Have you got a Fairy Godmother?

Do you remember those cute little Walt Disney fairies, floating above Cinderella, wielding their wands, sprinkling magic powder and helping Cinderella's dreams come true? Whenever Cinderella felt a bit down (ie she couldn't find an appropriate song to sing) or needed to be assertive (stand up to her ugly sisters) or couldn't find a thing to wear (no ball dresses in her wardrobe!) those FGMs swooped in to help and guide her, and everything turned out alright.

I have several FGMs. They are essential to me when I need help in solving a problem, making a tough decision or simply in thinking things through clearly. When you have been ruminating in circles about something and don't know who to ask, having an FGM is so helpful. Thinking back, I have always had FGMs but didn't really recognize what they were until recently. My first FGM was Mrs Stoner, my piano teacher. We spent more time talking than playing the piano. She told me tales of life in a Belgian boarding school, (where she had to wear a gown in the bath in case she saw her own body!) while I told her about my awful Maths teacher and asked about boyfriend troubles.

Nowadays my FGMs come from different walks of life and I have met them through work, study and hobbies. What makes them different to friends? They are friends, but they also have a very wise stance and they help me think out of the box. They tend to have lots of useful experience and be good listeners, as well as having plenty of empathy. They are always there for me, even though often separated geographically, they seem to know when they need to come swooping in and help me. So far I haven't seen any magic wands or magic powder, but I'm sure they will produce them one day when really needed - maybe if my car is about to turn into a pumpkin?! Are you lucky enough to have a Fairy God Mother?