Who is Linda Burns? Life ‘started’ in east London in the 1960’s, yet life ‘began’ for me much later! My mother was English and my father Maltese, which brought its own challenges in 1960’s Britain for my parents. My brother Paul was born a couple of years later, and we have a very strong relationship to this day. Fast forward ….. I have been married for 30 something years to Phil and am a proud Mum to Chris and Nick. My childhood was a difficult one, but I did not know this as a young child. My awareness was raised when I visited friends’ houses around the age of 11 and saw fun & laughter, which I hadn’t experienced at home. In my home there was lots of shouting, tension and long silences. ‘Criticise, condemn and complain’ was my recollection of childhood. Nothing was ever right or good enough, no matter how hard I tried, and believe me I tried very hard at times. I carried many stories and beliefs that ‘I’m not good enough’ about myself into my adult life, which impacted greatly on my worth.
it sparked a keen interest and curiosity within me, which has continued for some thirty years to the present day. Through much time, effort, and hard work I have created a life where I now have the freedom to live as I choose. I believe nothing changes fundamentally without risk or challenge! I now see 2010 as when my life ‘began’, following my third breakdown! I was stopped in my tracks, life was put on hold and I had to relearn even basic tasks like making a cup of tea. Not for the first time, I contemplated taking my own life, as I previously had in my teens.
I emerged from the emotional pain, misery and darkness, supported by a fabulous counsellor, who is still at the end of the phone should the need arise. To say there was a major shift in my thoughts and feelings is an understatement. I started to believe I was ‘good enough’ to say no without guilt and serve myself first, instead of last as had been my choice up to this point! I started to feel empowered with each risky Throughout my life, I consistently heard decision I made, and there was some big ones. reference to the innocent child, living a carefree Like the time my husband was living & working life, happy and content. A long way from my in Dubai and I decided to open a shop and stay world. In my late teens I was introduced to ‘Feel in the UK, despite previously planning to join the Fear and Do It Anyway’ by Susan Jeffers and him. 42
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