Chrissie Lightfoot的动态

International Women’s Day ???? LinkedIn isn’t usually my forum for personal posts but I think this one hit all of us exceptionally hard. The Law Society reported last year that 69% of lawyers have experienced mental health issues. Today I’m thinking of Vanessa and her family, friends and colleagues. I’m also thinking of all of the powerhouse lawyers and other professionals I know, particularly the mothers, that sometimes face monumental pressure underneath the surface. I’m sure you would never guess it by looking at them. I didn’t know Vanessa but her story has resonated with me so much because I have heard and felt parts of it before from so many outstanding lawyers that I’ve worked with over the years. I don’t know any transactional lawyers that haven’t had their fair share of long hours, all nighters, cancelled holidays and working weekends. Lots of us thrive on it and are usually very quick to say that it comes with the territory (which it sometimes does) but we rarely talk about the consequences of operating at that level for any extended period of time. A reminder to reach out if you’re struggling. To your family, friends, colleagues or to organisations like LawCare. It is our responsibility to our colleagues and to the next generation of the profession to create an environment where we can be honest about the mental health challenges that come with high pressure careers and the immense personal impact that working under these conditions can have. https://lnkd.in/eiS--_Er

Proud to Share, Proud to Break Stigmas Seeing Jackie O open up so bravely about her own journey reminds me why I believe so deeply in sharing my own story. I’ve been open and honest about my challenges, from navigating business growth to overcoming personal battles, because I’ve seen firsthand the power of transparency. Sharing isn’t easy – it comes with vulnerability and sometimes judgment – but it’s worth it for the connections it creates and the strength it offers to others. In a world where women, men, mothers, fathers and entrepreneurs face unique pressures, it’s more important than ever to show that struggles don’t define us; they empower us. My hope is that by sharing openly, I can help others feel seen, understood, and encouraged to rise above their own challenges. Here’s to every brave soul who chooses to break down stigmas by showing up authentically. Your journey matters, and by sharing it, you create space for others to be seen and heard, too. https://lnkd.in/gu8GkmXA #ProudToShare #BreakTheStigma #AuthenticLeadership #Empowerment #CommunityStrength

What more can I say than what Claire Rason already said. This culture is not unique to the Legal industry. Sadly, the corporate world seems to reward this behaviour on the regular and condemn the opposite - siliently, methodically, with intent and complete disregard for mental health. I have witnessed huge progress on normalizing the conversation around mental health and breaking the stigmas around mental health, but it’s not enough. Actions speak louder than words. It is time to actively change behaviours, practices, and expectations that all lead to overworking individuals. We shouldn’t have to learn how to set boundaries; companies and cultures should never put people in that position, period. Sure, going the extra mile and working OT from time to time is par for the course. It should not be the norm or silent expectation to define valuable performers. My heart cries for Vanessa and her family and friends. Being overworked as a normal work culture is not ok. We need to talk about this more and start setting boundaries for those who can’t. ????

… After so many years of feeling neglected, Sebastian brought me back to life. He was attentive, caring, sweet, and patient. He made me feel so desired that he actually restored the confidence I thought I’d lost. For the first time in years, I felt truly seen and valued. Anna, your team is amazing, and I’m so grateful for this experience. If any woman is doubting whether to book with Her Confidant, just take the leap. It’s so worth it." Many of our clients are beautiful women who’ve gone through difficult experiences like a tough divorce. Some emerge like teenagers rediscovering their young hormones, while others, like Priya (not her real name), feel lost and disconnected after years of feeling neglected and emotionally drained. Sometimes, you need more than just a few hours to peel back the layers and reconnect with yourself. It can feel strange — and you can even feel guilty about it - to put yourself first for a change. So, if that’s the case, it’s important to take things slow, allowing yourself time to wrap your head around the idea that now it’s all about you. That’s where a weekend or even a full week with one of our companions can be transformative. It’s not just about pleasure; it’s about being reminded of your worth, feeling truly seen, and rediscovering the confidence you thought was gone. We think of these, as immersive experiences that act as a reset button, helping you remember the woman you are beneath the hurt. Sometimes, all it takes is the right person to show you that you still have it within you. And when you find that connection, it’s like magic. ?? Read more about us here: https://buff.ly/4cwWF4g #WomenEmpowerment #SelfLove #Connection #Intimacy #FemaleConfidence #PersonalGrowth #WellnessJourney #MindfulLiving #EmotionalWellness #ModernWomanhood

The conversation about ‘perfect parenting’ comes up regularly in my client conversations and is something I feel so passionately about myself As a therapist, coach and former social worker, it would be so easy to set a standard for myself that is simply unrealistic and unachievable As mothers we all want to do the very best for our children and it can be so easy to think that we need to be ‘perfect parents’… Setting perfect examples to our children in our relationships and our lifestyle But the truth is, this is simply impossible I have never and will never meet a perfect parent Nor a perfect wife Nor a perfect person Because I honestly believe there is no such thing As human beings we are flawed I am flawed and so are you In my position, working with and changing the lives of so many incredible women, does not for one minute that I get it right all the time Far from it in fact… However… The beauty of personal development and growth is to be able to observe our mistakes and correct them To see the ruptures and repair them To be accountable for the mistakes that we make and make the necessary changes and adjustments You don’t need to be a perfect mother, wife or human being You just need to be open to the fact that you, like us all, will make mistakes and address them as they show up That is what being a true role model is all about xx Change starts the moment you decide you want it to be better xx #ShouldIStayorShouldIGo #RelationshipCoach #MarriageCounselling #MarriageTherapy #RelationshipTherapy #RelationshipCounselling

