Listeners of The Link’s very popular “Bob and Sheri” show know that the acerbic styling of one Ms. Sheri Lynch are in sync with women who are trying to make family life, married life and everything else in between, work. That made her latest book, “Be Happy or I'll Scream: My Deranged Quest for the Perfect Husband, Family, and Life” a perfect pick for CW’s book club.Join Sheri at our next event on Monday, March 27 at Joseph-Beth for an evening that’s sure to be filled with humor and wisdom. Please RSVP at http://www.thecharlotteweekly.com.
We chatted with Sheri to find out how she juggles it all.
1. You've done a great job of really letting women know the reality and not the fairy tale of real life modern woman living. After two successful books and a hit radio show, how do you feel your family life and your own life has been affected by living with the public practically right in your living room?
Believe it or not, it's a non-issue at our house. My children are so young that they have no real sense of how I earn a living. They hear me on the radio, but I think they figure that everyone's mommy is on the radio, too. And around our place, I don't get any special treatment. When it comes time to mop up after the dog or referee the battle over whose turn it is to play with Barbie's Mermaidia, no one cares how many radio stations I talk on or how many books I write. It's all "Mommy! I need you!" I love that. For me personally, the public aspects of my life have proven to be an enormous blessing. I now know for a fact that I'm not alone in my craziness - I have hordes of like-minded sisters everywhere. It's been fantastic for my mental health. It's really made a huge difference in not only how I see myself - as a woman, a mother, a wife - it's helped me to see other women's lives more clearly. I have fewer illusions, and much more realistic expectations. I'm more forgiving - of myself, as well as others. That window into my life works both ways; I've also been allowed into the lives of the women who listen to my show. They've taught me so much about what really matters.
2. What do you hope your daughters learn about the concept "Having it all"?
First, that you can't have it all. That's a fantasy, and a destructive one at that. I hope my girls learn - sooner than I did - that it's not about having everything. It's about being brave enough to pursue the few things that your heart most desperately desires. And to recognize when you get those things, to truly savor and celebrate them.
3. What's the one piece of advice you offer to women today that perhaps, their mother's never told them?
While I wish I had something incredibly lofty and profound to offer here, I can't be a giant phony so let me say this: do not settle for a mediocre sex life. That has the power to really poison a marriage. Then, before you know it, you find yourself lonely for romance and bam! you get into trouble. Figure out what works for you, and teach your man how to get the job done. Candles, toys, Michael Buble - whatever works for you. Own it. And remember: unless you married an honest-go-God psychic, don't expect the poor guy to read your mind. It's all about taking responsiblity in every way, every day, for your own happiness. That's real power.
For more on Sheri Lynch, log on to: http://www.bobandsheri.com
