What is a “full life” you ask?

A full life is a life well-lived in all areas of living. It’s where career, parenting, relationships, friendships and leisure exist in harmony with one other, each area complimenting and connecting with the next.

It sounds overwhelming – or maybe even unattainable – but I believe it to be possible.

When I found out I was pregnant, I thought my life was over. Literally, actually thought my existence on Earth had come to its finality. It took me a long time to realize that having a baby, who turned into a toddler and then a kid, can be joyful.

And, I’m still coming to terms with new realizations that being a mom is enjoyable today. I by no means have this figured out.

What I do have figured out is that viewing parenting as a burden to your social life and career and future travels is a choice – just like viewing parenting as an opportunity for a more robust adventure-seeking and social and professional life is a choice.

As my self-improvement coach tells me: “You don’t just arrive at success, call it a day and crack open a beer. Success is a journey.”

All of this to remind you that your career doesn’t have to be compromised when you become a mom. It can be significantly improved. Your relationship with your partner doesn’t have to die when you make the switch from fun couple to new parents. It can grow stronger.

The friendships you cherished pre-parenthood can be rekindled. And, new, more meaningful friendships can be formed in addition to that rekindling.

I am finding that having things to look forward to – a long weekend visit with friends, a glass of really good red wine, a raved-about sushi restaurant, the celebration of a friend’s wedding, a quick trip to Florida, a local vintage shopping trip – is my saving grace on days where I’m just not feeling it.

My advice? Plan things to look forward to with your favorite people when the slog of parenting and work is bringing you down.

If planning is overwhelming for you, here is a post cleverly titled, “A Hack for Having Really Fun Plans Whenever You Want Them,” written on one of my favorite sites that never fails to remind me of my youth.

XOXO,

Ashley

Me, on my 30th birthday, with my husband and son.