Blake Lively talks motherhood: 'I find a way to do it all'

LOS ANGELES, April 14 (UPI) -- Blake Lively says she is able "to have it all."

The 27-year-old actress discussed her interpretation of the phrase in a recent interview with Allure. Lively explained she is able to juggle motherhood and her career because she doesn't force herself to choose between caring for daughter James and other pursuits.

"Most of the things I do are all-consuming, but somehow I find a way to do it all. It's not having it all; it's about doing it all, but it's dangerous to dilute that to a catchphrase," she opined, acknowledging many would find her use of the adage annoying.

Lively said many women feel pressure to seek either "a happy, healthy family" or "a profession that you really believe in." The actress said doing both comes down to compromise and accepting you won't be with your family all of the time.

"I don't believe I have to choose -- who says so? Who says we can't do anything that we set our mind to?" she asked. "You may not be the best at it. You may not be the most successful. But you can try your best. That's what having it all means to me -- not letting anyone tell me no but myself."

Lively and husband Ryan Reynolds married in September 2012, and welcomed James in December 2014. The actress is best known for portraying Serena van der Woodsen on The CW series Gossip Girl, and scheduled for The Age of Adaline with Michiel Huisman.