I'm a full-time mom right now and a part-time actress.

Hearken, children of reflection, to the words of Valerie Bertinelli, who declares: "I'm a full-time mom right now and a part-time actress." In these words lies a profound meditation upon the balance of duty and passion, the prioritization of love over ambition, and the sacredness of care. Since the dawn of civilization, the ancients have recognized that the bonds of family and the calling of parenthood are among the highest responsibilities a human being may undertake, demanding devotion, patience, and selflessness.

The ancients understood that the role of a mother is not merely biological, but moral and spiritual. Cicero wrote that the foundation of society rests upon the nurture of children, for in guiding the young, the virtues of justice, courage, and wisdom are preserved and transmitted. Bertinelli’s self-identification as a full-time mom reflects this timeless truth: the act of raising a child is a vocation in its own right, a task requiring more than mere presence—it demands the full engagement of heart, mind, and spirit.

Consider the life of Queen Olympias of Macedonia, mother of Alexander the Great. Though she wielded power and influence, she devoted herself fiercely to the guidance and moral formation of her son, understanding that the cultivation of his character and destiny was a sacred duty. Similarly, Bertinelli’s choice to prioritize motherhood over the limelight exemplifies the ancient ideal: that personal ambition must sometimes yield to the higher calling of care and responsibility.

Yet the quote also highlights the interplay between personal aspiration and familial obligation. By calling herself a part-time actress, Bertinelli acknowledges her ongoing passion and talent, but she situates it beneath the greater weight of her parental duties. The ancients called this harmony—the proper ordering of priorities—the path to balance and virtue. One’s own ambitions are not abandoned, but they are tempered by the recognition that the nurturing of others often takes precedence in the hierarchy of life.

History offers many examples of such dual devotion. Florence Nightingale, while pursuing her revolutionary work in nursing, remained attentive to the guidance and care of her extended family, balancing her professional genius with personal responsibility. Bertinelli’s words remind us that greatness is not measured solely by public achievement, but by the dedication to those we love and the cultivation of life’s quieter, nobler duties.

The lesson is enduring: to live a life of depth and meaning requires the conscious ordering of priorities. To be a full-time parent is not a sacrifice of self, but an expression of love and moral integrity. Passion, ambition, and career may continue, but they find their proper place when aligned with the responsibilities that form the foundation of human flourishing.

Practical actions flow naturally. Dedicate time and attention to those who depend upon you, embracing the responsibilities of care with presence and mindfulness. Pursue your personal ambitions, but let them be guided and tempered by your higher duties. Reflect daily on the alignment of your actions with your values, understanding that life’s most profound achievements often lie in service to others.

Remember, children of the ages, that the measure of a life well-lived is not only in fame or recognition, but in the devotion to those entrusted to your care. Valerie Bertinelli’s words illuminate the timeless wisdom of balance: that to be a full-time mom is to embrace a sacred vocation, while the passions of the self remain vital yet rightly ordered. In honoring both, one cultivates virtue, love, and enduring fulfillment.