FINDING BALANCE by Sarah Whitman

Before becoming a mother, I thrived on new and different experiences...

I worked as a newspaper reporter and met new people everyday. My work weeks allowed me to experience everything from life at a women's prison to life in the circus. I dreamed of seeing the world as a travel writer. Of course, I also dreamed of becoming a mother and when that dream became real with the birth of my son in 2012, I knew instantly I wanted to dedicate my time to him.

In March 2013, I left my office reporting job to become a work-from-home religion columnist.

Today, my son is four years old. My daughter, Paige, will turn one in August. They are my heart. I love watching them learn and grow. I also miss the life I used to lead. I wrote this poem about finding the balance between pursuing my personal dreams and being a fully present mom.

Finding Balance

by Sarah Whitman

Mom said
What I set my mind to
I can do
But anxious thoughts
Interrupt progress
Be this
Do this
Because
You aren't enough
Because
You should be grateful
Because

Doubt stops time
Wanderlust paralyzes me
I accomplish nothing
No, I sit still
Hold the baby
Stare at the cartoon wall

Yes I miss dreaming
The Nile River
Build a school in Africa
See the Orangutan in Borneo
I want to
Be there
And here
Here where simple seconds
Cascade like Niagra Falls
Niagra, Niagra I use to cry
Trapped in a maze

Love set me free
Now that love is alive
Living breathing little voices
And I listen
I watch and I know
If I go
They go too
To Borneo
To the Castles
To the Adriatic sea

Sarah Whitman is a writer and mother living in Tampa, Fl. As the religion columnist for the Tampa Bay Times, she covers a broad range of faith and spiritual-related topics. She recently started a personal poetry page on Facebook and welcomes mothers to submit their writings to the site. To visit Mama Dickinson, click here.

~If you are interested in seeing your poetry appear in this blog, or submitting a poem by a woman that has inspired you, please click here for submission guidelines. I greatly look forward to hearing from you!~

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