Having It All - Part 1

The question of whether or not women can have it all has become a hot topic. Again. Of course, by the time I'm posting this, it may only be lukewarm, but I'll throw in my two cents anyway.

I have it all. I have it all because I have people in my life that have supported me and continue to support me.

When I left my husband, quit my job and moved cross-country back to L.A., my parents offered us their love and their home. That allowed me to grieve, to cope, and to start putting our lives back together.

My friends were there to offer their shoulders, their ears and their compassion to help me to get through it.

My colleagues offered me the job and the security when it was time for us to live on our own again. They even offered up the wares to make it a home.

My boss encouraged me to complete my college degree, which was the first step in being able to promote me later, offering me a better position to support the girls.

My friends and family continue to encourage and support me in all my endeavors; from coming to see me when I first stepped on a stage again, to writing letters of recommendation for the leadership program, reading my blog, helping me talk through my parenting dilemmas, and even helping me wade through the process to get my divorce finalized...and celebrating with me when it was done!

Having their support has been all I truly needed to accomplish anything I've wanted. And also helped me realize what I don't want.

If there are things in your life that you don't have yet but really want, look to the people in your life. And be there for the people that matter to you.

There are so many people live in my heart for making a positive difference in my life, in Sylvia's life, and Riley's. And part of my mission now is to let them know how much they mean to me and express my gratitude and my love for them as much as I can.

I also try to pay it forward. People have called or emailed and asked for my help in finding child care, in filing their divorce papers, or simply listening/reading when they need to talk. Being able to be there for others going through similar situations makes me feel like somehow my experience has been worthwhile. Not to mention, just being there for my friends and family.

We have it all when we have people in our lives that allow us to be ourselves, and when we give that kind of support right back. Or forward. And if we do that often enough, maybe, just maybe, everyone can have it all.

Part 2 to come.