We spoke with Vanessa Abuchaibe Delaney, meteorologist for Estrella TV and Mother of a beautiful little girl, about balancing work and family, spring traditions and how she’s handling today’s current matters.
Written By: Camille Lucy
Maybe the most difficult yet rewarding job there is, Motherhood is much more than a title. It’s a lifestyle, it’s a contribution and it’s an overarching theme for life. Mothers nurture, support and encourage their children, and the community, to be compassionate, loving and successful members of society. This Mother’s Day, as we celebrate and honor all of the Mothers out there, we had the opportunity to speak with Super Mom, Vanessa Abuchaibe Delaney. She opens up to us about family, spring traditions and the challenges she has faced in today’s changed world. Vanessa also shares some advice for all of the Moms out there trying to balance it all.
As a career-driven, hard-working woman balancing career and family, what would you say is your “why?” The driving force for all that you do? What keeps you going?
My family. My parents, sister, husband and daughter are the pillars of my life. They are an amazing support system and therefore, the ones that motivate me every single day. They are the dream team any working Mommy can wish for! I am so grateful for them.
Do you have any Spring tradition(s) that your family participates in each year?
Spring cleaning… and that includes clothing donations! We try to give away any clothes that we haven’t worn in the past year or so to my cousins in Colombia or people in need here in our community. Donating clothing, buying less (but with better quality, long-lasting materials) or buying gently used items are also amazing contributions to our planet. It’s difficult with the ever-changing fashion trends but possible to do your part even if it’s just on a small scale.
In today’s changed society, what would you say has been the biggest adjustment for you in your career? In your family?
Society has quickly changed in the past year and we have faced many challenges. One of the challenges I have faced is broadcasting my weather segments from home while having a toddler running around the house screaming, “Mami, Mami, Mamiiiiiiiii!” I am sure many parents went through a similar situation. I was extremely fortunate to have my parents’ help during our quarantine. My Mom would take care of Lily and cook us dinner while my husband and I worked from home. She is truly a Saint for all she does for us.
What would your best advice be to mothers who are balancing work and children?
When you are a Mom, time-management is on another level, but it is possible to at least strive for balance. Since I love being a meteorologist, it’s easy for me to continue “working” after work, but I try to put my phone down as soon as I walk in the door in order to commit my full attention to my family. I try to workout before Lily wakes up or I involve her in my workouts by asking her to go on a stroller ride while I jog. I go on a brunch outing with my girlfriends once in a while to make sure to get that “adult, Mommy-life” talk-time; it feels amazing to connect in that way. My husband and I also schedule a date, just the two of us, even if it means a day-date to spend some quality time with each other. Sometimes all of this happens, and sometimes it doesn’t. Be ok with both but always strive for balance; your physical and mental health will thank you!
Your favorite quote by Maya Angelou is, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” In what ways do you incorporate this into your work environment, or raising your daughter?
My father is the epitome of this quote. His patience, kindness and humbleness towards others is truly remarkable. He has passed that on to me as much as he could. It also circles back to our faith in God. Whether you are the CEO of the biggest company in the world or the cleaning lady, you will always receive the same respect. Since we come from Middle Eastern and Colombian ancestry, I feel we have a deeper understanding of different cultures and therefore, tend to be very accepting of others just the way they are. I always say we are on this Earth just for a “little while,” so be kind.
About the Author
Camille Lucy is a Certified Holistic Health Coach/Reiki & Raindrop Technique Practitioner/Meditation & Yoga Instructor, Ordained Holistic Minister, graphic and web designer, business consultant, and animal rescue volunteer/advocate. She is also a writer, a Mother of 3 girls, an artist, a Life-and-Love Junkie, a Self-Expression and Development advocate, and – well, you get the point – she’s a lot of things, just like all of us. Camille is also author of, “The (Real) Love Experiment: Explore Love, Relationships & The Self,” and owner of the inspirational clothing line, LIT Gear, at www.LetsAllGetLit.com. Learn more about her and her adventure(s) at www.CamilleLucy.com.
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