The past two weekends I've been learning the Inclusive Mediation Framework used by the Conflict Resolution Center of Baltimore County. Two weeks before that, I spent 5 days (and nights) in Abilene, Texas completing my Residency requirement for my Masters in Conflict Resolution...which taught me a Facilitative model Framework for Mediation.
So, just so you really get my brain melt down...within less than 30 days, I've spent 11 SOLID days of my life training to be a mediator.
Making the decision last fall to return to school at Abilene Christian University (in Abilene, TX--which I am working through their online program) was quite a commitment in itself. I did this thinking I'd like to work in the field of mediation as a mediator...now that my head is full of mediation strategies and systems, I have great doubt as to whether or not I'm cut out for this!
This morning, I'm thinking through all the different things I've learned since January. Negotiation strategies, organizational behavior nuiances, systems designs for conflict management, facilitative mediation model, inclusive mediation model...and on and on and on...
What does it really all mean? Which direction should I go? How should I package myself? Who am I becoming professionally? Great questions...yet I'm dizzy from trying to find the answers.
As a wise, wise woman named Scarlett O'Hara said, "oh well, I'll just think on that tomorrow...for tomorrow is another day!"
