Sep 7, 2026
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When certain parts of life need more attention.
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Rooms
When certain parts of life need more attention.
The Library
Curated and Member-authored articles.
Speaker Series
Expert talks and Member POVs.
The inordinate share of housework that falls on my lap even though I work.
Menopause and how it might impact work. Empathy for this phase.
Being the “anchor” for everyone in the family – whether it’s aging parents or moody teenagers or stressed out spouse – being the person to bring their worries and questions to – I love that I am that “safe space” but sometimes the burden is a lot! And makes me wonder – “who or where is my safe space” that I can unload on?
Michelle Obama recently stated that she “doesn’t miss” the daily stress and demands of having her daughters living at home. She stressed that she loves her daughters deeply. However, when asked if she misses the high-energy environment of them living at home, she bluntly replied, “I don’t”. She noted a sense of relief knowing her weekend nights were no longer filled with the constant worry and stress regarding their safety and daily whereabouts, feeling proud that her core child-rearing job is complete. Now…after she said this, she got backlash from people (women, of course) saying that motherhood never ends and is the most important job. Of course! But personally, I completely understand what Michelle is saying. Raising children is extraordinarily hard *WORK*. It is exhausting, 24/7, intense, physical, emotional, and mental *WORK*. We can love our children with all our hearts, and still be glad that we’re no longer in the thick of it. In fact, the rear-view mirror vantage point can be very satisfying. (I’m not there yet, but I expect it will feel great to know that my kids don’t need me anymore. That will be a job well-done.)
That we have preferences, likes and dislikes! As women, I think our preferences are often unconsidered. A good friend of mine told me that her therapist gave her the “assignment” of ordering the pizza she liked, and not just the kind that would make the family happy. When it came and it wasn’t want they normally ordered, she said “this is my favorite kind” and her family was shocked (and upset they didn’t get their first choice!). I love asking women now – “What’s your favorite kind of pizza?” and “do you ever order it?”
This is AMAZING! I never order the pizza I want. When asked, I always say that I’ll eat whatever everyone else wants. And pizza can symbolize other parts of my life. Always accommodating. To the point my husband stops me and says ‘No, what do YOU want?’