One of the topics which comes up a lot in my therapy practice from the women I see is the issue of going back to work after mat leave and managing the guilt as a working mother. The first thing we always start to look at is the idea of values and what is important to us as individuals. You can hold the value that your job/career/work is important to you whilst also holding the value of what it means to you to be 'Good' parent. And that will differ for every mother. When we have to go back to work those two values collide. What we tend to do is think like this. If I go back to work then this means I am not a good mother. The reality is just because you are going back to work does NOT mean that the values you hold around being a good parent are immediately gone. They are STILL there. The question is how do we manage those feelings. Firstly we need to acknowledge them. It's ok to feel sad that you are no longer able to be at home with your baby if that's what you would prefer but it DOES NOT make you less of a loving, caring dedicated parent. Secondly can you reframe your thinking to focus on the positives of going back to work ? Another side of this coin is the guilt some mothers feel for being excited to go back to work but I can save that for another post for another day.

Embracing diverse identities is pivotal in understanding mental health. Learn how intersectionality impacts wellness and why it's crucial for inclusive care. https://lnkd.in/gdWqj-ED #MentalHealthMatters #Intersectionality #WellnessJourney #MIND247

A gentle reminder that time does not heal all wounds. We are the ones doing the actual work. We heal ourselves and each other - through, among other things, introspection, self-awareness, connection, community, communication, care, inclusion, and kindness. -- Thank you for the outpouring of support on my recent LinkedIn post sharing my personal journey. Many of you have also personally reached out to share your personal stories and/or ask how you can help me. Here are my initial thoughts: - Be kinder to yourself. The more that we see each other being kind to their own selves, the more normalized the process of setting boundaries will be, the more fulfilled & healthy we will all be, and the more we will be able to give back to ourselves, each other and the broader community. - Do not make assumptions about other people. Many individuals are dealing with invisible challenges. When in doubt, ask. But these challenges don't define them (unless they choose it themselves). - Be more conscious of biases and stereotypes, including neurodiversity & mental health. I love what I do, and am open to referrals for both employer & employee clients. Many others in my situation are too, so do not hold back on referring work as it will be hurtful as opposed to helpful. Many people do not speak out because they are worried they will be seen differently in a professional setting (differently in a bad way). I want to change this narrative and flip it on its head. - You are not alone. Whatever you are going through, I can assure you there's at least someone out there who will be able to relate without judgment. Your tribe is likely waiting for you to find them. #mentalhealth #neurodiversity #neurodivergent #law #emplaw #employmentlaw #hr #canadianlawyers #lawyers #diversity #inclusion #EDI #connection #community #kindness #ThursdayThoughts

Being a divorced female senior manager and a mum in the food industry is no walk in the park, especially when it comes to feeling secure in our jobs. The food industry can be tough on anyone, but when you add the pressure of raising children basically on your own and dealing with the still stereotypes of being a woman in a leadership role, it gets even more difficult. First off, there's the juggling act. We’ve got to balance the demands of a high-pressure job with the needs of your children. We’re expected to be super-efficient at work while also being a super mum at home. It’s exhausting, and it often feels like no matter how hard we work, there’s always a doubt in the back of our mind—will this be enough? And then there's the added stress of job security. The food industry is volatile, and senior roles are always under scrutiny. As a divorced mum, the fear of losing our job is even deeper because we are the sole provider. It's not just about us—it's about our childrens' future as well. And let’s not forget the gender bias that still lingers in many places: being a woman in a senior management position is challenging enough, but being a divorced woman? That can sometimes come with an unfair stigma. It’s frustrating when people make assumptions about our capabilities or question our commitment just because we’re balancing work with family life. Then there's the need to prove ourselves that we can make it. We have worked hard to get where we are, but it often feels like we have to constantly prove to everyone that we deserve to be there. It can be tiring, and sometimes it feels like we are under a microscope, with people waiting for us to make a mistake. Despite all this, as divorced senior manager mums in the food industry we keep pushing forward. We are resilient, determined, and we know what is at stake. It’s not easy, but we are doing it every day, fighting for our place in an industry that can be challenging but also rewarding. And we are showing our children what strength is, which is perhaps the most important job of all.

Every parent has experienced the weight of guilt, but returning to work after parental leave can amplify these feelings. Understanding the guilt -exploring its origins, triggers, and underlying beliefs - is the first step to reclaiming control. It involves the acceptance of a multitude of changes: embracing mixed emotions, allowing to receive support, revisiting your boundaries, and accepting that taking care of oneself is ESSENTIAL. Like this post if you agree and follow for more ???? Reach out if you're seeking to explore your feelings of guilt or cultivate a greater sense of acceptance. Image by Quotefancy. #becomingaparent #momguilt #transformativecoaching #workingparents