As someone who always tries to learn something from every book I read, (I write down at least 10 things I’ve learned from each new book I read) I’d like to share with you lessons I’ve learned from a kind of random book with a great title called Life’s Work: Confessions of an Unbalanced Mom by Lisa Belkin.
Now, how did I even find this random book lol? One of my students, who took my course, told me about this amazing little bookshop in Jerusalem. It’s a quaint, cozy place filled with lovely books at great prices.
As you know, I’m not one to encourage clutter, but this bookstore has a wonderful system—you can buy a book, read it, and then sell it back to them at a discount! How cool is that?!?
Naturally, I couldn’t resist stopping by because I love reading!
That’s where I stumbled upon this random book, with a super cute book cover, and while it wasn’t exactly what I expected, I still found a few valuable lessons that are worth sharing.
1. Let Go of the Guilt
One of the most relatable aspects of the book was Belkin’s message about guilt. She reminds us that no matter how hard we try, we simply can’t do it all. We can’t be the perfect mom, the perfect employee, or the perfect homemaker. Instead of carrying guilt about the things we can’t get done, Belkin suggests we let it go.
My Takeaway:
While I didn’t feel this message was groundbreaking, it’s still an important reminder. On those tough days, I’ve been practicing giving myself a break and accepting that good enough is good enough. Not everything has to be perfect!
2. The Power of the Shrug
One of the most refreshing parts of the book was how Belkin embraces the shrug—a literal and figurative way to deal with the chaos of life. Sometimes things fall apart, and instead of stressing over it, she just shrugs it off and moves on.
My Takeaway:
I’ve started using this technique more in my own life. When something goes wrong—whether it’s being behind in the laundry, or the kids melting down—I try to pause and just shrug. It’s a small gesture, but it helps release the pressure of trying to control everything.
3. We’re All in This Together
Belkin shares stories not just from her life but from other women who have written to her over the years. The common thread? No one has it all figured out. It’s a comforting reminder that we’re all in this together—the struggles, the juggling act, and the feelings of inadequacy. Knowing this can make the tough days a little easier to handle.
My Takeaway:
We all know know that motherhood isn’t always fun and easy, but it’s nice to see it laid out in such an honest way. Even though the book felt a bit dated, this is a universal truth that stands the test of time.
4. Balance Is a Myth
Perhaps the most important lesson from the book is that perfect balance doesn’t exist. We hear so much about “work-life balance,” but Belkin’s message is clear: it’s a myth. Instead of striving for balance, we should focus on being present and doing the best we can in each moment.
My Takeaway:
This is something I’ve known for a while, but the book reaffirmed it. Trying to perfectly balance every area of life just leaves us feeling like we’re falling short in every area. Instead, I’m focusing on being present—whether I’m working, spending time with family, or even taking a few minutes for myself. (And by the way, my favorite boon ever on being present is Hands Free Mama! Read more here!)
Final Thoughts
While Life’s Work: Confessions of an Unbalanced Mom may not have been the best fit for me, and some of the ideas felt a little outdated, it still offered a few bits of wisdom that are relevant to any mother feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes, the best lessons are the simple ones—let go of the guilt, embrace imperfection, and remember that we’re all in this together.
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