Swimming Against the Tide — And Why I’m Still Here Sharing From the Heart

A big warm welcome to all of you — especially those who’ve joined me recently.
I can see from your messages, comments, and quiet little “likes” that my posts are landing somewhere meaningful for you. And that means the world to me.

Now… I’ll be honest. I’m from an older generation — nearly four decades in practice — and here I am embracing social media and fast-moving technology as best I can. So please forgive me in advance for the occasional booboo or button I press that I shouldn’t! I’m learning as I go, and I’m sure some of you have had a giggle on the other side of the screen watching me navigate it all.

But here’s the thing:
I show up here to share from the heart.
Authentic. Real. No filters. No pretending.
No “scammy” hooks or shiny tricks. Just the lived experience of a practitioner who has spent 39 years listening to babies, attuning to children, guiding parents, and honouring the early emotional imprints that shape us all.

This past week I learned something interesting (and a little deflating): apparently many accounts with large followings have paid people to boost their numbers. And maybe I just don’t understand the logic of social media algorithms — in my day we simply called that “moving the goalposts.” It didn’t feel fair then, and it doesn’t feel fair now… but I have no intention of joining that merry-go-round.

It reminded me of a moment early in my practice, when things were tough and I felt like I was swimming against every possible current. I shared my discouragement with a wonderfully wise patient who looked straight at me and said:

“Anne, only dead fish flow with the tide.”
That sentence changed something in me.
It helped me re-orientate my inner compass, to stay true to my purpose, and to trust the work — even when it wasn’t fashionable or fully understood.

I often thought of the wild Irish salmon battling upstream, leaping waterfalls, overcoming obstacles, all to return to the very place where their life cycle began. There’s something noble and deeply instinctual about swimming in the direction your soul knows is right — even if it’s not the easiest path.

So here is my promise to you:

I will continue to share from the heart — from the thousands of stories, moments, tears, and triumphs I’ve witnessed with babies, children, and parents who trusted me enough to guide them. Families who were brave enough to challenge old generational beliefs and choose something different for their child’s emotional development and wellbeing.

And I would love for you to share too.
Your reflections, your challenges, the moments that touched you — they help others just as they once helped you.

If you ever have a question or a situation you’d like me to offer insight on, please ask. Your privacy is always respected, and every parent I work with is held with complete confidentiality.

Here’s to swimming upstream together… with heart, with purpose, and with hope.

— Anne Matthews
Baby Body Language Expert & Reflective Parenting Coach