I found out someone I knew died recently.

I didn't know him well. In fact, we only met once on a four-day retreat. But the effect he had on me was profound.

Mental health treatment in Leighton Buzzard using coaching and hypnotherapy for anxiety, feeling weak, and feeling unloved

Laurence had a way about him you hear the gurus preach about. He had an openness and vulnerability that was full of love and joy. Like a big kid in the sweetshop of life. Everything was amazing. Or just not an issue. And in his eyes, you were always ok.

The first time I was around Laurence he spoke to me as if we were old friends. And I felt welcome and warm whenever he was in the room. I knew things were ok when Laurence was there. I knew I'd always have a friend. That my back was gotten. That I was safe.

Laurence talked like life really is the playground we're told it is. Open to trying. Open to learning. To failing. Experimenting. Sharing. And to loving. He didn't know how long he had left. Yet you'd never have known.

I only met Laurence that once. Yet he had such a huge impact on me in terms of how - and who - it's possible to be. And words can't really do justice to just how inspired I was by our short time together.

I wish I'd have gotten the chance to spend more time with Laurence. But I'm unbelievably grateful we had the time we did. I know I'm a better person for it.

So thank you, Laurence. If your being touched me the way it did over four days then, with all the friends and connections you had, I know you left the world a better place than you came into it.

If nothing else, this piece is a reminder for myself when I re-read it. Of what's possible. Of how much of a difference one person can make to another. Of who it's possible to be.

So when you can today, be more loving. Be more open. Be more giving. Be less give-a-fuck-but-being-kind-with-it. Be the friend you can rely on to look out for you and lift you up.

Be the light that brightens everyone and everything up that little bit more.

Be more Laurence.

(Looking to make a change? I help people with anxiety, loss, grief, and feeling disconnected in Leighton Buzzard and Milton Keynes and online via Zoom using Transformative Coaching and Hypnotherapy. Send me a message to learn how)