My Journey to Growing as a Coach

To say I have always been coaching is an understatement to say the least. Through some of my past work experience as an advocate within the mental health sector and being part of projects to inspire people, I have always had a burning desire to help people reach their goals to be happier and live their best life.

I remember the moment I decided I wanted to become a coach rather than a therapist. I realised the journey to becoming a counsellor was not in my career plan at this time. However I KNEW that I still wanted to work with people exploring unique ideas and pathways towards their goal. I also realised that not everyone needs a clinical diagnosis and you could help someone achieve their goal by focusing on their present moment as well as looking towards their future.

So what is the difference between a life coach and therapist? I discovered through various conversations with other coaches and therapists that there really isn’t one right answer. To some there really isn’t a difference and the lines are blurred to what constitutes a coach to a therapist, but I do know both help their clients immensely.  To put it in simple terms and in my opinion, a coach meets the client at a place where they are ready to work on the present and therefore move toward setting up the future. A coach will help the client identify their goals and obstacles they may be facing, helping to explore and expand their choices. They are trained in helping clients move forward in life.

So once I decided not to do what felt safe, to go with my passion rather than what seemed like the ‘right’ thing to do, I created this blog. My journey to growing as a coach has led me to further my training and become certified. Although coaching is an unregulated industry and you currently don’t need a certification to work as a coach. I felt it was important for me to receive some top-notch training that will help me to develop the skills I need to grow as a coach.

You see I have this passion for interior blogging, interior design, home organisation and believe that if your home rises up to meet you, you would have created a safe space to be yourself. It will give you a chance to get creative about your life and become less afraid about making the RIGHT decisions for you, in your life, in this moment. Abode Remedy has become a catalyst for this. Creating the right environment for yourself can help you to feel clearer and understand what you want from life and from this world!

As I have said before, I believe your home is the breadth for which you move in. Home to me doesn’t just mean your house, the place where you lay your head at night. Home to me also means your heart. What is your heart telling you? Or you may be experiencing so many overwhelming feelings right now that you need help to explore those beliefs and fears. When you look at your life what do you see for yourself, and what steps will it take for you to get there? My intention as a coach is to provoke these questions in the your mind so that you can create the type of life that serves you right now in this moment.

Feeling stuck, or feel like you are at a crossroads? Ever considered using a coach? Want to know more, lets talk! Click the link below.

Working on My New Years REVOLUTION

So here’s the thing, towards the end of each year I start to think about all of the things I have achieved or accomplished that year, reflect on the good and the not so great, then create mental notes of all the things I need to stop doing in order to have a fulfilling following year. See, what I have found with this way of thinking normally associated with saying ‘my new years resolution’ is I would focused on the things I shouldn’t be doing instead of putting my energy into the goals and achievements that would improve my life and well-being for the year ahead.

So 2017 was the start of my new years REVOLUTION. I renamed this term for myself, as I no longer wanted to focus on giving up or not doing something, which perpetuated the idea I can't stick to my goals because I couldn’t stop doing it the year before!

Nope, this year is different. I want to associate this year with the terms that represent revolution. My attitude will concentrate on a complete shift in my thinking, a change in my attitudes and conditions, a restructuring of my goals that will lead to a transformation in my life.  So what is the plan to achieve the things I set out to do this year?

Revolutionise My Diet - My goal for 2017 is to create new meals that are nutritious and taste good. I am changing my focus from a long list of do not eats which feels like torture and I have started to create meals that will not only benefit my body but will also satisfy my taste buds.

Revolutionise My Spirit - Paying close attention to my goals and direction, asking myself questions about what makes me happy, what gives me joy and fulfilment? It is important to set intentions about attainable goals. Although I do see the big picture of what I want to achieve, I set short achievable goals so I am not overwhelmed by my journey to the bigger picture.

Revolutionise My Fitness - I am practicing a lot more yoga this year. I love how it makes me feel and how it reduces tension in my mind and body. This has encouraged me to include fitness into my weekly routine to keep my body healthy and strong.

Think of how you can set intentions and goals that could revolutionise your 2017, giving you a positive perspective towards your journey!

Benefits of the Summer Sun

I love it when I am looking at last year’s photos and come across images that remind me of my holidays and travels. It is hard to remember what the sun feels like, especially during the winter and in the UK where we have more grey skies than sun at this time of year. This photo was taken on a family holiday in Lyttos beach, Crete. It reminded me of why I love being by the beach, listening to the waves and enjoy the sun so much. Even during the autumn and winter months when the weather feels cold, if the sun is shining then I am smiling! Ok, ok so there are some other reasons why the sun gives me a big cheesy grin or that ‘healthy’ glow I live for every summer. Oh yes! There are some benefits between the relationship of sun exposure and your health. Here are four benefits of (moderate) sun exposure you should know about. 

1.     Enhances Mood

Regular sunlight exposure can increase your levels of serotonin in your body enhancing your mood, as well as help you to avoid common winter blues such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). An article by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), conducted a study on how to increase serotonin in the human brain without drugs. The researchers found a positive correlation between serotonin synthesis and exposure to bright light and an effective cure for non-seasonal depression. This suggests increased levels of serotonin can make you feel happier and more energetic.

2.     Boosts Your Vitamin D Supply

Sun exposure can help boost your supply of vitamin D, which promotes bone growth and prevent illnesses such as inflammation and osteoporosis. We can also get our supply of vitamin D from foods such as oily fish (salmon and tuna), milk and eggs but most of us just don’t eat enough of these foods to get a sufficient supply of vitamin D. Try exercising outside or going for a short walk during your lunch break a few times a week to boost vitamin D levels.

3.     Improves Sleep Quality

“What does the sun have to do with my sleep?” I hear you say. Now I love love my sleep and regular sunlight exposure can help our bodies to produce more levels of melatonin, a hormone that induces sleepiness by the pineal gland. So make sure you are getting enough sunlight so you can have a decent nights sleep.

4.     Lowers Blood Pressure

Skin exposure to UV rays release a compound, nitric oxide, which has been found to lower blood pressure. A study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology who compared two volunteer groups, suggests volunteers who sat under a UV ray lamp saw their blood pressure drop. This was compared to the group who sat under a lamp with UV rays blocked and saw no effect from the heat. These results were significant without changing vitamin D levels.

Remember to stay safe in the sun: Exposure to sunlight should be done moderately. Using prevention methods (such as sunscreen) should be used to protect your skin and avoid sunburn.  

Inspired in China

My visit to Shanghai and Beijing was one of the most inspiring trips I have taken. I really enjoyed experiencing the different types of food, the culture, history and amazing shopping. I can’t wait to visit again, climbing the great wall was a workout to say the least. Getting to the top of each watchtower (I think we got to eleven) was truly breathtaking.  I'm still trying to work out how the wall was built and how long did it take? The scenery was so beautiful, it made the long walk up worth it! I felt so grateful to have this experience! 

Steps leading up to a watch tower. 

Made it to the top!

The forbidden city, a collection of ancient buildings which was home to two dynasties of imperial rule. The buildings and interior were richly decorated. 

Grand doors.

Moat around imperial city. 

Spending the day in the 798 Art District was one of the highlights of the day. It was nice to take a stroll and view the different galleries showcased by Chinese artists. 

My kids loved these sculptures.