Sarah Workman is a mother, partner, therapist, student, writer, mediator, and life-long learner on a journey to find her own identity and embrace the joy of living perfectly in process.
This blog is an experiment. Finally, after months (well, years) of entertaining the shreds and tatters of inner-evolution that endlessly camp and carnivale in my brain, it was time to work through these matters with the assistance of a digital device and perhaps a silent (or even fictional) audience. So, thank you for joining me on this journey. In the words of my most gentle and wise father, “You’re doing the Lord’s work.”
So (ahem) here goes… blogging commenciiiing… now.
Sarah Workman Counseling, Mediation & Consulting
2014 – Current
Sarah Workman Counseling, Mediation & Consulting is my private therapy and conflict resolution practice. Launched in 2014, my practice was initially focused on communication and conflict resolution coaching through the lens of the Personality Type (Certifications in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and Parent & Family Coaching), and eventually acquired my Certification as a Florida Supreme Court Family Mediator, as well as a licensed attorney. I guess there could be more to say about that, but this blurb isn’t really what you came for, is it?
Postpartum Society of Florida
2012 - Current
With every baby I experienced Postpartum Depression, Anxiety & OCD symptoms, mostly brought on and exacerbated by sleep deprivation and isolation. Thus, in 2012 when my third child was one year old and we relocated to Florida, finding there was no dedicated Perinatal Mental Health and Social Support Organization in the area, I was very grateful to be able to start one - Postpartum Society of Florida (501c3). Getting to know, listen to, and support new mothers and their little ones in their adjustment to familyhood is certainly the most extraordinary non-familial endeavor of my life. When my health allowed it, we held weekly in person support groups, facilitated warmlines, provided scholarships for professional training, supplied local hospitals with innovative outreach materials, and created a nationally-recognized new mother mentorship program - SISTERMoms. The first of its kind, not the inspiration for others nationwide. But what we did doesn’t really matter - it’s who I met. Who I got to know. Who so generously revealed themselves to me in such a difficult time. Every mother I was blessed to know was and is the world to her child. And being a healthy mother for that child was what dominated her thoughts day and night after long, lonely night. I understood how difficult (impossible!) it was to be the mother you wanted to be and felt your child needed, when you felt so drained, depleted, and even damaged yourself. How hard it was to find a space in yourself to compartmentalize when you were so exhausted every moment and emotion just ran together like drippings of paint on a saturated page. Hmmm… looking up… getting into blog territory with this length. More on PPSF and bringing your best parenting to tough situations another time and on another page.
Etc.
1999 - 2013
Everything else! In 1999 I graduated from the University of Michigan (Go Blue!!) with a BFA in Musical Theatre, which is still one of my sweetest and dearest memories (thank you, Mom and Dad for believing in me and supporting me and my degree - love you both so much forever), in 2003 I married my children’s father, in 2005 I graduated from University of Miami School of Law, in 2005 my first child (WiseOne) was born. In 2008 my second child/first daughter (CleverQueen) was born following quite a bit of drama. In 2009 I had a complicated pregnancy loss that involved poor prenatal prognosis and the heartbreaking decision to terminate. I share that openly for anyone who’s ever been faced with such a painful decision, whatever your choice - I am so sorry for your pain. You are not alone. In 2011 I had one of the most extraordinarily wonderful and humbling surprise of my life - my third child and second son (my miracle baby I - BraveHeart), and in 2013 I had the other most extraordinarily wonderful surprise of my life - my fourth child and second daughter (my miracle baby II) - (SugarPlum). Being their mother was and is the greatest gift of my life. I am honored and humbled every day by being able to love and know these four extraordinary people. Now, two years after their father and I established separate homes for them, my partner (FreedomFighter) and I are raising her daughter (TigerLily - 2) and I am in the lives of her 3 children (CanopyKid, TrueBlue, and TinyTurtle), from a previous marriage. Altogether… I am honored to be getting to know and discover eight incredible people, the first four of which are part of my soul for all time, engulfing me with wonder and reverence at the miracle of them; the second four as an incredible daily blooming, layer upon layer of newness and delight.
The focus of Perfectly in Process is to create community for those who are discovering their identities, taking initiative, discovering intimacy, learning to trust - whether others or themselves - and more.
Whatever you are seeking, we will encourage and support you and your precious, specific journey of life and self-discovery.
Certain posts may be more applicable to certain populations such as…
Our EMMAS (Empath Moms Mothering in Adversity & Extreme Stress)
Our APEX Parents (Advanced Practices for EXtraordinary Parents) - skills, tools, and strategies to keep their parenting connection and support of their child strong while their health and wellbeing is compromised, often with little to no support.
Our BELOVED (Big and small Empaths loving and Living Out loud Vibrantly Each Day)
Whether you associate with the above or not, if you are searching for hope, connection, or inspiration, you belong here. We are all searching and discovering self-respect, love, and the willingness and the joy of changing.