👩‍👧‍👦 My children come first: the decision he made for me

I remember that day at the US Embassy in Bogotá. I left with my visa approved, my legs shaking with excitement and a smile from ear to ear. My heart was racing. I was three months pregnant and needed a coffee to calm my adrenaline and give my baby a break.

Your life can change if you decide to take care of your mental health and that of your children.

There I met an engineer, a very friendly man in his sixties. He asked me about my visa and we ended up talking about his life as a traveller. He told me that he was well known and had visited many countries thanks to his work. But with a nostalgia that broke my heart, he confessed his greatest regret: not having enjoyed his children's childhood.

He asked me if I had children. I said yes, a girl, and his advice was simple but powerful: ‘Enjoy them, the moments pass very quickly and time cannot be turned back.’

At that moment, my professional dreams, my plans and the new baby on the way collided with his words. It was 2024; I was 41 years old and pregnancy meant restarting a period of total dependence. His advice remained treasured in my heart: for him, time is worth more than any business or trip.

That conversation confronted me, but the real reality check came later.

My baby was already one year old, and after three years of working remotely for a company that accounted for 80% of my income... they decided not to renew my contract.

It was an unexpected blow, but deep down, my heart felt relieved.

During those three years, many people said to me, ‘How wonderful, you have your dream job! You're a present mother.’

But the truth is, I wondered: Was I really a ‘present mother’?

Could I interrupt an important meeting to attend to my son who was crying and begging for my arms? Honestly, no.

I was at home, yes, but I spent four hours in meetings and another four on operational tasks. The hours I had left were pure exhaustion, sleepiness, and fatigue.

I experienced the disconnection that led to burnout (professional exhaustion syndrome). I was present, but unable to hug my baby or play with my daughter.

My work, my dream, became a burden, and yes, that contributed to my being ‘kindly dismissed.’

Although I am very grateful for all that I grew professionally, this situation forced me to weigh up the options: What was I really dedicating my time to?

Today I understand. There is something that is non-negotiable for me: my children's time.

My children come first, and it is not enough just to be present; it is necessary to share real quality time.

If it had been up to me, I might never have made the decision to quit, because the comfort zone is very comfortable. But this situation helped me understand my purpose as a mother and my mission.

I return to the engineer's words: ‘Time passes so quickly and we cannot get it back.’

That is why now, when faced with any commitment, I am clear and honest: ‘My children come first.’

If this story resonates with you, if you feel that lump in your throat when balancing your professional life with the desire to fully enjoy your children... I encourage you to look for options that allow you to truly connect with them.

I know that many mothers feel trapped by finances or lack of support, missing out on their little ones' growth. I've been there; I've felt that exhaustion and guilt.

I am Angie Ramos, digital mum, publicist, designer and visual artist, and I have transformed my own experience into a tool for you.

I am here to help you find that emotional stability and regain your identity beyond your job title through my art and art therapy workshops.

I will teach you how to:

Release the accumulated stress that causes exhaustion.

Recover your identity beyond being “the mum”, “the professional” or “the worker”.

Enjoy the present to the fullest again.

Express yourself without the demands of perfection.

Are you ready to put your time and peace of mind first?

Let's start painting a present with less guilt and more connection!