Being Able to Say Yes with Anne Conti

Last season we interviewed our sister-in-law, Anne Mielke Conti, in the episode “Taking the Leap” about her momentous life change of leaving her corporate job to be at home. We promised at the end of that episode to touch base with Anne again in the future to see where her “leap” had taken her. Today, we fulfill that promise by talking with Anne about the good, the bad, and much in between, that has occurred for her and her family in the last 16 months.

 In “Being Able to Say Yes”, Anne recognizes how fortunate she is to have the opportunity and choice to make this change. As the title of this episode implies, this has been a positive change for her and her family and Anne emphasizes throughout our interview, “this is what is right for right now”. Anne imparts wisdom and insight into both the practicalities of everyday life as well as adjusting to a significant change.

 In this episode we discuss the following with Anne:

• The unique challenges of her home/family as her workplace – highlighting the similarities and differences between her corporate role and her role at home; 
• The “constant juggle” of parenting and work schedules which for many families is a continual struggle. Anne credits the lessening of this “juggle” and the ability to always say yes as the most important factor in her decreased stress levels;
• The challenges of having no defined schedule and/or commitments but also being protective of this unscheduled time which allows Anne to take advantage of opportunities as they happen;
• The joys of a free-time bucket list and the misery of meal planning
• The need to find “me” time and setting boundaries when the tasks and days at home are seemingly endless;
• The joys and struggles of changing seasons
• The importance of doing your best to change the things you can when it comes to less-than-ideal tasks or the environment you might find yourself in;
• The significance of using your core values to stay intentional with your time and choices.