I have a one year old son, I’m a toddler mom. In my professional life, I’m an OD consultant, HR specialist and Gestalt therapist. I have the
ambition to intervene in organisations and with people who are facing signifi cant change challenges.

In the past year being with my child, I realized how much I’ve improved my skills as a Gestalt practitioner too, here is how.
• Whatever happens, breath – let it be a tantrum or an unexpected late night party, breathing does help tremendously. If I’m not frozen I can be more relaxed and fl exible.

• He is different – he has his own world which is soooooo interesting if I’m patient and curious. And it’s not mine.

• Trust the process – whatever is happening at the moment: eventually he will fall asleep or turn around or start to crawl, now is not forever.

• ‘Just’ being there is of big value – a smile, an encouraging word, the time and the space for being together. It’s enough.

• New skills need to be tried out thousand times – regardless of success for once or twice or ten times, gravity needs to be checked whenever is possible.

• Logic doesn’t help – things happen just because, it’s better to get used to it, asking ‘why’ will just make things less fun. He wakes up early, full stop.

• Cherish the moment – planning is the main source for disappointment and stress. We either get to the appointment on time or not, if at all.

• Development is not linear – one step ahead, then back, then some side steps, then some other interest pops up, then whoknowshat, then maybe one step ahead again. And we grow together.

• Let myself be surprised – experimenting is key: maybe an unexpected reaction becomes the perfect one. Or not.

• Words are overrated – what about the smell of the poo or a hug after waking up!