That is an age old question that has been asked over and over.  So what is the answer?  What does “Do it All” even mean?

So I asked a very close friend of mine, who does seem to do it all, a few questions.  I wanted to know how she does it?  How the heck does she manage all the practices and games for her two boys, the social activities and sports that she participates in, church, running her own business, managing the everyday details of a  household and still have time for herself?  Seems unrealistic…doesn’t it?

Dana Koger is a wife and mother of 3, 2 boys and a beautiful little girl.  Her days, when the sports are in full swing, are spent going to practices and games 2-3 hours a day.  Thankfully her daughter is a bit young today to be too involved, but just wait…tutu’s and ballet shoes are not too far off (or if I can imagine…pom poms).  But lets not forget the mundane tasks of taking the kids to school and daycare, birthday parties for their friends and homework.

But then she, herself, plays tennis twice a week, practice and matches.  She also has a couple of Bunco groups that meet once a month.  And she still has her group of friends that she sees for birthdays, girls nights out, lunches, etc.  In addition, she and her husband seem to throw a good party at least twice year that require a lot of prep.  And they never forget to take a vacation here and there and/or go and visit their families.

But wait…there is definitely more.

Growing up Dana loved receiving and giving monogrammed items.  Over the years, that love turned into an addiction (or so her husband thinks).  After her second child, she decided that it would save her money if she just had her own machine.  Of course, her husband being the business man that he is, had a stipulation.  Dana had to produce a return on his investment by turning it into a small business.  What was once just fun and a way to save money, 6 years later, is now a thriving business in which she spends 4-5 days a week working into the wee hours of the night.  Although she does admit, even with the craziness sometimes, its still fun.

Haute and Modern Monogramming and Gift Boutique offers baby, hostess and birthday gifts.  Holiday and birthday shirts, purses, wallets and so much more…anything that can be personalized.

Where does she find the time to sleep?  Her husband thinks she has become a professional napper…finding the time to close her eyes, if even only for a few minutes, where she can.

So how does she balance it all?  Does sound like a lot to have to manage.

Dana says its not easy.  Prioritizing is a constant challenge.  In fact, she does have to “reel” herself in every now and then and scale back so that she can find that balance that enables her to continue with the energy that she exudes.

Family is what really does it for her…what motivates her to manage such a load.  She wants to be that role model that shows her children that you have to work hard to get what you want.

But the only way she can do any of it, even while drawing strength from her family is through her continued perspective on life.  She truly believes in finding joy in everything and cherishing every moment.  She LOVES life!

But it cannot go unmentioned that behind this strong woman is a man that helps to keep her strong and happy.  Quote “he makes me laugh and thrills my soul”.  After 10 years together, she still knows that she is married to the love of her life.

So based on Dana…Can Women Do It All?

My answer…sure!  You have to figure out what “All” is for you.  But yes.  Find your motivation, learn to say no, prioritize, look for the joy in all you do and surround yourself with people who love you.

I’ll leave you with Dana’s motto:  “Choose Joy”.  Simply that ~ choose joy.  Life is what you make of it.  So go out and enjoy it, treat others with respect, surround yourself with people who lift you up, and lift others up as well.

Simply Choose Joy!