Are you a working mom who’s about to become an “empty nester,” or maybe you’re a young mom trying to figure out how to get it all done? According to the Department of Labor, 70 percent of moms with children under the age of 18 participate in the workforce. This results in them juggling to manage their commitment to both the job and family.

A 2018 study conducted by Welch’s determined that working moms clock an average of 98 hours per week. And, with hours like that, one can see why it’s so difficult to find the perfect balance.

Being a working mother for over 20 years with the youngest children leaving the nest, it seems like the perfect time to reflect on the experience. Like with most life transitions, change is hard, and it brings both positive and negative emotions. Some of the questions that came to mind included, “Was I present enough to teach my children the important lessons?” “Did I lose myself in the process by putting my needs last?” and finally, “Did I find the right balance of work and family?”

That’s when I came across this quote… “Balance is not something you find; it’s something you create.”

As a researcher in the mental health space, I typically gather data directly from the source, in this case, texting moms with children leaving the nest. The question simply stated, “Advice to your younger self: What would you have done differently for yourself along your parenting journey?” (very scientific, right!). The next phase of the research included a review of the science of fulfillment. This article intends to share the lived experiences and lessons shared by moms with what science says makes for a fulfilling life.

Here are five proven strategies to create balance and fulfillment in your........

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