by David D McLeod (USA)

A Story

When I was about three years old, my mother said eight words to me that had a powerful impact on the next four decades of my life. I wish I could tell you it was a positive impact, but alas…

I don’t remember the specific details of the situation, but I suspect I was behaving in a somewhat rambunctious manner that was getting on Mom’s nerves. Exasperated, she released a loud sigh of frustration, grabbed me by the arms, and lifted me onto the changing table.

‘Listen to me, young man!’ she exclaimed. ‘I am your mother! I am in charge! You are supposed to do what you are told!’ Apparently, my attempts to squirm out of her painful grasp were interpreted as even more rebelliousness.

‘Stop!’ she yelled. ‘Just stop and pay attention.’

Tears began to overflow my eyelids, but I tried to hold them in as I stood as still as I could.

Without letting go of me, she released the pressure on my arms and gave me a stern look. ‘I want you to understand something here, David Douglas.’ She only ever used my two given names when she was about to say Something Really Important. So, I met her eyes as attentively as I could.

‘I know you better than you know yourself.’

She said these eight words with absolute conviction, so I had no doubt that she believed them. I am not sure what my 3-year-old mind actually thought of these words as they bounced around in my head, but in my adult mind of today I imagine my processing went something like this:

‘Well, you are my mother, and you certainly know me better than anyone else does. You love me, you take care of me, you always seem to ensure my wants and needs are met, even if I am not sure what I want. And of course, you always tell the truth, you never lie to me. So, I guess it must be true: you know me better than I know myself.’

Source: iCN Issue 31  (Life Coaching: Personal & Professional Empowerment); pages 53-55

About David D McLeod

Fighter pilot. Author. Software engineer. Mentor. Aerobics instructor. Poet. Janitor. Lifeguard. Musician. Graphics designer. Father. Student. Teacher. Photographer. Ordained minister. Yogi. These roles—and many others—add up to a LOT of life experience, which David McLeod brings to bear in his capacity as a transformational speaker, author, life-mastery coach, experiential facilitator, and writer/storyteller.

As a Certified Master Life Coach with a PhD in Metaphysical Sciences and a DD in Holistic Personal Coaching, David shares his wisdom, insights, personal lessons, and expertise in countless ways that help people all over the world to become true Masters of their lives.

Find out more at: https://www.thewellnessuniverse.com/world-changers/davidmcleod/