There was lots of that sort of thing as I was growing up. My Grandparents came from that time of remembering the war, rationing, community spirit and not washing your dirty linen in public. My Grandma always wore powder and lipstick if she was leaving the house, no matter where she was going because there were standards to be kept.

They weren’t rich; they managed well enough their whole lives through hard work and often grim determination. Grandad grew fruit and veg in his garden wherever they lived. His father did that before him, this is where he learned how to nurture the ground to give you food. He used his friends and acquaintances to help with things and I’m pretty sure that there was some barter system in place as nothing as crass as money ever seemed to change hands. And he could fix anything!

Grandma could turn her hand to anything. She cooked, baked, used a pressure cooker (which used to scare me half to death!), sew, knit, crochet and mend. She was a no-nonsense, very capable type of woman. I knew exactly where I stood and what was expected. I learnt a lot about self-sufficiency, resilience and self-esteem.

Learning how to boost our own sense of competency, effectiveness and resilience can be an excellent way to add to personal growth generally or targeted on some specific topic.

For instance, journal writing can be so cathartic for letting go of past hurts without the need to go over and over it or involving anyone else.And discovering and acknowledging your own needs and requirements can be a game-changer. Then you have a firm basis to plan on how to fulfil those needs for you to feel more rounded and balanced.

And discovering and acknowledging your own needs and requirements can be a game-changer. Then you have a firm basis to plan on how to fulfil those needs for you to feel more rounded and balanced.

I know from the conversations I have with my clients, that not everyone has had such a positive experience in childhood. Everyone’s idea of what was good and helpful will be different, just as everyone’s thoughts on what was not helpful could be worlds apart. However, the fact of the matter is that we have all been on the receiving end of poor parenting at some time. Most of these times will leave only the faintest of traces, but some will stick and cause us problems in life. They can keep us stuck with doubts, fears and anxiety. And we don’t really know why as the original event will covered in dust in the very back of our minds.

For more information about how I can help, please visit my page about Introductory Sessions and Workshops, or email me at enquiries@susangraingertherapy.co.uk