I just couldn’t resist writing about pancake day, especially as I didn’t even know that it was until 5pm!

However, as soon as I did it was back in that kitchen with my cumbersome crutches. Only this time I had even more helpers and far less carnage. How lucky am I that my children are all now of the age that they can cook but even better, they want to. So all hands on deck to make the batter then, I made the first few and took great pride in watching them being devoured with lemon, sugar, Nutella and ice cream. Finally my turn, delicious, I always forget how much I love them, that might have something to do with the fact that I only remember to make them once a year!

But that wasn’t the best bit, that came when I was told to sit and they would take over and I got to watch with pride as they efficiently made each other and me, more fabulous pancakes. The icing on the pancake was when they all cleared up, no need to ask, no disputes, no hesitation. I was being looked after by the ones I have looked after for 19 years, how wonderful it felt and how proud I was. I know it wasn’t a 3 course meal, although they can make them too, it was the fact there was such harmony and fun in the centre of our home.

I am not pleased that I need looking after at my age and it is by no means the first time and with my body, unlikely to be the last. However, it has taught me a valuable lesson about control, as much as we think we might, we do not need to be in control of everything all the time. It adds such unnecessary pressure to an already stressful life. I fully appreciate it is easier said than done and I have spent years fighting my natural desire to control but now after multiple surgeries putting me in a position where I have no control, I am far more relaxed about life and realise the importance of just going with the flow and riding the wave.

I have had a lot more fun taking a step back and letting others grow because when we feel the need to control everything we can actually hinder everyone else’s chances to blossom. Ok, so things take longer and they may not be just how you like them but remember this, when someone offers to help, that is probably because they care about you and want your life to be easier, if you turn them down or constantly tell them how to do it, you run the risk of hurting their feelings and making them feel useless. When you watch someone do something for you just because they love you, it is empowering for you both.

If you have a tendency to want to control things or have the urge to take over, try taking a breath and step back. It might be incredibly difficult the first few times and the results might not be as good as yours but does that really matter? Not everything is that important trust me, what is important though, is putting your faith in others so they can then have faith in themselves.