I just had a great conversation with a friend and colleague. We were talking about our careers as parent coaches and how much we love our jobs and are committed to helping parents become the parents they wish to be. I was telling her about my childhood friend who died this week of breast cancer at the age of 38, leaving behind two small children and a husband. As I began to process this devastating news, I told my friend I had thought about my own parenting and my children and wondered what if I had the same fate as she did – what if I died tragically young and left my children without a mother?
The realization I came to is that with the inspiration of several parents and authors I admire, as well as the parent coaching I have personally done and the lessons I have allowed my children to teach me, I told her I can honestly say that I am about 98% of the parent I hope to be. I did not say 100%, because I believe there is always room for improvement, but overall I am deeply satisfied with the relationships I have built with my children. If I died tomorrow, I know in my heart that my kids would know their mom loved them unconditionally and that they were the most precious parts of my life. Our relationships were (are) real and genuine. They saw me as a human being who makes mistakes and is not afraid to own them. I know that I have imparted the values that I hold dear and that they know what character traits are important to embody.
But it certainly was not easy, especially at first. I struggled mightily when my children were very young. I was sleep-deprived, overwhelmed and stressed more often than not. Many days were just not that much fun. It seemed to me that almost every other mother I met was “happier” than I was. I just did not understand what I was doing wrong. It was one of the most challenging periods of my life, and that is surely saying something considering I survived having my first-born child die in my arms as an infant, and I still found parenting little people more difficult than that.
My friend helped me to articulate what has been in my heart for quite a while now. I personally know how deeply fulfilling having a strong, healthy relationship with my children is. And I want to help other parents know that as well. THAT is my purpose is in life. I have always known this: I am here to help parents have deeper, healthier relationships with their kids. And conscious parenting is the answer. And my work as a PCI Certified Parent Coach is the vehicle through which I am called to help parents become more conscious in their relationships with their children. Imagine a world where all parents had that kind of relationship with each of their kids. The possibilities would be endless.
That’s it. It all came into focus for me this morning. If you find yourself wanting a deeper, more authentic and more flowing, effortless relationship with your child, message me. I know I can help you as I have been helped.
