Expecting It All: More Time, Money, Energy, and Space for Mothers

Expecting It All: More Time, Money, Energy, and Space for Mothers

The journey into motherhood is a profound and turbulent period for women, marked by significant physical and mental changes. But once the baby arrives, the support and attention that new mothers receive swiftly shift toward the care of the child, often disregarding the well-being of the mother. Expecting It All delves into the intricate complexities faced by women in America. Our culture paints an idyllic picture of motherhood, setting unrealistic expectations that real mothers inevitably fall short of. We are expected to balance our careers and household management while transforming into nurturing and seemingly superhuman maternal figures overnight. This book provides special emphasis on your personal growth as a mother. It offers a thoughtful framework for reassessing your circumstances and harnessing the inherent strength that emerges within every woman as she embarks on the journey of motherhood. With your new, broader perspective of your own life, the book will then equip you with practical strategies to acquire the necessary resources (time, energy, money, and space) for achieving your aspirations. If you’ve ever felt that becoming a mother meant sacrificing your own dreams and ambition, this transformative book is a must-read. It seeks to challenge your perspective and illuminate the truth—that the intensely personal experience of motherhood can serve as a catalyst for your own rebirth, empowering you to emerge as a brand new, liberated version of yourself. “Bruins’s practical advice and inspiring stories will help you navigate the challenges of balancing career and family as a goal-oriented woman. Bruins emphasizes organizing emotions, energy, and expectations, providing actionable strategies for achieving balance and fulfillment. With an empathetic writing style, Bruins makes her experiences relatable and empowering, offering valuable guidance for juggling work demands and parenthood.” —Ambassador Lisa Gable, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author “Bruins’s writing is honest and witty, helping us modern mothers understand that we don’t have to have it all figured out. Most importantly, she gives us permission to fail, dream, and figure out who we are as we navigate the most important title we will ever have: Mom.” —‘Iolani L. Bullock, author and diversity, equity, and inclusion professional Janet Bruins holds bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering and computer science from the University of Michigan and a master of science in engineering from Purdue University. With over fifteen years of experience as a professional engineer, she is a strong advocate for STEM education and global experience opportunities for young professionals. Janet mentored many engineering students, connecting them with underserved communities in Honduras, India, and the Philippines to address local climate change challenges. The birth of her daughter sparked a transformative shift in Janet’s life. Seeing the overwhelming focus on maternal responsibilities and the lack of personal fulfillment for mothers, she now dedicates herself to empowering women to pursue their aspirations. Cultivating personal growth and ambition among women has become her primary mission. Janet also holds a master of business administration degree from Georgetown University and now works in corporate finance. She lives with her husband and daughter in Virginia.