What insights does Hilary Erickson offer regarding motherhood and work-life balance?

Hilary shares a few big themes around motherhood and work–life balance:

• Your identity matters too. Motherhood is deeply giving, but it can’t be your only reason to live. You’re still an individual with interests, goals, and talents that deserve space.

• Self-care grows over time. Early motherhood is an intense “180” where everything revolves around baby. As kids grow, your time and brain-space slowly return, and it’s okay to step back into hobbies, work, or passions.

• Fulfillment looks different for everyone. For some women that’s full‑time work, for others it’s flexible or creative work (like acting in Bonnie’s case), or unpaid hobbies. The key is honestly asking what fills your own “bucket,” not just what you’re told a “good mom” should do.

• You’re a model for your kids. When you pursue your interests—running a race, playing an instrument, doing a play—your kids see that adults can grow, try hard things, and have rich lives beyond laundry and dirty socks.

Is there a particular struggle you’re having with balancing motherhood and your own goals?