For many women, “having it all” often feels like trying to hold everything together at once. A successful career, a happy family, meaningful relationships, personal wellbeing and somehow finding time for yourself can quickly become an impossible balancing act. For award-winning radio presenter, television personality, author and mother Carol Ofori, the secret isn’t about achieving perfect balance. It’s about giving yourself permission to be human. Now let’s see how she says this can be done: 1. Balance starts with self-reflection “I think the biggest key to balancing everything is honest self-reflection. You have to allow yourself grace to make mistakes and understand that you are constantly evolving,” said Carol. As women move through different stages of life, she believes they’re continually rediscovering themselves. “As a woman, you are navigating your body, and every decade brings a new discovery of self. Just when you think you have figured yourself out, you enter a new season of life. That means your needs, your priorities and even your capacity will change, and that’s okay,” said Carol. Rather than striving for perfection, Ofori encourages women to check in with themselves regularly. “You have to ask yourself what’s making you happy, what’s frustrating you, what’s making you feel stuck and what’s bringing you joy. Those conversations with yourself are incredibly important because if you don’t know how you are really feeling, it’s impossible to take care of yourself,” said Carol. 2. Protect time that’s just yours Carol believes those moments of self-care shouldn’t be viewed as luxuries, but as necessities. “For me, that might look like spending the day at a spa, having lunch with friends or simply switching off without worrying whether the children have eaten or whether your husband has socks. Whatever it looks like for you, create that space,” said Carol. While Ofori acknowledges that every woman’s circumstances are different, particularly for single mothers, she believes making time for yourself is essential. “It might not happen every month. For me, it’s probably once every three months because of my work schedule. But you have got to intentionally create that space to release the responsibility, even if it’s just for half a day,” said Carol. She also believes women shouldn’t feel guilty for occasionally breaking out of routine. “Sometimes you have got to loosen up a little. Maybe it’s spoiling yourself, saying yes to something you have been putting off or simply doing something that’s just for you. Having a little rebellious streak every now and then reminds you that you are still your own person,” said Carol. 3. Your career should fulfil you Professionally, Ofori says fulfilment comes from remembering why you started. “Your career is a cornerstone. You have got to enjoy what you do and feel fulfilled by it. There will always be setbacks, difficult relationships and moments where you question yourself, but you have got to remind yourself why you are doing it,” said Carol. 4. Celebrate yourself more often Perhaps her most important advice is not to wait for validation from others. “As wonderful as it is to have supportive friends, family, colleagues or a great boss cheering you on, you have also got to become your own biggest supporter,” said Carol. Learning to celebrate your own achievements, she says, is an important part of building confidence. “You have got to be okay with tooting your own horn. Women are often taught to stay humble and wait for someone else to recognise them, but it’s okay to acknowledge what you have accomplished. You have earned it,” said Carol. 5. Take a breath Above all, Ofori encourages women to slow down and simply breathe. “So many of us don’t know how to breathe anymore. Life gets busy and overwhelming, and we are constantly rushing from one responsibility to the next. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is stop, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you are doing the best you can. Because perhaps the real definition of balance isn’t getting everything right, it’s giving yourself the grace to know that you don’t have to,” said Carol. HAVE YOU SEEN THIS ONE?: Nonhle Thema Marked Her Late Mom Cynthia Shange’s Birthday With a Moving Tribute Post navigation Nonhle Thema Marked Her Late Mom Cynthia Shange’s Birthday With a Moving Tribute Liquideep Lands Major Africori/Warner Music Deal, Ushering in a Bold New Era
