We ended season 2 of our podcast Breakthrough Barriers with Damali with a BANG! We had our very first duo appearance which featured my friends Laura and Nasra, and it was a very hilarious episode. Laura is an insurance lawyer and a fabulous human being. Nasra is a singer/ songwriter and a women’s rights activist. She sings and writes music in Arabic, English and French. 

Our first caller was returning to a very demanding job after being on maternity leave and was looking for tips on how to cope with time management. Longer maternity leave and paternal leave are needed in the U.S. Nasra shared with us the wonderful experience it was to give birth in France, where not only was she allowed a longer leave but also received help from the government. Paternal leave is something that should also be enforced.

Don’t be afraid to look for help. Outsource. Maybe it can come from a family member or you may need to hire someone who is reliable and can start as soon as possible so you can smoothly adapt to your routine. Have a plan and try to stick to it. Returning to work after maternity leave can leave you a bit out of whack. I remember returning to work energized and ready to work and realizing I was wearing two different shoes. Laura shared her funny story about having to pump her breast at work. 

Try to give yourself a small break when you get home from work, remember you’re only human. Spend quality time with your child but also make time for other things. Make time for yourself, your mental health, your partner and other things you enjoy. It may feel overwhelming at first, but it will all turn out okay. 

One way Laura likes to unwind and make time for herself is when it’s time for her nightly bath. She sets candles up and plays her favorite music and uses the time to self-reflect and relax. Damali personally likes to dedicate a night every week to spend time with her husband. Time goes by fast and your kids will grow in a blink of an eye so try to spend as much time with them as possible, but don’t forget about the other things happening in your world. After a bad day remind yourself that tomorrow is a new day and new opportunity.

Our second caller is in a 3- year, long distance relationship. He explained the relationship has gotten more difficult since they don’t see each other and are constantly arguing, he feels they are growing apart. He is only 22 and wanted help figuring out if he should stay in the relationship or move forward.

Nasra, who is a romantic, believes love can withstand any amount of time and any distance. Laura is questioning why one can’t make the move to be with the other and believes 22 is too young to question relationships. There are so many fish and the sea and at such a young age, she believes he should be exploring his options. I think a break could be helpful. It will help each of you figure out how you feel about each other. If you can’t be without the other or if it’s best to part ways. Nasra suggested the separation of sex and relationship, have an open relationship maybe?

If this a person you simply can not live without, try to think of ways to rekindle the relationship. How can you guys visit each other more? Communicate better? Maybe consider speaking to someone who knows the both of you better, or doesn’t know you at all and can help you pick apart the details.  Relationships may seem like a very important aspect of your life right now, but there is so much life still left to live. Don’t stress yourself about it and let it work itself out.

Do you have any barriers that we can help you break through?  If so, you can leave a brief message at 646-363-6322 or comment below on our interactive blog. 

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Best Wishes,

The Breakthrough Blogger