You've Got You

Artist: Britnie Watson

A woman in the audience of an event that Glennon Doyle’s podcast, We Can Do Hard Things was hosting requested some parenting advice.

Perhaps might there be something Glennon would do differently now given her lived experience?

Abby, Glennon’s wife offered a warning reminding her that their children were in the audience. Laughter ensued as Glennon reassured her that they already knew what she was going to share.

Glennon went onto explain that she frequently told her children, I’ve Got You. Her intention was for them to feel her steadfast, loving support. Reminding her children that she would always be a constant presence, never wavering. Changing that today she would say, You’ve Got You.

How does that shift in her wording land within us? For me, I sense it instills a deep knowing and confidence that I am able to cultivate, grow and trust, what I am receiving from within myself. Absolutely there will be moments when it’s extremely advantageous to bounce ideas off of one another, hear oneself think aloud, and seek counsel. However, this need not be our first go to.

Artist: Britnie Watson

*What if we are the ones we’ve been searching for all along?

I honor this abiding belief in oneself. Not a person on the planet has spent more time with us, than we have. Hence, why were so many taught to first gaze outward? Rather, than taking a necessary and needed pause,  dropping within for our most trusted and wisest counsel? I have no doubt there are many current theories percolating. One being a predominantly patriarchal culture. Slowly being dismantled as our divine feminine rises and ripples forth.

My very wise mom, being my first teacher began cultivating this practice with me when I was a child. I recall becoming quite frustrated and agitated with her at times when I demanded answers. She did not budge, and kept bringing my endless questions right back to me. Often we giggled that our jaws ached and ears hurt from our endless bantering.

Boomeranging my inquiries right back my way, curious as to what my thoughts, feelings and plan moving forward might be? I was learning how to make decisions, based on relying upon what I was receiving from within as guidance.

LoRaine, my mom, being before her time in many ways with her parenting skills of that I am certain. I was the fortunate recipient reaping endless benefits. I imagined all mothers were this way, until I was reminded not too long ago that they are not. Each bestowing their own unique gifts. Mine just happened to have enough to go around the world and back again. Perhaps this is why I cannot recall empty chairs around our kitchen table. Family, friends, especially during those tender teen years found themselves table camping for hours at our house. This brings a smile as I drop down within the fostering of belonging which was never lacking. May we be this for ourselves and one another.

“Freedom is not about non-attachment to a person or thing. Freedom is about being so truly, madly and deeply attached to your own soul that you can’t bear a life that doesn’t honor it.”

~Andrea Balt

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