Announcement: Navigating Change and Facing New Horizons

December 2014 turned into a crazy month when I suddenly found myself without an assistant. I had two days to find help before the Centre closed for the holidays. I remember walking into my treatment room and in sheer exasperation looked up to the heavens and said, “Archangel Michael, I need HELP!”

The response was immediate and crystal clear, he said, “Call Robin Greene”

I was astonished at Archangel Michaels response. Robin and I had known each other for years and I remember thinking, ok, I hope this works. There was no harm in asking, so I took a chance and called her. Robin was very surprised to receive my call, to say the least. I explained my predicament and asked if she would be interested in some part time work. We needed someone to cover the reception desk and oh, by the way, could she start immediately after the holiday? What a relief to hear her say she would be happy to help out.

In the beginning it was only supposed to be temporary but by the end of the first week it was obvious Robin was absolutely perfect for the job. She was a natural. It was an initiation by fire, but Robin was more than up to the task. Everyone fell in love with her, including all our clients. People would remark on how she really brightened the place up and helped to make the waiting room feel even more welcoming. It was the beginning of a long and beautiful relationship.

For those of you who came into the Centre for appointments I am sure you have many fond memories of being offered tea while you waited for your appointment. The Centre became a place of refuge for some clients. Sometimes clients would drop by just to have a cup of tea and a chat with Robin. They didn’t want a session with any of the practitioners, just spend time with Robin. Occasionally we would have clients come and ask if they could just sit in one of the cozy chairs because they needed a safe place to decompress. Robin would offer them tea and a blanket. She was always there with a smile and words of comfort for them. I have so many fond memories of those days.

We had lots of fun over the years. We laughed a lot. There were tea parties with clients, social gatherings, and lots of chocolate! We loved our afternoon tea on the back porch in the summer. Enjoying the sunshine, sharing stories, talking to the neighbours or friends who would drop by for coffee and a chat. It was a precious time.

However, as we all know things changed so much for everyone during the pandemic. How it affected the Centre was no different. For the first few months of the shutdown, it was just Robin and I at the Centre as the other practitioners were mandated to work from home. In the beginning, having the whole place to ourselves was fun. We would turn up the music when things were quite and sit in the kitchen with coffee and chocolates. But there were challenges too. The lockdown placed me in a situation where I was suddenly faced with having to make my practice virtual overnight. It was a steep learning curve for both of us. We literally had to figure out how to manage bookings and run sessions using Zoom, overnight. It was a long day, but we rallied and figured it out.

Then the reality set in that we needed to close the Centre. My first thoughts were how do continue to be of service to all of my clients and keep Robin at the helm. Somehow, we managed to make it work and set Robin up as a virtual assistant. For three years now we have trouped on together, keeping my practice up and running. I don’t know how I could have made the changes I needed to make if Robin hadn’t agreed to stay on and work from her home. It was a blessing that I thanked the Universe for regularly.

Over the years Robin has been a stalwart, reliable and indispensable part of what made the Paradigm Centre for Wellness so warm and inviting. She brought a sincerity and happiness to the Centre that everyone appreciated. As my assistant she always kept me on track and the front office well organized and efficient. Her work was exemplary and always professional even on those days when we thought we were losing our proverbial minds because everything in the office was going sideways.

Every business, however, goes through transitions. Once again, I find myself having to face the reality of change. It is the nature of things and transformations will always be there waiting patiently for the right moment.

As I look to the future, I realize that there are things I want to do but need to change the pace of my practice to make those things happen. For this reason, I am announcing that Robin will be leaving the practice as my assistant as of June 29, 2023.

It has been one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. I hope you will join me in wishing Robin every happiness in the future. She has become a dear friend and will be deeply missed. If you would like to share a memory with Robin, be sure to email her care of my office.

As a result of these changes please be assured that my practice will continue to be open two days a week. There will be a few changes operationally of course. Appointment bookings will now be available online through my website: https://athertondrenth.ca. The office number will remain the same. I will do my best to offer the same level of service you have come to expect.

Atherton Drenth is the author of Intuitive Dance. Building, Protecting & Clearing Your Energy (Llewellyn Worldwide), Following Body Wisdom and the Art of Intuitive Journaling. Atherton is a Clairvoyant, Medical Intuitive and Holistic Energy Practitioner facilitating transformational healing for her clients. She has been extensively trained and certified as a Medical Intuitive and Holistic Energy Practitioner. She has been in private practice since 2000. She is also a compassionate teacher committed to helping others develop their full intuitive potential through yearly workshops. She has a private practice in Ottawa, Ontario.