Coming Home
2022 has been a whirlwind–starting with the anticipation of returning from parental leave. I began the year preparing–in every way I could think of–to set myself up for success as a mom of a baby, kindergartener, and third grader… and a business owner, a friend, partner, and a human being. I asked myself–“What would car pools look like? How would I prioritize among my many hopes for this business now in its fourth year? When would I work out? How would I set boundaries as an entrepreneur? Date night? Sleep?!” In full disclosure, there were spreadsheets involved, and walks with friends, and many conversations with my husband.
As I now know, and probably always knew, in most things in parenting, the preparing and anticipation only get you so far. My first day back at The Co-Co in-person felt like coming home. I walked into a warm welcome, said hi to old and new friends, and set up my laptop in a sunny space near a window. I was able to focus and get things done, and thanks to our new spot, I ordered a delicious salad and picked it upright on site. My attempts at “balance” in the days since then have been good, bad, and everything in between. I have dropped balls. I forgot my pump on more than one occasion. I have not always replied to emails in a timely fashion. I even sent my son to school in pajamas, the day before pajama day.
But, I’ve had a lot of laughs, a lot of camaraderie, and I’ve actually gotten a thing or two done in that time. This week at The Co-Co alone, we brought back our first in-person Social Impact event since November 2019–featuring the truly amazing Maggie Doyne in celebration of the publication of her spectacular debut memoir, “Between the Mountain and the Sky.” Maggie was interviewed by fellow Co-Co member, author, and friend, Kara Richardson Whitely. At this sold-out event surrounded by 50 smiling, encouraging supporters, Maggie shared her story of “love, loss, healing, and hope.” This stop on Maggie’s tour came 4 months after the arrival of her second biological child (joining her family of 58 in Nepal!) and 1 week after the release of her first book. Together, we were deeply inspired (and humbled) by her courage, honesty, and humor, and ready to take action to support her work.
We also welcomed many new members, who shared their stories of changes in the last two wild years. We got closer to launching our new website in partnership with my two Co-Founders, Lynne, and Suzanne, my dear friend from business school, colleague, and fellow NJ-mom, Breyana Rosenblatt, and Allison Cohen, longtime Co-Co member and Founder of Orange Door Strategies. We hosted HeyMama for a day of open co-working, including members of both of our groups and Doddle Founder, Nicki Radzely–where we shared true stories of entrepreneurship and motherhood.
Even as I’m writing this, I’m seeing my to-do list and my inbox, and at the same time, looking forward to a weekend filled with spring sports, friends, family, and a neighborhood Easter egg hunt. I am not fully prepared for any of it, but I am grateful for all of it–this community of friends, our brand new spot on Springfield Avenue, and this time in our family life.