We recently celebrated International Women’s Day. In this post I write about some of the influential women in my life, how they made me feel and the impact they’ve had.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Maya Angelou

This week I received a message from a friend. Part of it was her encouragement – don’t underestimate your impact on others. Jackie shared that our interactions often stay with others long after we are gone from their lives. We leave a fragrance of friendship behind.

I started thinking about some of the people who have left a fragrance in my life.

I thought about Kristen. In all the experiences we had together, there is one moment that is indelibly marked in me. Its fragrance is so strong that to this day it changes me. I saw Kristen lead with such courage, that it forever makes me want to show up more bravely. I saw her engage with such grace and kindness, that it reminds me still to lead with compassion. Kristen had hope where I had doubt. I want to be the kind of person who always sees the hope.

The fragrance left behind…

I think about my mom. She always made me feel as if whatever I said, wrote or did had great importance. She made me feel seen and heard. She made me want to help others feel valued.

The fragrance left behind …

I think about my grandmother who taught me how to find the vegetables that were ready in the garden, make fresh butter from milk and take a closer look at the creatures and plants around me. She left a trail of curiosity and engagement. She made me feel like learning was interesting and fun. I forgot about that for a long while, but I have reclaimed it in these last years.

The fragrance left behind …

I think about my other grandmother who quit smoking in her seventies after smoking a lot for a long time. One day she just decided to stop and never smoked again. She left the imprint of determination, grit and courage. I am so glad I have that kind of backbone in my DNA. She made me feel like I can do hard things.

The fragrance left behind …

People will forget what you say and do, but they will never forget how you made them feel.

What is the fragrance you leave behind?

This week’s photos

In honour of fragrance, this week I’m posting flower photos. It’s still too early in the season for flowers here in South Western Ontario. These are pictures from last year. In a few weeks, I hope to see these flowers again as I walk in the woods.

Coaching

I coach people who are too hard on themselves and don’t want to be.

I’ll be starting a new mental fitness course mid April. Mental fitness is all about training your brain where to focus. Here’s what some of my clients said after completing the 6 week mental fitness course.

• This Mental Fitness Course has given me the tools to take negative thoughts captive & redirect into positive thinking, to redirect stress & anxiety into a sense of peace & calm and to improve my personal relationships & overall well-being.  
• A very positive and worthwhile experience!
• This has made a huge difference in how I was able to navigate some tough stuff.
• I feel happier.

If you’re interested in more details, please connect with me. I offer this course as a 6-week stand alone or in conjunction with coaching. The 6 week course is affordable and I give a money back guarantee if you do the work and are not satisfied with the results. That’s how much I believe this can benefit you! Learning and practicing these techniques has made an enormous impact in my life.

Sue Das, CPCC, ACC, B Soc Sc (SW)