Edie is 12 today.
A cause for celebration! Not just because it is her birthday, but because of what she did for me in the days that followed.
I’ve written about it before, so here’s the brief summary.
I was holding her in my arms at home in Clapham, London a few days after she was born. I said aloud “I will help you be who you want to be, and do what you want to do”.
As I said it I felt hollow, hypocritical. I couldn’t say that to her and not be who I chose to be, and do what I wanted to do.
I engaged with a coach, left employment, re-qualified as a coach and set up my business all within a year of that moment.
So what actually happened when she was born?
She helped me be who I wanted to be, and do what I wanted to do.
This week, Edie and I travelled to Wexford to work with Gillian Duffin. We’ve both worked with her before.
She cured Edie of a supposedly ‘incurable condition’ that could only be managed (according to the physician/consultant in the summer of 2022).
Gillian is qualified in multiple fields, including Rolfing Structural Integration, Osteopathic, various modalities relating to the nervous system, Craniosacral therapy and Trauma Release therapy.
We both had a session with Gillian on Tuesday, and both felt much better for it. Physically, mentally, emotionally, energetically.
Before we left, Gillian observed and commented on the wonderful dynamic in our relationship. She mentioned how important it is for a girl to have this type of relationship with an older male, usually a father.
I replied “It’s not always like this, our relationship! We can drive each other nuts. Maybe you see us at our best here, because we’re both happy coming here and open to your support. But we do have a strong relationship, don’t we Edie?”
“Yep, we do.”
It wasn’t the choice of words but the way she delivered them that made my day.
On the drive back to Dublin, we laughed, sang (she laughed at me) and chatted. No devices – just connection.
As she enters her 13th year, with senior school starting in September and all the talk about delaying smart phones, social media etc – I just want to take a moment to be VERY grateful for the relationship I have with this special soul.
Since the moment she was born, she has been my greatest teacher. I think she always will be.
Just a suggestion – take a moment to reflect on someone you value as a teacher. Maybe let them know how much you value them too. If you’re happy to share, let me know who it is and how he/she has helped you. I’d love to know.