Usually,  the first man a daughter feels safe with is her father. My dad always gave me a sense of security and self-worth. At the time I didn’t appreciate how important this was, and what this meant to me. Nor did I understand then that he was the only one who would break my fall. He had my back and he was always there for me.

The safe space is where I could be myself without feeling any judgement. My dad often understood my inner thoughts without words.

I’ve learnt to use this gift from my dad which I often took for grant into my coaching work.

I’ve learnt the art of active listening without judgement,  and I provide my clients a safe reflective space where they can be themselves.

Feeling safe is critical for our emotional and mental well-being. Equally,  is the sense that we are being held and supported in an empowering way.

Nobody can fill my father’s presence in my world but I know I’m extremely blessed to have had a protective, towering and caring dad who was my sanctuary and home.

Thank you for reading my reflections. If this resonates please feel free to share.

DMP

In Gujarati my dad would often tell me wagh nu kalju rakhje literally translated as have a tiger’s heart.

This has four meanings. One, in difficult times hold your nerve and believe in yourself no matter what.

Second, don’t let anyone tell you how to live your life.

Third, don’t give anyone the licence to tell you what to do unless you want them to.

Fourth, don’t be afraid of anything or anyone.

My Dad called me maro wagh in an affectionate way. That means ‘my tiger’. Parents often have fond pet names for their children and he always told me I was strong as a tiger and I could fight my own battles.

His advice to have a tiger’s heart has come to my aid whenever I’ve faced tough situations or challenging encounters. A parent always believes in their child and wants them to be strong but much of what we embrace in later life is based on the language and words we heard as we were growing up. His words were empowering, strategic and impactful.

I know it took some time for him to accept my decision not to marry but once he accepted it, he always told me I was capable of handling anything. He readily conceded I didn’t need a man to take care of me, now for a man of his generation that was #revolutionary thinking.

So the lesson learned from my dad is to have a heart as strong as a tiger. This has been my friendly reminder to believe in me.

In our personal and professional journey situations may warrant us to have the gumption to stand our ground and ride the wave or face the situation head on. We can’t do this if we are unsure of ourselves.

I’m grateful to my dad for this one line that I’ve kept in my armour.

Thank you for reading this post.

If this resonates please like, and repost with your thoughts. Together we can help others raise their self belief.

© DMP