Changes are a coming. Life is full of Change.
Changes in the past couple years have been the loss of my dad and grandmother. Death is a big change in the family dynamics, relationships and how I think about life and how I plan my life now.
Work changes. I took off my nanny hat of 20+ years and have successfully transitioned to Household Manager / Personal Assistant. This is a role I have played over 23 years with all the families I have worked for, but the official transition to stop "nannying" and be full-charge HM/PA was a daunting one. One I found to be much more difficult than I ever imagined.
So having taken off that nanny hat, I find myself trying to balance it all - nanny relationships/friendships and nanny industry responsibilities. I often feel disconnected with other nannies now that I am not in the trenches - or playgroups / playgrounds as many of them are. My charges are 16 and 18 - the oldest graduating later this month and headed off to college. My role stays the same. Maintain the household and provide the services of HM/PA.
With the changing of the guard - taking off my nanny hat, I've decided to step down from my long-standing position as president of the local nanny group here in DC. That's not the only reason, but a big one. It's also time for new blood to come and lead the association.
But I'm not going far. Never one to sit and relax, unless I'm reading a really good book - I'm heading over to the local chapter of the Domestic Estate Managers Association. This group came along at the perfect time while I was in transition and I feel a real connection to it and its members.
I hate change. It takes me forever to decide on new glasses or a new haircut. I like things calm and routine. Every now and then life throws in a few shakes. I've had some health issues this past year - appendicitis, and 11 days of kidney stone HELL. I also discovered I have low thyroid. Nine months of medication adjustments have finally got my levels to where they need to be and the biggest change is a work in progress. I'm losing weight for the first time in years. YEARS!!!! Down 28 pounds and still going strong. I attribute this to the thyroid meds, eating better, wanting to take care of myself and my own personal trainer - a puppy named Riley! Our daily walks - from 1-3 hours have made a big difference. And the change is noticeable. I look better. I feel better.
So as the changes continue, life continues. I'm sure there will be more shakes in my life, but I'm ready and able to face them head on.
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