Seesaw Life as a Wife, Mom, Voice Coach and Opera Singer: Embracing the Journey and Challenges

Ever ridden a Seesaw? TEXAS TERMINOLOGY ALERT- We call them Seesaws here in Texas, but you might know it as a Teeter Totter if you don't have a Texas passport. Even if it has been a click or two, I reckon you recall that slightly jittery feeling of being out of control at times especially when you are up in the air like everything can get at times in life. Yee HA! That is LIFE!

Balancing the roles of a wife, mom, and opera singer is the road trip of road trips filled with unique situations and joyous core moments. Each role demands time, dedication, and emotional investment, often yanking me in different directions. Yet, many women find ways to embrace this twisty road, creating a life that honors their passions and commitments. This post exposes the realities of living in these roles, and the personal growth that comes from this crazy road trip of life.

These two humans- Greg my husband and Eden our one and only daughter- pictured below are my ride or die. I go out, I sing, I shine, I come home, and crash. While I am getting better at not crashing, when I do, these two somehow meet me where I'm at and force me to see.... ME. They are the best gift from God in this life I could ever have dreamt up.

The Demands of Each Role

We homeschool our gal and discovered by 3rd grade in public school that it was the best choice for her. She's a smart cookie, no doubt, but we began to see the long days and grinding schedule dimming that crazy light that she was born with. More on her entire birth situation in another post, but WOW! So, I am now adding homeschool to my roles and believe me it does not come easily!

Opera singing adds another layer of complexity. It demands rigorous vocal training, rehearsals, performances, and travel. The physical and mental discipline required to maintain a professional singing career can be intense.

What do we Moms know can be the hardest thing to do???? SELF CARE AND TIME FOR US! Yes, I am the worst at it. We will do everything we can for our kids but hesitate when doing something for ourselves.

Balancing these roles means constantly shifting focus and energy. For example, a day might start with preparing breakfast, next would-be vocal warm-ups or a session with my teacher in NYC virtually, then some homeschool (because it does not take 8 hours to teach and learn it all each day) then my focus has to be on my voice studio during the day tapering off to family needs in the evening. Dolly Parton said it best in Steel Magnolias "I'm busier than a one-armed paper hanger." At my stage in life, singing and career, I can't afford to forget to practice or put it off. So, if it does not get done earlier in the day, it's squeeze to get in later!

Game Plan!!!! (That I probably will get distracted and not follow once I see squirrel!)

Successful balance comes from intentional planning and self-awareness. Here are some practical strategies: THIS BELOW is what AI gathered for me.

(I make sure to say AI because this saved me TIME, but this information CAME FROM HUMAN BEINGS!)

• Prioritize tasks daily

Identify what must be done versus what can wait. This helps reduce overwhelm and keeps focus on what matters most. (I actually like this one)

• Create a flexible schedule

Block out time for rehearsals and family activities but allow room for adjustments. Flexibility helps accommodate unexpected events. (This one is a no brainer, but flexibility is an understatement)

• Set boundaries

Communicate clearly with family and colleagues about availability. Protect time for rest and self-care. (That is easy- I am an introvert who has learned to be an extrovert for my career... I can "Lock it down" easy if I have to.)

• Use support networks

Rely on partners, family members, or childcare when possible. Sharing responsibilities lightens the load. (I have the BEST VILLAGE for this. Eden never lacks for family connection especially when I travel.)

• Incorporate small moments for practice

Even short vocal exercises during breaks can maintain progress without taking large chunks of time. (I did this today! I broke up 15-minute practice spots through the day, and it was quite productive!!)

THIS ALL SOUNDS LIKE THE WISDOM OF OPERA SINGERS OF THE PAST AND PRESENT! Will it ALL work for me? NAH!

BUT What I do find is even in implementing ONE of these wise suggestions at a time.... there is progress! IF I just SIT on my tookus and do nothing....NOTHING HAPPENS.

With all of the information available out there, there comes a point that YOU have to do YOU.

For me it's about keeping it simple stupid! or Stupid Simple!

Thank God I have an AMAZING man for life in Greg. He extends grace, support, pom poms, special moments, road trips for fun, metal concerts for enjoyment and absolutely unconditional love. Don't worry, I don't take him for granted! He's a gift!

Embracing the Journey

Riding the seesaw of life as a wife, mom, and opera singer is not linear. Setbacks are my constant companion, adjustments my friends, and learning is that life partner that will never end. All of those events bring growth in me, and I see it as clear a Texas Sunset! Embracing this winding road means wearing the coat of imperfection and celebrating progress. Yank up those spanks, smear the lip gloss, get them sh-tkickers on, shake that dust and go!