I was talking with a dear friend earlier this week. She needed encouragement from a mistake she had made. I told her to give herself grace as she works hard. I think women need to be offered the gift of grace often, especially during the holidays. Women typically take on the bulk of the shopping for presents if not all and tend to host families. This additional stress coupled with every day work and childcare can take the joy out of the season.

I’m not expert on work life balance. In my twenties, I thought it was possible but now as I face my forties, I realize that sometimes you have to triage situations and do the best you can. I think by allowing yourself grace and accept the imperfections (no my house does not look like the cover of House Beautiful), you can invite a new friend in- joy. I saw a poem earlier in the week that exemplified Joy. She does not look for perfection but rather in the beautiful messiness of life.

Women, I invite you to accept two new friends in your life- Grace, accepting you are not perfect and are doing your very best and Joy, enjoying the little things and not waiting for the big things to happen to be happy. In the end, it’s all a choice. I choose Grace and Joy.

This week has been particularly exhausting as our little guy had his tonsils and adenoids out. It’s been tough to give myself both grace and to find joy. However, they are good friends that found me when I needed them the most.

Merry Christmas to all the women out there that are the magic of the season for their families. Thank you! And when you are exhausted and think I just wish.. (insert here), remember your two best friends-Grace and Joy.