I will be heading back to work on Monday – part-time, happily – after three months of bonding with Sophie and easing into motherhood. Though I am saddened to be leaving her (albeit, “daycare” responsibilities are being split between me, my husband, and my mother), I feel blessed and happy through to my core. And though this time is passing so quickly, I am learning to parent in the present, mindfully, and to have gratitude for all the special little moments packed within seemingly ordinary days.

During my time off, my motherly instincts have been in high gear. I have joined a “Mommy and Me” class, planted herbs on our porch, started a scrapbook, cleaned floors and fell in love with cooking all over again. I hardly recognize the person I have become – but I love it. I have been making soups and raw granolas from scratch, baking bread, and concocting some truly amazing, healthy salads. I have come to love cooking these wholesome meals for my family and I want Sophie to grow up feeling the warmth of our kitchen and associating not just aromas and tastes, but experiences with healthy home cooked food.

I love my practice. I am excited to interact with patients, collaborate with colleagues and the medical staff at Akasha. In addition to the social rewards of returning to work, I am looking forward to having some time to myself. I have only been away from my sweet girl for my ninety-minute yoga classes or perhaps the time it takes for a mani/pedi but I always miss her when I’m gone. I even miss her when she takes her naps. I know the first week or two will be an adjustment. Eventually, though, the adjustment will become a routine and from these new routines I will find a balance between my career and motherhood. Striking this balance should be both energizing and fulfilling, and will help me grow as a modern woman.

Finding this balance – between the roles of doctor, mother, wife, friend, daughter and sister – will take work. It is important to be able to incorporate all the things that are important to me. How can any woman find the time to cook, exercise, write, read, work, and spend quality time with her family? This is my challenge as it is the challenge for most women in the Twenty-First Century. Thus, as a doctor who preaches to patients the importance of balance between work and family, the time has come for me to walk the walk myself.