If you’re thinking, “What could be so interesting about a tortoise?”—I get it. I used to feel the same way. But this isn’t just a story about a tortoise. It’s a story about life, love, and what it means to truly be seen.
Franklin came into my life unexpectedly, a 50+ year-old tortoise with a history of resilience and strength. At first, I didn’t think much of him. Tortoises were my mother’s favorite animals, not mine. I’ve always been a cat person. But as the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months...
If you’re thinking, “What could be so interesting about a tortoise?”—I get it. I used to feel the same way. But this isn’t just a story about a tortoise. It’s a story about life, love, and what it means to truly be seen.
Franklin came into my life unexpectedly, a 50+ year-old tortoise with a history of resilience and strength. At first, I didn’t think much of him. Tortoises were my mother’s favorite animals, not mine. I’ve always been a cat person. But as the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, something changed. I found myself checking on him constantly, making sure he was okay, especially on those hot, sunny days.
You see, Franklin had a unique challenge—he couldn’t flip himself over if he got turned on his back. And in the heat of the summer sun, this was dangerous. So I made it my mission to protect him, to make sure he was safe. And in doing so, I discovered something profound.
Franklin, with his gentle eyes and his determined little walk, taught me the importance of being present. He showed me what it means to feel truly seen, something I didn’t even realize I was missing. He’d greet me with his awkward shuffle whenever I was nearby, and in his simple, quiet way, he reminded me of the importance of connection.
He made me feel seen. And I realize now how rare and precious that feeling is.
We all want to be seen, don’t we? To feel recognized and loved for who we are, flaws and all. Franklin taught me that before I can truly see others, I need to see myself. And that means loving myself, even when I mess up, even when I feel like I’m not enough. It’s a lesson I’m still learning, and one I want to share with you.
Franklin may no longer be with us, but his lessons live on.
BOOKS:
📕 Read LIVING WITHOUT FEAR (Biography & Self-Help Book): http://www.livingwithoutfear.ch
📕 Buy INSPIRED JOURNEYS (Amazon Bestseller): Go to Amazon 👉 search for Esther Buerki 👉 find INSPIRED JOURNEYS
Are you in Switzerland or Germany? Use this direct link: https://amzn.to/3gg1reG
DO YOU WANT TO GET COACHED BY ESTHER?
✨ Book a free Discovery Call: https://swissmadestory.ch/links
✨ Follow Esther on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esther_buerki
✨ Join Esther on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/esther.buerki1
✨ Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estherbuerki
DO YOU WANT TO START WRITING YOUR BOOK?
✍️ Take the free 5-Day Writing Challenge: https://www.estherbuerki.com/writing-challenge
✍️ Find free resources and online programs: https://www.estherbuerki.com
✍️ Join Esther on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estherbuerki
✍️ Get in touch with Esther through e-mail: contact@swissmadestory.ch
