The Barbour jacket that did more than keep me warm

The Barbour jacket that came with a life lesson. I love how, as we age, we collect stories, real-life events that shape us, help us grow and make us want to step up and teach and shape our values. Not all life lessons are learnt from a book or a training course, and I would like to share with you one of mine.

The power of connection

Love it or hate it, social media has its perks. The wonders of Facebook can connect us in so many ways, staying in touch, reconnecting old friendships and on the odd occasion, a new friendship.

Whilst on Facebook marketplace, I discovered the perfect, unworn Barbour jacket at a bargain price; it just had to be. I contacted the owner, unsure, asking if they would be happy to post, at my cost, as there were over 100 miles between us.

The owner, Debbi, was happy to, and refused my offer of paying for postage, explaining that she really wanted me to have the jacket. Unbeknownst to me, Debbi had checked out my profile and liked what she saw: photos of my life outdoors in the Cotswolds, a horse and two large and adorable dogs. Debbi explained that she was unable to wear the coat, that she was excited that it would be going to a good home and deserved to be worn.

Debbi unnecessarily apologised, as she needed to wait for her daughter to visit and take her to the Post Office. It never occurred to me to ask why. We were strangers, it was a transaction and it would have been rude to question. I just reassured that I was grateful and that there was no rush.

The Barbour jacket arrived with a handwritten card with a picture of a dog on the front. The words were of encouragement to wear the jacket and to enjoy it. That is when an unusual friendship began, as she explained that the photo was of her dog, who had passed away and was greatly missed. We continued to exchange messages. When I suggested a phone call, Debbi explained that she was unable to talk due to having cancer that affected her throat, and it was difficult to speak. We continued to message, but after a while, they naturally dwindled.

Then I received the sad news from one of her three daughters that Debbi had passed, with an invitation to the funeral, and I could join online. It felt intrusive as we regretfully never met, yet we had shared something special. I explained the situation to her daughters, how we had met and how kind and encouraging their mother was and our story, the marvellous and loved Barbour jacket.

Overcoming discomfort 

It felt uncomfortable, but my intuition urged me to join the funeral service online and I was moved beyond comprehension when her daughter stood to make a speech sharing how Debbi’s kindness was her greatest strength. She then went on to share our story, the lady with the Barbour jacket, and a friendship that started with her kindness.

Debbi expressed that she was sad to have never worn the Barbour jacket, and she felt that it needed to live. I most certainly did. It came out with me riding on my horse, many a dog walk, it has been soaked in the rain, I have used it to sit on whilst chatting with friends in fields, and it is always hung in my kitchen, never in the porch with my other coats.

Life is to be worn, travel, get messy, and to live. The jacket has improved with age; it is well-worn, a bit battered, but has a story and is loved. I do not feel guilty that it is messy, as I believe Debbi would be smiling.

Who would have thought that a jacket would spark a friendship, an inspirational story to share with her family and friends and make her daughters proud? I am sure they have many. We can reach a point in our lives where we feel ready for more, to become an inspiration to others, and that is where a coach will be your wisest investment for your health and happiness.

Living life fully (and how coaching can help)

For many of us life is busy with family, work, chores, responsibilities, and friendships often get sidelined, matching calendars can seem impossible. With time constraints, in-depth conversations are avoided, and we don’t want to burden friends with problems. This is where a coach will become your sacred best friend, there to focus on you, a safe, confidential space to enable to not just to survive but to shine.

None of us is perfect, and life is unpredictable, yet with the right mindset, resilience and experience, we can live a happy life, and a coach will guide and support you with both professional and personal experience.

Coaching will enhance your self-awareness, growth and development. No matter your goal, if you want to change career, accomplish great things or to live an enjoyable, fulfilled and happy life, then it will help you to achieve with clarity and accountability. Coaching will provide you with the platform to talk in confidence, face your fears, overcome obstacles and move into a life you love to live.

Learn to live your life now, no delays.

Thank you, kind Debbi!