I’ve showcased the guys, now lets bring in the girls.

It’s fair to say that my best friend and I whilst at secondary school, realised pretty fast, that hanging out with the lads was ‘easier’ than being around the girls. Maybe that’s why I’ve always preferred male company? Writing my last blog “Heroes – Males” was easy, whereas this one on the females was not – until I started to think about the differences between the two.

There is a difference but I’m not sure I can name it. But I do know that my female heroes all offer a depth of strength that I find admirable and enviable. As a human being, I strive to be the best one that I can. And that means constant attention to personal development: therapy, professional supervision, learning, reading, exercising, attention to friendships, family, nutrition etc etc. These all hold a permanent place within my life. Ultimately, the goal for me, is alongside living a fulfilling life, I   build enough resources that will enable me to cope with everything that comes my way. I’m work in progress, smoothing out my perfect imperfections 😬 and at the core, there has to be strength. 

My female heroes all offer strength, shown in many different ways. As always, there are my family, friends and clients who regularly demonstrate a strength, that on occasion takes my breath away and humbles me. So very many heroes show up in my life and especially in my clinic room. I admire you all. 

My Mum, soon to be 78, remains my day to day hero. It was Mum that brought us up in a household full of love, health, alternative medicine and all round spiritual ‘stuff’. Such an everyday part of our lives, I’m sure this has heavily influenced my growth and my career choice. Mum’s had her challenges over many years, but remains hopeful for health and wellness. She continues to be my biggest confidante, full of sensible advice and support. Above all, Mum’s love is her strength. 

Then there is the consistency of my 2 female therapists that sit quietly in the background of my life. Recently, there has been a 3rd; a health coach, who has helped me to get healthier along with a weight loss of almost 9.5 kgs through Metabolic Balance Programme. The longstanding 2 female therapists have offered me strength when I have been ‘broken’ and strength when not. Their strength shows in their personality, their knowledge, their professionalism and their care. I hope that when they read this they wear their badges with pride – they are my longterm heroes.

At 84/85, there is the mother of a past boyfriend whom I’m honoured to know. She made a huge impact on my life from the moment we met. Losing her husband suddenly when both in their 50’s she had to ‘dig deep’ and remain head of the family. She is the doting mother, grandmother and great grandmother to many. On the waiting list for 2 years for a replacement hip, I watched this woman battle physical and emotional pain and adversity that at times, was difficult to witness. Eventually, finally, she got the new hip. I admire her tenacity, her constant positive outlook, her determination and refusal in many challenges of her life, to ever give up. That’s strength. That’s a female hero.

For this blog, last but by NO means least is Mel Robbins. The American personal growth expert, best selling author and podcast host – my clients joke I’m Mel’s BIGGEST fan! After much personal and financial difficulty, on turning her life around and finding success, Mel wrote “The Let Them Theory’. It’s said that over 10 million copies have been sold worldwide and that its been translated into 65 languages. At one point, it was THE bestselling book in the world. So its fair to say, she’s probably a hero to many.

I had known about Mel Robbins for a few years and turned to her book when I was at a point in my life where I definitely needed to ‘Let Them’. I think now, looking back, that it actually felt like learning the theory ‘saved’ me.  Dramatic? Maybe? But that’s the impact it had. And, like thousands of others, it made such an impression, I got a tattoo!! 

I work hard to put the ‘Let Them’ theory into all aspects of my life; its work in progress. I have recommended this book to many clients and have bought it for friends and family. Its an absolute MUST read. Please do read it.  Mel Robbins as a woman, along with her theory, have added immeasurable amounts of strength to me. I continue to be a big fan and remain hopeful, that even though her tour tickets were harder to source than those for Oasis, I will get to experience her radiance in the flesh. Mel, I could not have written this blog without your name included in it, you are an absolute hero.

Mel Robbins

And so writing this blog got me thinking; who is THE single most important hero in my life? Your life? It HAS to be us!! We have to champion ourselves and be our own heroes.

Almost all of my client conversations at some point, get to self worth and self esteem. Many health issues – emotional and physical, have their roots in low self worth. It shows itself in the terrible way that we can talk to ourselves, think about ourselves, feel about ourselves, our behaviours and habits. At times on presentation in the clinic, it’s just shocking to witness. 

There are the negative labels we have been given by others or by ourselves, limiting beliefs, lies and stories that we believe about ourselves, but are simply not true. This topic, is a whole blog all by itself.

So, until my next blog, ‘‘Heroes -You and Me’ (title still yet to be decided), please practice being your own hero; admire yourself and all that you have on offer. Champion your accomplishments and achievements, big and small. Wear the compliments that are given with pride. Ask friends and family what it is about you that they find ‘heroic’, you’ll be amazed at their feedback. A true hero lies within us all – you just have to dare to acknowledge it.