Surviving and Thriving as a Working Mother

Working mothers gathered in the community room of the Porter Regional Hospital on Wednesday night to hear life coach Dana Samardzich, ACC, CPC, present, “Surviving and Thriving as a Working Mother.” The speech was hardly a lecture, however, as audience members were called upon to discuss topics and perform written exercises throughout the presentation.

Samardzich started by asking the audience, “What are ‘core values?’”

One member, who said she heard about the event through Porter’s “Healthy Woman” newsletter, said core values are, “Deeply held beliefs.”

Keeping this definition in mind, Samardzich elaborated that core values are important because they act as our internal compass. The audience nodded in agreement when asked if daily life was full of decision making. Samardzich emphasized that core values are important because they give us direction when making decisions and help us to be more confident in our decisions.

Written exercises included narrowing down an extensive list of values to just five that audience would consider their core values, and one member commented that the process of picking five, “was challenging.”

Samardzich emphasized that the exercise will help those seeking clarity in their values.

Samardzich empowered the audience when she covered the topic of critical awareness. When she asked the audience of the pressures that society puts on working mothers, many answers were given.

Samardzich challenged the audience to be who they are comfortable being, rather than unhealthily changing to be what others want them to be and said, “We are constantly inundated with expectations of an unachievable ideal.”

Samardzich informed audience of the importance of being true to yourself not only to remove some of the unnecessary stressors in their lives but also to be a positive role model for their children. She informed the audience of the benefits of and how to practice self-compassion, which she believes is important for working mothers not only to tackle the stressful situations in their lives but also to have the most energy to give to others in their lives.

Other prominent topics covered in Samardzich’s presentation included body image, and the influence of the media. She emphasized that everybody goes through the stresses and pressures of life, even though it may feel like others may have perfect lives. Despite these struggles, life is full joy, too, she said.

Samardzich said of her occupation as a life coach, “I encourage self-discovery using a ‘whole and healthy person’ by helping to enhance the skills, creativity, and resources that a client already has.”

After the lecture, attendees were offered a free, optional 45 minute life-coaching session with Samardzich for attending the event.

Written by Erica Wirsing.