Working Mom Spotlight: Sara Meador
Name: Sara Meador
Occupation: Technical Writer
Number of kids: 1
Favorite candy bar: Not a big candy bar person, but I can put away some jelly beans!
Tell us about your family, and what’s your childcare solution? I have been married to my high school sweetheart, Chris, for 10 years. We have a son, Lucas, who just turned three. Chris and I work full-time so Lucas has been in full-time daycare since he was three months old. We’re so thankful to have many quality daycare options in our area and Lucas has absolutely thrived. He recently moved into the preschool room and loves it!
Where do you work, and what is a typical workday like for you? I’m a technical writer for the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. I work on a large IT project documenting our business processes, helping with contract documents and communicating with our end users and other stakeholders. I now telework full-time, thanks to the pandemic. Most days are spent updating or editing documents for our team and collaborating with business and technical subject matter experts to put together presentations, release notes, executive summaries, and other communications for our many stakeholders at the county, state, and federal level.
Share some of your goals – personal or professional. My overall goal, both personally and professionally, is to use my time well. Most of my goals revolve around simplifying my day to day tasks, minimizing distractions, and focusing on the stuff that really matters. My biggest goal this year has been to love my family well and embrace my current season of motherhood. I focused a lot this year on finding fun activities and adventures to do with Lucas.
What motivates you to work? Working in the public sector offers a tangible motivation. I know that the work I do impacts the citizens in our state in a very real way. The work I do is not typically public-facing, but I like to think there is a domino effect happening that flows out to ultimately making the lives of North Carolinians better. We work to improve our processes and technology so our end users can more efficiently serve those in need. Whenever I put together a report or summary, I try to think about and pray for the individuals those numbers and stories represent.
How do you like to relax? One of my goals for 2021 was to become a reader again. I loved reading when I was younger but struggled to find time to read as an adult. I’ve made reading for fun a priority this year and it has become my favorite way to unplug and relax. I’ve read a mix of fiction and non-fiction this year and have reignited my love for a well-crafted story and complex characters. I’ve also rediscovered a love for jigsaw puzzles as a way to unwind screen-free.
What is your favorite part of motherhood? Watching my son learn new things! He is at such a fun age where he is soaking everything in. I feel like he shows off something new to us multiple times a week. It especially fills me heart with joy when he succeeds at something he’s tried a few times. There is no better feeling than watching something click into place for him.
What does Restored mean to you? How has it impacted you personally?
Restored means finding community and feeling seen. I love how Restored brings together women in so many different seasons of life and helps us connect with one another. I love being able to listen to others and share all about the joys and struggles of being a working mom. At the end of most Restored events, I’ve felt a sigh of relief and think “Wow, I am NOT the only one who feels/struggles with/enjoys/overthinks [fill in the blank].” The reassurance that I am not alone in this working motherhood journey is the thing that keeps me coming back to Restored again and again.
What is one of your favorite Restored events to date? Why is it your favorite?
There have been so many great ones, it is hard to choose! I’ve loved the sweet connections made over the Bible studies and getting to interact with others in a deeper way. The other event highlights for me have been the Enneagram Table Talk with Kathleen Burton as well as the Table Talks with Kate Bryan (The Small Things Blog) and Maghon Taylor (All She Wrote Notes).
Can you share how you overcome challenges related to the “mom chaos” that settles in when you feel pulled in 100 directions? One of the biggest things I’ve learned in my motherhood journey so far is that asking for help is the best way to combat the chaos. I still very much struggle in this area, but I am learning how to communicate my needs and accept help when offered. I’m learning that I cannot and should not do it all. Recognizing the need for help and being able to communicate that need effectively are things I continue to work on.
Besides your faith and family, what are you passionate about? I’m passionate about learning new things! Whether it is a specific topic of interest, a new skill, or just general self-development, I love reading and listening to books, articles, podcasts, or whatever on a variety of topics. One of my favorite parts of the Restored Bible studies is learning so much from the other women in this community.