As part of a series to try and focus on the moments in my past which helped get me through. Here is the first of my anchors in the storm.
My first anchor point was the briefest of conversations. Not really a conversation, actually just a statement someone said to me once. Words which always stuck with me, the simple kind words of a neighbour.
When I lived at home a few doors away there was a family who often offered me a safe haven as a child. I would go around to spend time with their daughter. She was a bit older than me but always included me in her adventures and was a wonderful friend. This anchor point though, that came her dad.
He was a kind and gentle man. A watch maker who would be found humming around the house tinkering with something. He was often there in the background bringing a sense of calm to house. We didn’t speak much but he always said a warm hello and goodbye if I went around to play.
One day I remember him getting down to my level looking me straight in the eye and saying quietly,
“If anyone can do it, you can.”
I can’t remember the context. I have no idea what at the time it was in relation too but I do remember he believed it. There was not an atom in his soul which doubted it. From this person I respected there was this clear strong thread of belief.
He might have been talking about a game of rounders or a test in school. All I know is that I took those words I wrapped them into myself and carried them with me. There have been many occasions since I have heard that same voice in the back of my head saying if anyone can do it you can.
This was definitely a moment which helped me get through the harder ones. The simple words of someone kind. Now I am often aware of the impact words have on each other.
Rowan Aderyn 
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