Hello my lovely Substackers,
Just a little note before this piece to let you know that I have a special offer as a thank you for supporting me this year. A few months ago I made the decision to not put myself through the publishing process again. Instead, I am doing it myself and publishing my own words here for all of you, mostly behind Substackās paywall. I made this decision as publishers are mainly only interested in those with huge followings, so you could be an influencer without proper clinical experience and get a publishing deal over an expert. But I donāt want to spend my days accruing followers when I would rather love and nurture the amazing ones I have. I am so grateful for the support Iāve received from all of you whilst navigating all the changes in my body and circumstances, you have no idea how much it means to me.
I would like to gift you all 20% off all future billings when you upgrade your subscription before the end of the year. This works out at just Ā£1.80 a week, barely two coffees a month, and will grant you access to all my Substack archives, extra writings and musings.
I hope that by sharing my story I am changing hearts and minds. In this time of deep change - collectively and personally - our relationships with one another are what counts. Whatever you do in the world keep creating and being brave. Love, Emma xxx
š§æPATIENCEš§æ
āThe impatient person is one who does not trust in the flow of lifeā
- Richard Rudd
I used to be a very impatient person - not in clinic, never in clinic. Actually thatās not entirely true; I canāt abide lateness, even in a client (actually especially in a client). The internal dialogue is always āwhy would you be late when youāve paid all this money?ā, ādoes this person value their time more than mine?ā etc etc.
I know itās my military upbringing and boarding school experience. Unfortunately punctuality is imprinted on my brain, and every neural pathway I have is hardwired to being on time. Whilst we are here, Iām also into clean shoes, a firm handshake and generally doing what we say we are going to do in life. All out dated values I know.
I feel as if patience would naturally belong with those values, I suspect it was a command too far - you know my own private rebellion against a childhood full of rules and standards. Iām not sure, but I donāt think anyone that knows me would describe me as a patient person (historically).Ā
So Iām a self-confessed impatient person, except when it comes to listening: Iām an excellent listener, not a listener just waiting to give an opinion. I listen with my heart and there is no room for impatience there.Ā
Impatience can have its advantages; I talk straight. Iām not one to talk in riddles, you know ābeating about the bushā, avoiding talking about whatās important or difficult. The first full sentence my second daughter Violet spoke, with matching hand gestures, was 'āCome on, man! Move it!ā, presumably because sheād heard me say it so much driving. I was a very impatient driver!
My best friend Victoria still hasnāt forgiven me for my absolute refusal to back out of The Lister Hospital carpark because it would have meant being late! I was both impatient and stubborn - I admit. But my need to be on time for a meeting was so hard wired in my brain I couldnāt back down. Actually back out onto Chelsea Bridge Road would be a more accurate description.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Fertile Abundance to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.