{ SHIFT+CONTROL } } { WOMEN WHO INSPIRE “But I remind myself—and remind the women around me often—that your best is way better than anyone else can offer. As a leader, as a partner, as a mother. Your best is amazing.”
me, it was realizing that I wasn’t happy, and I knew it was time to set up a new dynamic so expectations were realistic. Not every day is perfect. But I continue practicing my own self-grace and it is so much easier to go through life like this. It translates in so many ways—with your children, spouses, colleagues, friendships and more. Give yourself self-grace because you deserve it. I fully recognize that some days are harder than others to integrate work and family, especially during the pandemic, but through the work at Goodwill of the Finger Lakes, I am able to ensure our community and my team have access to the resources they need. Every day makes the next day better than the last. 40
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: JULY EDITION 2020
My daughter keeps me going. She said, “Mom, it’s really amazing that you do so much for the community. You’re amazing because you’re always there for me, too.” She reminds me every day that I can have it all. It just starts with self-acceptance and self-grace.
JEN LAKE’S TOP 3 WAYS TO SHOW SELF-GRACE 1) Figure out where your center is at the start of the day. Jen looks at her schedule the night before and mentally plans out where she will be the next day. This helps her stay centered and focused at work and at home.
All women need to be supportive for whatever works for us. Whether it’s personal or professional, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all. We can offer tips and suggestions, and at the end of the day, we need to lift each other up and stop pretending we’re superwomen. When things get tough, remember that you’re doing amazing and allow yourself to have self-grace.
2) Try to build in more travel (transit) time: This allows her to decompress and shift-set.
And work-life integration.
3) Balance—and her leadership team will tell you this: Jen has a meeting invitation at 4:30-5:30pm with a title “Nothing is that crucial that it can’t wait until tomorrow.” She’s intentional about blocking out the last hour of her day—it’s protected—and she can wrap things up as she needs to each day or see her family a little earlier.