids seem to come up with so many new ways to keep you on your toes. The stay at home mommy is to be envied by all because only the strong survive! I myself could not do it and jumped back into the safety of a full time job. I am trying yet again to be the stay at home mom and actually do the cleaning and homework and cooking every night. You can only come up with so many things to do with chicken that everyone likes that isn't a nugget!!!
I commend you for your choices and your abilities to do your job looking so fashionable and put together! As iron sharpens iron!!
Love, Alicia
Thanks so much for writing this...it helps put things in perspective for us SAHM's!! ;) Love you!
Awesome and so true. I think I asked for a potty last week at a restaurant.
So many professional women are staying home now- out of the top 15% of women in my law school class- I think almost ALL of them are full-time stay-at-home moms now. I think that's fascinating. I think you are right- we can all help each other raise our kids without our brains going numb. I think staying home is absolutely my road to sanctification. I have to die to myself and my desires every day. And you will no doubt be just as sharp as ever if you want to get back in the biz full-time. P.S. I'm laughing about the combs- seriously, who keeps those in their pockets except Danny Zuko.
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