Climbing the ladder too high

Is there such a thing as climbing a ladder "too" high? In the corporate analogies we use, there is typically a drive to go "up" the ladder and find the highest peak from which we can reach our potential, find challenges, get paid well and exist in a rewarding place.

I wonder if this climbing needs to paced slower than natural, that is to say, how and when should we control or slow this down, or are we drawn by necessity to continue up until there is no other place to go?

Family comes as a huge responsibility, and frankly high priority in today's world. If we take view of what this world is (vs 20 years ago), we are now a global marketplace where despite our access to information, communication and knowledge, many children are left without guidance or enough love and patience to deal with today's harsh reality.

Remember (or not) the simplicity of playing outside until dinner; the closeness of neighbors; familiarity with teachers that remain at the same school for generations; the security of building roots in a community etc just doesn't seem to be present in our insanely paced reality of 2007. As a result,we have to evaluate our role as parents in a new light.

Are we there enough, really? Do we spend enough time reading their bedtime stories, or do we skip pages? Do we look into their eyes and hear what they are saying, for that one moment in time where a smile can light up the entire room; or do we look down at our Blackberry and fail to hear their call for attention...

Reality can be hard, but its all good. It only gets us closer to our true path.

For me, that means questioning my overall time, and how I spend my hours both in work and at home. As an employee,my responsibilities continue 24 hours a day, weekends or holidays notwithstanding. Yet, there are at least 15,000 other people helping the company get where it needs to go, maybe not in the same capacity, but they are all helping with their part. Plus, no one but no one except for ME will ever help me keep myself balanced at work. I need to be my best advocate. I know I am good at advocating for others, that much is clear. Now the real test begins.

Whereas, I have Isabella and Alec, 2 lovely souls who bring utter joy and happiness 24 hours a day till forever who are being cared for by me and Pieter, the two of us. We together, serve not only as helpmates to each other (which also needs it wonderful time to nurture) we serve as role models, friends, teachers, disciplinarians, spiritual mentors every single day, for at least the next 12 years.

Given this reality, how can we fail to meet our mark with such a high level of responsibility? The essence is we don't fail, we try, we strive, we persevere and continue the path.

However, one extra step is needed, and that is to remind ourselves (me that is) that weighing the time considerations that are less and less for me, I have to take stock. I will add a few more hours, a few more days, more time, more minutes to wherever I can because I have to. So if I travel, I will also remember to take stock again and when necessary to give back to my own time, with my kids, my husband and myself. They are the most important people in my life; and frankly no matter how important or interesting my job may become, I am here for many reasons on this Earth and I am sure keeping a balanced life is part of the overall plan.