Are you taking what's magical for granted?

Are you taking what's magical for granted?

Looking out of the window the other day I saw a green parakeet (and then managed to get a photo!)

Beautiful. Exotic. Magical….

And completely normal for me (we have an abundance of them where I live).

I also walk everyday in Bushy Park, among the deer.

And just a little further afield is the river and Hampton Court Palace with it’s sparkly gold gates.

When people come to visit they are astonished at these sights. Through their fresh eyes they are magical.

And I realise they are so familiar to me that I can take them for granted.

This can be true of our surroundings, and just as true for ourselves and what we bring to the world. So often we can’t see what others find magical in us, because it’s simply a part of who we are.

What's your relationship with feedback?

What's your relationship with feedback?

Do you love feedback, or loathe it?

Does receiving it make you feel uncomfortably in the spotlight?

Does it feel like a judgement about you?

I’m back for the third time in Tara Mohr’s Playing Big Facilitators Training (as an alum I get to go back every year and experience it again).

It’s hands down one of the best investments I’ve ever made, and the book is one of my most valuable resources - and the one I most often send the women I work with.

I use a lot of her principles and practical tools in my life and coaching, but one of my favourites - and a gamechanger for both me and others - relates to reframing our relationship with feedback.

We’re on this section of the course right now, and listening to the call this week I was struck all over again at the effect our relationship with, and experience of, feedback can have on us.

What feels like luxury to you?

The word luxury can conjure up images of grandeur, of impossible dreams, of wealth, and maybe a little self indulgence?

And yet it’s also a lovely feeling to treat ourselves. To give ourselves a small piece of something that feels like luxury to us. To add an element of luxury into our day to day to lift our energy.

Especially if we spend a lot of our time and energy working, delivering, supporting others.

For me, as someone who works from home, and who grew up as a Paperchase devotee in the 80’s, this is luxury for me.

It’s also how I spend every Monday morning - thanks to inspiration from fellow coach Catriona Horey.

Does your inner perfectionist have their magnifying glass out?

Does your inner perfectionist have their magnifying glass out?

A few weeks ago I was writing an email and found myself comparing two slightly different versions.

Which was better?

Was there a magically perfect version to be created by combining them?

What would be the best one that would make the biggest difference?

And then I caught myself. Or not me, but my inner perfectionist who loves to get her magnifying glass out and scrutinise the smallest of details.

What's your recipe for a life that gives you energy?

What's your recipe for a life that gives you energy?

“Start by drawing a line down the middle of a piece of paper”

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve said this as part of a coaching session - either for the work we are doing in it, or as something to explore in between sessions.

I find it SUCH a useful tool for getting things down on paper so we can see them, understand them, and decide what to do about them.

One of my favourites is in the picture - the Energy Map.

Are you running on autopilot?

Are you running on autopilot?

We have two paths down to the cabin at the end of our garden. Can you spot them?

There’s the one we want everyone to take…

… and the one the dog has created all on his own by hurling himself down the garden.

He does this when he desperately needs to assess the situation and combat any threats to our borders. He’s on autopilot.

Funnily enough he trots back down on the ‘official one’, when he’s calm and relaxed and has everything under control.

We all have these types of automatic reactions, but often they’re not as easy to spot!

Are you carrying around a huge bag of worries right now?

Are you carrying around a huge bag of worries right now?

I’m having a lot of coaching conversations about uncertainly at the moment.

About how to navigate through it at a time of restructures, changing circumstances, and other unknowns, as well as how to help others navigate through it too.

One of the main questions has been how to start a conversation about it, in a way that’s useful.

And how to hold the worry of other people while you’re also holding your own.

I’ve been pulling out The Huge Bag of Worries by Virginia Ironside, and sharing the wisdom within it as a useful tool to explore.

Are you feeling frustrated by something?

Are you feeling frustrated by something?

It has taken me over 2 years to write this post it!

Over 2 years of feeling a burst of irritation anytime anyone has a wee in our downstairs loo while I’m coaching (it’s the room next door).

Over 2 years of thinking ‘do they not realise I’m coaching?’

Over 2 years of wondering if the sound is audible (!)


And over 2 years of not actually saying anything to anyone in my family…


Until now.

When you have a queue of people wanting your time, energy and attention...

When you have a queue of people wanting your time, energy and attention...

…how can you let the rope do the talking?

Last summer my sister and I spent a day in London with my mum, celebrating her 75th birthday.

It was a complete treat. A proper afternoon tea and The London Eye, with a visit to Covent Garden in the middle to visit the Charlotte Tilbury store and find a great lipstick.

The experience was magical.

Fabulous service, feeling spoiled and laughing a lot, leaving with absolutely the right thing.

But first, waiting to be invited in.

The power of taking some time just for you

The power of taking some time just for you

A few months ago, I booked a hotel and went away for the night.

Just me.

I walked there, took chocolate and a good book, and did nothing except relax, read and be in my own company.

I don’t think I said a word for hours.

It was a wonderful treat. It felt indulgent and exciting (and maybe a little weird?).

And it was EXACTLY what I needed.