Why You Should Write Like a Mom, Lawyer, and Rock Climber

Balancing Life, Law, and Passion

Amy Barlowe
Modern Women
4 min readJun 17, 2024

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Photo by Luca Bravo on Unsplash

I’m a mom, a lawyer, and a rock climber. It’s a unique combination, wouldn’t you say? Balancing work, family, and my passion for climbing can be quite an adventure. My days are filled with deadlines, soccer practices, and the endless pursuit of clean laundry.

To keep things from spiraling out of control, I’ve learned the importance of organization, efficiency, and a little bit of sanity. That’s where writing comes into play. For me, writing isn’t just about expressing myself, it’s about managing thoughts, time, and life itself. It’s about finding clarity in the midst of chaos.

The Power of Lists

Life can be a whirlwind, a constant juggling act of responsibilities. Work deadlines loom, soccer carpools whisk me away, gymnastics competitions demand my attention, and the ever-growing laundry mountain seems insurmountable. But I’ve discovered a secret weapon to maintain control amidst the chaos: writing things down.

Whether it’s a daily to-do list, a weekly grocery list, or a detailed plan for my next adventurous climb, putting pen to paper helps me stay organized and focused. It’s a true life-saver! My legal career has also honed these skills. Breaking down complex legal briefs and formulating persuasive arguments requires a structured approach and concise communication. These abilities translate seamlessly into my daily life, empowering me to tackle any task, big or small, with a clear mind and a well-defined plan. It’s an incredibly liberating feeling!

Photo by Hannah Olinger on Unsplash

Mom’s Voice

Motherhood has profoundly impacted my writing. Raising three children, each with their unique personality and interests, has taught me the importance of empathy, engagement, and flexibility. My eldest, Cassie, is a fourteen-year-old who loves to debate and challenge ideas, a true budding lawyer in the making! She’s always inquisitive about my legal cases, eager to understand the technical jargon. I explain things in a way that resonates with her, employing analogies and real-life examples to make it all clear. Darla, my ten-year-old, is a kind and compassionate soul, already dreaming of becoming a nurse. With her, I use simple language and relatable stories to convey complex concepts. And then there’s George, my energetic seven-year-old, who thrives on short, sweet explanations, lots of visuals, and perhaps even a football metaphor or two.

In essence, being a mother has instilled in me the ability to communicate effectively with people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests. This journey has made me a better writer, a more attentive listener, and ultimately, a better person.

Rock Solid Focus

Rock climbing is my escape, my challenge, a place where my creativity thrives. It demands focus, discipline, and pushing myself beyond my limits. It’s not just physical strength, but also mental strength, strategy, and problem-solving. Staying present, being precise, trusting yourself — these are essential. These skills are the foundation of good writing.

Every climb is like planning a new story, a narrative, a journey. I visualize the steps, the challenges, the rewards — all of it translates directly to my writing. I strive for clarity, precision, compelling stories that resonate with readers. Climbing a treacherous overhang at Enchanted Rock was terrifying, but I pushed myself, faced my fear, and made it to the top. That experience taught me to adapt, embrace challenges, and take risks, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s made me a bolder writer, more willing to experiment, challenge myself, and create something truly unique.

Photo by x ) on Unsplash

The Write Stuff

My life is a fascinating blend of motherhood, law, and rock climbing. It’s as if each role has given me a distinct thread to work with, threads I’m now weaving into a vibrant tapestry. Being a mom has instilled in me a deep empathy and a creative spirit. The law has honed my mind, making me a master of crafting persuasive arguments. Climbing, on the other hand, has taught me the value of focus, discipline, and pushing my limits.

All these experiences find their way into my writing, making it more engaging, insightful, and even inspiring. Writing isn’t just about sharing knowledge; it’s about expressing myself, documenting this wild journey we call life, and connecting with others on their own journeys. It’s a way to share my experiences, my struggles, my triumphs, and perhaps even inspire someone along the way. After all, isn’t that what we do? We share, we connect, and we learn from each other. Writing is my way of contributing to the beautiful, messy, and incredible tapestry of life.

A Tapestry of Life

You don’t need a fancy title or a remarkable life to be a great writer. The secret is to embrace your own unique experiences and let them shine through your words.

Every part of your life, from your favorite hobbies to your everyday experiences, has something special to offer. Your passion for baking, your love for your dog, even your work as a teacher — they all add color and texture to your writing. So, go ahead and write! Share your stories, your thoughts, and your perspective with the world. Let’s create a beautiful tapestry of life, one story at a time.

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Amy Barlowe
Modern Women

Joyful mom of three, loving wife, productivity guru, and mindset writer. Embracing life's adventures!