YouTube - that is how this started.

I had put my baby to bed (only had one at that point) and found myself watching one of Dr Mate’s talks. This one was about children and the importance of our relationship with them at the early stages of their lives. He mentioned one of the books he’s co-written with Dr Gordon Neufeld. On this evening, it was, “Hold on to your Kids”.

I was so captivated by the insights in that book that it sparked a journey of introspection. I began to question my parenting and relational style with my child. How was I expressing my love in ways that reflected more about me than them? What steps could I take to enhance my parenting while fostering a healthy attachment with my child? And, how could I support their authenticity as they grew? These pivotal questions never crossed my mind until I gazed into those innocent eyes staring back at me. Thus, my quest began.

I made a commitment. For the benefit of my current child and any future children, I needed to develop a deep sense of awareness. It became crucial to understand how and why I was interacting with my children in certain ways. I needed to identify which aspects were emotionally triggering, understand the reasons behind them, and learn how to manage these moments. After all, how can a parent guide and expect their children to manage their emotions if they themselves struggle to identify and control their own?

The journey had already begun. I enrolled in a 12-week Kintsugi course that delved into topics such as how we handle and perceive shame, guilt, disappointment, grief, and relationships. These subjects prompted even more questions. For instance, I sought a deeper understanding of the roots of these feelings and how to live fully despite their presence. This led me to start therapy, where I discovered even more about myself (though I can't share many details here) and the importance of nurturing healthy relationships.

I then took a Creative Development course, which covered a wealth of material that had never been addressed in my university years but greatly enhanced my self-awareness. It was groundbreaking! Here, I discovered the empowerment that comes from facing oneself—with compassion and grace. I realised how much of our lives depend on us, our responsibilities to ourselves, and to others. I learned that so much in the world hinges on the relationships we build with everyone—from our neighbours to the supermarket checkout attendant, our children, doctors, parents, colleagues, interviewers, salespeople, and even representatives of HMRC (Britons will understand this).

Recognising our interconnected existence brought a significant shift in my perspective. After completing the course and earning my Certification in Life Coaching, I felt an urgent desire to share what I had learned. It felt like being at the bottom of a hill, eager to climb to the top to share my discoveries but struggling to find the "biting point"—an analogy familiar to those who drive manual transmission vehicles. Ultimately, the call to share was too loud, and here I am, reaching out to you with a very brief part of my journey.

What has driven me and continues to drive me? What is my WHY? It is my children and myself, enveloped in LOVE, and the desire to create a world with better relationships.

I truly believe by showing up daily with a willingness to lean in, overcome obstacles, and nurture your values while respecting others enhances your life. What isn’t influenced by love? Our choices, careers, families, children, pets - love touches them all.

If I don’t choose to present myself as the best version of myself, how can I teach my children to do the same? How can I expect it from those around me? It all begins with YOU and ME.

I am passionate about helping you show up as the best version of yourself and, crucially, helping our children and others we connect with do the same. If we all commit to showing up in this way, our children will follow, and so will theirs. We can make this positive change for ourselves and others by allowing LOVE to lead.