As a working parent, the reality is whilst you can have both, don’t underestimate how tricky this is to navigate! 2 weeks ago I had to make a difficult decision.
Months ago, I had been invited by International Dyslexia Learning Solutions Ltd to attend the nasen awards evening which happened recently… I was so excited, finally a step in the right direction.
To sit with a company I respect. To network and be surrounded by people who like me care about SEND. To just be me for a night, without being a mum. Which leads me to the difficult decision…
I knew on that same night my girls and niece were singing in a concert called ‘Family Affair’. They perform all the time. I wasn’t too worried about missing it and they understood. However 2 weeks ago, my girls asked me if I would sing in the concert with them. I love to sing, haven’t sung in public for years, I wasn’t sure I had the confidence anymore, and I already had plans. BUT how special would it be to sing with my girls, and how privileged, honoured and lucky that they had asked me! I mean, it’s not the coolest thing to do is it? Sing alongside your mum!
So the choice…
A whole sparkly night at the NASEN awards.
Or
A small intimate concert, where I get to sing with my girls.
I chose my girls. And it wasn’t a difficult decision. Being a mum is my primary purpose.
For me, it will always come first. This means that often, my business and my brand can’t grow as quickly as I would like them to. But, it’s one of the reasons why I chose to work for myself.
The flexibility enables me to balance and support my kids, ensuring they excel at the things they are brilliant at and I am there to support them when needed. This morning I realised being a mum is part of my brand and who I am. The dyslexic, adhd parent, who is showing people how to have it all. My heart pulls a bit as photos of the awards evening pop up on my social media, it would have been incredible…
BUT
I know if I had gone my heart would have hurt at not being on stage with my girls, sharing a moment that will never happen again. I would have been thinking about that missed opportunity all night, waking up this am with definite FOMO and feeling sad driving the whole way home.
Instead my heart is full
Being a mum is a huge part of who I am and what and why I do what I do, and I am proud of that… it will always come first, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t be a successful business owner too…
I’m up and at it today, doing what I can to keep on growing my business and future!
Grateful for the opportunities my business affords me, the people in my life and my family who support me always…