Like every other child, I grew up chanting “”abracadabra” at some point or another, pretending to be the great magician turning my mates into toads! Little did I know how powerfully true the magic of these words was! A variation of the Hebrew phrase ebrah k’dabri, meaning “I create as I speak”, I truly do magic, for I create my truths each time I speak, weaving my dreams into a reality more fulfilling and colourful than the dreams themselves!
A home full of giggles and toys strewn all around, stubbing my toes on the hoverboard that’s always everywhere but where it should be, a half-eaten loaf of sourdough on the bench, and a basket full of laundry waiting patiently to be folded, I find myself smiling with indulgence at the life I have created for me!
I started a new role last December as an executive at a university, working in an area I am passionate about, and a lovely lady, when introducing herself to me said “I am so glad we have a woman in the executive leadership team, thank you for joining”. I was stumped, for that woman used to be me, looking up to senior female leaders, hoping that one day I would be them, and here I am! Abracadabra, did I create as I spoke?
I live such a fast-paced life, from volunteering at the kids’ school cross country one day to giving talks at events, and being called upon as an expert, I am a far cry from that woman who second guessed herself every step of the way, always trying to fade into the background.
And as I sit on this bench up here at one tree hill picnic grounds, looking up at the autumn sun shining down on my face, I smile secretly to myself, as only I know the magic it took to become this woman, with a tame heart and wild ambitions, a loud laughter and quiet resolve.
And as I feel the crisp autumn breeze on my face, I remember the day we sat on this same bench—on this same One Tree Hill—Adam and I, on our third date. He looked at me with those magnetic green eyes, speckled with gold, and asked if it was a good time to kiss! I smile wistfully, missing his warm embrace, the feel of that kiss, the magic of more. I know I can never have everything, but then I whisper to myself – abracadabra, and I know that it is up to me, what life I live, for “I create as I speak“.
I Love Me 