Our local Chamber of Commerce has started a Working Mother's Luncheon series. When I saw that their first speaker was Wendy Sachs, author of "How She Really Does It", I immediately signed up. I have had this book sitting on my nightstand for at least six months. It is number four on a stack about ten high, so there is no chance I will get to it anytime soon. Plus, what better way to get the Cliffs Notes version than from the author herself.

So, I attended the event last week and was completely overwhelmed by the turnout. I am fairly new to our city and as soon as I moved here I started making babies and building my business, so I have not had a lot of time to meet other professional moms. I really thought that I was one of about four working moms in the area, as many of my friends have chosen to stay home. To my amazement, there were hundreds of professional moms in this room. It was very inspiring!

Wendy's presentation was also inspiring. Her book is based on interviews with celebrity and 'real' moms on how they juggle their personal and professional lives. Her three key points were very good, so I wanted to share them with any of you who are either trying to decide on whether to go back to work or are simply trying to find better tools for finding that balance. To be honest, these are three techniques that I use myself and find them very useful in finding that work-life balance.

1. Give Up The Guilt! Our biggest enemy is ourselves. As women, we think we have to be perfect at everything work, home, children, friends... but it isn't realistic. There is no perfect mom, perfect employee, even perfect friend. You should just be the best you can be. For some, that means staying home full time with your children. For others, that means going to a job (that you hopefully love), while spending quality time with your children mornings, nights and weekends.

2. Be In The Moment. The point here is that when you are with your children, protect that time. Create boundaries by turning off the phone, computer, TV and spending quality time with your children. They know the difference between when you are there and when you are 'really' there. It also goes the same for work. When you are at work, be at work. It doesn't mean there aren't grey areas, but by aiming for this you will do better at both work and at home. But, trust me, when my child's school shows up on caller ID at the office, I put everything else to the side.

3. Create Traditions That Make Memories. Think back to your own childhood. For me, I remember pancake breakfasts with my dad and fighting with my sister over who got to choose the vegetable to go with dinner (canned, of course). These little, consistent traditions are what your children will hold onto and they are also what they look forward to when you are working or out of town. One of our traditions is Saturday morning ice skating. The kids have skating lessons, but there is an open patch for everyone to skate on, so we all get on our skates and go out together. Oh, and my husband makes the best Swedish Pancakes! (Sorry, Dad!)

These are great little gems. I liked them so much, that I guess I am going to have to read the whole book. At least now it is signed. Thanks Wendy!