A Secret to Success as a Working Mom: Turn Burn Out Into Bliss and Embrace Joy

Last weekend my youngest was committed to going to the "Water Steps" a man-made water fall in Pittsburgh by the rivers. (Fun Fact: Three rivers converge in Pittsburgh--The Ohio River, The Monongahela River, and the Allegheny River.)  He kept asking. I knew he was serious when he said, "If you won't take me, I'll ask  daddy!" Given that it was highly unlikely that would happen on an unscheduled day, I relented. So, we went. It wasn’t planned in the way most things in my life are. No calendar block. No checklist. No “productive” purpose attached. And, so in some respects it was uncomfortable. And yet, it seemed necessary. It was the idea of my 8-year-old—offered with the kind of urgency only children possess when something is profoundly important to them.

The Number One Rule for Work Holiday Parties...

An unfortunate incident for a holiday party attendee. Fortunately, it was only a doll...

Resist the urge to bring your whole self to the party...

There's a movement in human resources to encourage people to bring their "whole selves to work". It stems from the history of certain groups being excluded from the mainstream activities because they practiced a different religion, loved differently, or simply had an alternative way of living compared to those in the areas where they worked and lived.

I get it. As I have said before, I despise any sort of exclusion or discrimination. Or as I said in another post:


"Down with racism!" "Down with sexism!" "Down with ageism!"  You get the picture. I am against all of the “isms”.

That said, some of us need to be careful about bringing our whole selves. If your "whole self" involves you drinking too much, grinding on friends and strangers, and taking your top off, leave that chick at home. If you're not sure about what I am talking about view the photo above and ask yourself whether you truly want your boss to know how you party. If the answer to that is "no", identify a professional version of yourself that can attend your holiday party and have a good time without being concerned that your behavior might get you fired.

The Number One Rule for Work Holiday Parties:   Don't let this be you. Resist the urge if tempted to be upside down with your legs open, or do a cartwheel, or demonstrate any skill acquired as a high school cheerleader...

Related Holiday Party Posts


Holiday Party Tip: Always Have a Dress Rehearsal
Be Careful Dancing at the Work Party



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