Health matters to you! Maybe something has happened recently that has made you value your health even more? Have you had an illness or injury, gone through a divorce, coped (or not) with Covid, bereavement or redundancy, or are you just very aware of the fact that you’re not getting any younger either with the arrival of young children in your life or your children leaving the family home? Maybe it’s a combination of a few things! Consequently you’ve realised that you want to take an active role in designing your future and settling for things as they are is not an option. You might have a pretty good idea of what you’d like your future to look like, or maybe you have no idea and that’s part of the problem. Either way, you could really do with some help getting there..

Well, you’re in the right place and your new future starts now!

Just over 15 years ago I saw a Life Coach (which wasn’t very common back then and I really wish I’d remember who suggested it!). I wasn’t happy in my job and felt I lacked direction and a sense of purpose. I thought I’d come away with a new career direction but after a 10 week programme and a lot of soul searching I decided that my job was perfect for the time being (which it was) and what I actually wanted was a dog (who is still with me today!). The dog gave me a sense of purpose, got me fit and connected to nature. She has been my rock for 15 years and helped me through divorce, redundancy, single parenting, relocating, self employment and losing loved ones.

What we think we want isn’t always what we need and sometimes it takes someone else to ask the right questions for us to figure things out. The answers are sometimes surprising as you start to realise that what you thought you should want isn’t what you actually want. 

So why am I so passionate about the body, the mind and how it all works together? My life changed completely in my 30s, I felt like the rug had been pulled out from underneath my feet. Within a few months I had no husband, no job and no extended family (my own family is in Norway). I did however have two very young children and a young (and very energetic) dog. This really wasn’t part of the plan and it caught me completely off guard. Not great for someone who’s a bit of a stress head and a perfectionist. To make a long story short, I learnt that our bodies and minds are malleable, they can (and will) change and adapt in response to how they are being used. We are not a result of our age but of our habits, and habits can change. 

Some people are lucky in that they are naturally optimistic and resilient. I wasn’t one of those. I had to learn the hard way that feeling sorry for myself and blaming others wasn’t helping. I was sporty and health conscious but I wasn’t truly healthy and I certainly wasn’t happy. The fact that I’ve had to work really hard to make changes means that I can empathise with all of you who feel like it’s a mountain too high to climb (the mountain looks a lot smaller when you stand next to a friend, which has been scientifically proven!).

What followed divorce and redundancy was a complete change of direction and career. It was pretty daunting at times and starting from scratch, on many levels, was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. However, it was also extremely liberating. Sometimes it takes something to shake you up and kick you out of your comfort zone before you take action!

We all need someone by our side to guide and support us, we’re not meant to figure everything out ourselves. Over the last 15 years I’ve seen coaches, mentors, councillors, various health professionals and I’ve done a huge amount of professional training. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of lots of different people. It is hugely important to invest in yourself. It’s not selfish or indulgent, it’s essential. You really are your greatest asset and you deserve to be happy.