Filling my watering can
Work-life balance.
It’s something we are all told to strive for, however what’s not shared is how difficult it can be to attain.
I am a Registered Psychiatric Nurse who has worked a 0.5 FTE in Seniors Outreach for three years. This week, I’m packing up my office and moving towards a new higher FTE opportunity with the Rural Opioid Dependency Program (ROPD) at the Centennial Center for Mental Health and Brain injury. I’m excited to work with a different clientele, further my skill set, and the opportunities this move may bring.
I am, however, cautious - curious about how the increase in FTE will work into my grand plans for balance.
I am making this statement about finding balance rather tongue in cheek, particularly as nursing is only one piece of my identity. I’m also a wife, mother of two elementary-aged kids, sister to 17 brothers and sisters (in-laws included) and daughter to four incredibly supportive parents.
In my life outside of work, my nuclear families weekly activities include feeding animals, guitar lessons, hockey, Kangoo exercise classes, birthdays, volunteering for my sons kindergarten roster days, and a seemingly never ending list of house work and laundry. Reviewing this list of commitments makes me chuckle at the thought of creating time for balance.
Like everyone else, life ebbs and flows, with challenging times and times of a calmer nature punctuating throughout. During one particularly hectic time in my nursing career, I called my sister for a venting session; sharing my general feelings of failure both as a mother and professional, stemming from feelings of never having enough time to meet all that was needed, or required of me.
She allowed me five minutes of ranting before she cut me off and stated “Meg, how are you filling your watering can?” To which I responded, “With a hose. What are you talking about?”
The analogy she shared changed my perspective on the mystery of work-life balance.
“We all have a watering can. Each role and responsibility we take on requires us to empty out some water. The key is not to cut out activities or stop working. It’s to ensure that no matter how busy we are, we remember to do things which fill the watering can, while also ensuring that we never run out of love or energy to give others.”
There are moments in our lives where the simplest advice from a person you trust can be the catalyst to create lasting changes. For me, this was mine.
Yes, I am busy, and this new position means life is about to get more hectic. But, for myself and my family, balance doesn’t mean carving out an hour-and-a-half every three days for self-reflection and bubble baths.
I thrive most when I am busy. So naturally, hockey with my son, guitar lessons with my daughter, and getting outside with my family to ride horses or go fishing, fills my watering can. Of course, that’s just so long as I remember to take a second and be present in the moment, rather than focusing on the next task.
Although the day I became a nurse is probably the closest I will ever feel to winning the lottery, focusing on filling my can helped me to consciously reframe that nursing is not my identity, but rather my profession.
This new challenge is exciting, intimidating and hopefully one of the best decisions I will have made in a long time. It won’t be an easy learning curve but I’m optimistic that with my filled watering can - and some hard work - the family and I, will be just fine.
Join the conversation, and be inspired to think about your wellness!
Share what balance looks like to you, using #AHSwhatsyourbalance on social media. Or visit Insite to download the Wellness Scorecard to get started on your path to finding balance.
As an Alberta Health Services employee, support is available on a variety of topics to you and your family members through the Employee and Family Assistance Program. See Insite for more information or call 1-877-273-3134 to access services.
