Will you play matchmaker for me?

On oldest daughter syndrome and why asking for help takes a weird amount of courage.

I don’t know if it’s an oldest daughter thing, a determined not to shed my armour thing, or just a deeply human thing - but I almost always experience a visceral recoil at the thought of asking for help.

Maybe it’s something about asking for someone’s time and attention when we’re all already so rushed off our feet. Perhaps it’s society’s demonising of being perceived as ‘needy’, which means the part of me whose self-esteem lives in a deep swamp somewhere can’t bear being seen as an inconvenience. It’s even more awkward for me to ask if it’s not immediately obvious how I can return the favour. (And now you see me working off the assumption that favours are only to be given with the expectation that they’ll be returned … utter nonsense really!).

This week my car went in for an MOT, and it failed (and eventually passed), which meant I had to ask people for lifts to and from the garage repeatedly. The experience was an inner roller coaster of mortification. And you know what, everyone said yes without hesitation, but my gosh, did it take a deep wellspring of weird courage to ask!

So, deep breath… I’m about to ask again…

I’m reaching out to anyone with the ability, or just plain willingness, to play matchmaker.

I’ve created an offering I’m really proud of with my Women’s Coastal Pilgrimage. One that I know is supportive, encouraging, and fun, and something I believe we could ALL do with a dose of, really! It’s the kind of experience that will stay with you long after it ends, germinating small seeds of future adventure.

I also know there are a wealth of women out there looking for something nourishing, supportive and adventurous. Something to stretch them away from their comfort zone, to immerse them in the natural world, to give them space to process, the freedom to ask questions of life, the quiet to hear their inner wisdom answer. To walk a path between land and sea where the salt air and water cleanse old wounds and limiting beliefs.

Here are some ideas of what that help might look like:

• 30 seconds to spare? Forward this email to one friend who loves hiking, nature, or just needs a peaceful escape by the sea.

• How about 2 minutes? Head over to our latest social media post here: Give it a share, or tag a friend in the comments who you think would love to join a future walk!

• Got an idea? I’d welcome some creative ideas on how to spread the word! Nothing is too silly or too out there - throw something at me!

• Are you part of a community? If you are part of a local walking club, wellness group, book club, etc., reply directly to this email and I can send you some more information to share with them.

• Join me on a trip! If you’ve been meaning to book, but haven’t got around to it yet - please do! Secured numbers mean I can look at expanding the offerings!

• Exchange of time/offerings! If you’d love to join a trip but finances are holding you back, I’m open to an exchange of services. Pitch something to me and let’s see if we can work it out!

• Private Group - Do you want to plan an epic girls trip for your friendship group? I can run a pilgrimage for private groups (minimum four women).

If you’ve made it to the end of this message, thank you! I’m incredibly grateful for your time! You can get in touch by replying to this email!

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A little side story

Here’s a photo of a baby pigeon I found on a hot pavement in the sun on my way to collect my car from the garage. He was taken to the vet and is now happy and well, living his best pigeon life at the home of an avid bird enthusiast who has ample experience raising birds. (As much as I didn’t want to give him up and had visions of myself walking the coast path with a pigeon on my shoulder!)

Sending you all much care and encouragement to ask for help when you need it!

Love,

Camille