Purpose in a time of uncertainty

For me purpose is everything. I have always been driven by a cause, something I believe in and value, something where I can make a positive difference.

​Right now this is really challenging me as, like so many others at the moment, my work (purpose) has greatly changed. I am no longer able to work in schools with teachers, or provide face-to-face, practical workshops for leaders in the same way as before.
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However, purpose doesn’t just land at your feet, it is something that you strive for and seek out. I am proud that through all the adversities in my life, I have always had the resilience and ‘get up and go’, to re-connect with my purpose, or massage it into a new form. And now, is one of those times.

I am finding this time of quiet in the work calendar, filled with a whole new landscape of opportunities and purpose. I have made many new connections; had empowering and engaging conversations with like-minded people who share the same beliefs; taken the opportunity to work on my own professional development; put myself out of my comfort zone in several areas and re-connected with another purpose of mine - my family.

As a wife and mother of two, this reflection time has enabled me to re-balance and take stock of what’s important in life. Personal and professional growth have always been a priority of mine. I love to grow and thrive on challenge which is why I probably found myself as a Head after just ten years. But roll-on another fourteen years having encompassed breaking my leg (the day before a school inspection!) getting married, having two children, losing a child, running two schools, moving to the country, leaving a role I loved (another story!) and starting my own consultancy, I now find my purpose as a mother, at this time, really coming to the fore. That instinctive drive to protect and nurture in times of uncertainty and confusion has fully kicked in. During this period I am finding the desire to provide the routine, the food, the support and love, the security and the fun as my new priority, appropriately balancing it with my work priorities - something, on honest reflection, I don’t think was there before.
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Taking time to really look inwardly and honestly has been invaluable for me on a number of levels. Apart from ensuring my family-time remains a priority, my work landscape is being refined too. I now have a clearer vision of my purpose on this platform too and after this period of enforced lockdown, I will reappear invigorated and empowered by my new purpose!