Why April is my favourite month of the year

I was born on the 10th of April, yet for the first 10 years of my life I was told mistakenly that my birthday was on the 27th of March. I remember not feeling emotionally aligned with that date and only later, when my mother told me the correct date I was induced into the world, that I understood why. Yes the 10th of April felt good, it felt right. 

 I turn 60 this April. The most striking thing for me at this moment is the fact that I am so much happier at 60 than I was when 16, and that at 60, I still feel the curiosity, the excitement, the spontaneity and playfulness of a 6 year old. I am reminded by a piece of writing I came across ages ago that describes how a woman sees herself through the different ages. At 60, it says that,  “She looks at herself and thinks of all those who can't even see themselves in the mirror anymore and goes out and conquers the world.” (Find the link to the full piece below).

 April also marks the anniversary of my business. It was pure coincidence, or perhaps a magical thing from the universe, that I ended up later on in life launching my practice Recipes4Change in this very month. I remember how at a networking event I handed out small bags of chocolate eggs with my business card since the launch coincided with Easter.

 As some of you might know, I was not always in the role of coach and counsellor. I previously worked as a pharmacist for many years. How come, I get asked, I made this transition from a lucrative job to a role that many view as financially uncertain and less stable? 

 The answer involves a story, a personal story. 

“What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candour, more unashamed conversation.”

- Glenn Close

 If you follow me on social media or read my blogs you will know that I do not hide the fact that I struggled emotionally and mentally in the earlier years of my life. A combination of an unsettled and traumatic early 5 years of my life, coupled with facing racism and discrimination later on, resulted in me making distorted decisions about who I am and what I can and cannot be and do in my life. It was through coaching and counselling that I grew myself up again, let go of those decisions, and reclaimed my self-worth bit by bit. It was during those sessions that my curiosity about the things that impact how we think, feel and behave was further ignited. Those sessions were later complimented with studies and qualifications in the field of human personality, behaviour and communication.

 Those around me who observed my transformation asked for my support in various emotional issues that they were facing. Through supporting others I discovered my true purpose and my passion. This kind of work felt meaningful and rewarding. That is why I left pharmacy and set up Recipes4Change in April 2012. 

 Through sharing some aspects of my personal life and the empowering concepts that I have learnt and continue to practice, I want to promote an important message, which is that there is no shame in seeking support when life becomes too heavy and you are struggling emotionally and mentally. The stigma that many hold that people with emotional issues are crazy is obsolete. We now know better than that. Taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is not crazy. It is a sign that in fact, you are sane. You not only owe it to yourself to care for your mental and emotional well- being, but also to those around you. When you are not happy and emotionally healthy then you tend to take it out on those closest to you and this way pass on unhealthy patterns of being and doing from generation to generation. Through your unhealed emotional wounds you inflict wounds on others around you. All your relationships will be negatively impacted because essentially you neglect to pay attention to the most important relationship of all, your relationship with yourself. 

“Nothing is as powerful as an idea whose time has come.”

- Victor Hugo

 If this idea of prioritising our emotional and mental well-being grows, then perhaps we will have less suicide attempts, less depression and anxiety, and less abuse and violence. 

 Yes, April is my favourite month of the year because it reminds me of something much bigger than me. Plus nature blooms and flourishes in April, just like I did through receiving therapy, and like my idea to set up my practice bloomed in my soul so many years ago. 

 Thank you for being part of my network and professional journey, for your trust and support, and for sharing your expertise, thoughts and ideas. 

 This April marks 10 years of my practice and I am giving 10% discount on sessions throughout the whole month of April to the first 10 people that request it via commenting below or by direct messaging me. 

 Join me in spirit in celebrating the month of April, in which my business and I were born.

 Cheers everyone!

https://www.scrapbook.com/quotes/doc/21939.HTML’s