I was chatting to another parent the other day and we got on the subject of professional status and in particular the loss of this when we move away from the stereotypes of what society thinks we should be doing to what really gives us purpose and enjoyment. I remember when I left the law the sense of worry about leaving the ‘status symbol’ type of career. What would I say when I introduced myself at a social event? Was I enough without the fancy job title?
Having been running my mediation practice alongside being a mum to two young boys, I’ve realised that status means nothing and impact means everything.
I now strive to be totally present at home when I am with my boys (I don’t always get it right but I’m conscious of it all the time). I stop what I am doing when they want to tell me something and I sit on the floor with them when they want to be creative and engage me in play. When I am mediating, I want clients to feel that they have chosen a mediator who will support them every step of the way and work in a way which ensures they feel safe and listened to. My clients have my full attention when I am working with them.
I now believe impact means more than anything and I can leave the constraints of status and just be my authentic self. I give my clients my all during their mediation process but I ensure I carve out time to recover from that and all it entails emotionally and practically.
I’ve realised that what counts to my clients is how I show up and for them to see that I do exactly what I tell them I will do when they first meet with me. I believe that is more important than a list of professional accolades (you can assume I have these!). It is the same with my two boys. They are not interested in anything other than a mum who is there for them and who is fulfilled to be able to fill up their cup whenever they need.
