When I hear the word ‘steps’, my brain immediately diverts to 10,000; the minimum number of actual physical steps one is advised to take on a daily basis in order to contribute to the optimal healthy lifestyle. Most days, I cannot achieve that health goal without a concerted effort.

But prior to the steps ‘epidemic’, the only steps I knew about were ‘baby’ steps and, with that, I am catapulted back almost a quarter of century to when my babies first took theirs. Baby steps, the literal ones. They were magical. We celebrated them with the same level of enthusiasm with which Olympic gold medallists are admired. The steps of childhood mean growth and freedom; love and excitement. Pride. Living in the moment.

The feeling of pure joy of moments like those was something I wanted to bottle and treasure forever.

Trial and error; literally falling and picking yourself back up again. And they did. Always. Resilience. Determination. Life lessons.

And now, 20 years on, those baby steps have become my babies’ steps. Their steps are now taking a different direction; taking charge of their own destiny. Independence. Self-discovery. Autonomy; steps we are not always there to witness and celebrate. Their excitement is palpable. For me and DH alas, launching our babies into the world of uni life in Europe has been bitter sweet; excited they are forging their own path yet missing them deeply. I have shed happy tears and sad tears. Whilst they navigate their journey, DH and I have embarked on our own new journey. It’s tough not being there to join in their excitement of learning how to ‘adult’, to see the world through their fresh perspective, and to be there to give them a re-assurance hug.

Where we once stretched out our arms, encouraging them to walk towards us, always being there to catch them when they fell, we now have to let go and encourage them to walk towards their new lives, follow their dreams and ambitions; to find their place in the world and discover what makes them happy and fulfilled.

10,000 steps a day now seem like a walk in the park compared to these life steps into the unknown – one of the hardest things I have yet had to do as a parent.