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confidence coach confidence coaching growth mindset motivation personal development wellness writing community

Here’s Proof Why it’s Never too Late to Learn New Skills.

How are you when it comes to learning new skills? Do you love it, or feel you’re past it?

Prior to my birthday a few years ago: my husband asked what I wanted as a gift. I’ve never been the materialistic type – but I’ve always been a sucker for learning new skills.
I asked for a beginners book on sketching and all the trimmings that went along with it. I was no spring chicken at the time either ( I was at that bloody age where the health checks were flying through the door *weeps*)

Anyway. I was always under the impression that I was crap at drawing. Why? To be honest, I never really tried – and if drawing ever came up in conversations: “I can’t draw” was my automatic response.
How could I say that when I hadn’t physically sat down and gave it a good shot?

‘Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds can’t change anything‘
-George Bernard Shaw

In this life aren’t we quick to come to our own conclusions when it comes to our abilities? It’s what you call having a fixed mindset.

I thought at this stage in my life that was it. Come on now, a 40 + year old mama sketching for the first time. Who was I trying to be: Banksy?

Sharpening Those Pencils With a Growth Mindset

When I reached 40 I started to drum the quote ‘life begins at 40’ into me. That became my new daily affirmation.

I got my beginners book – and off I went like a happy out little child with her shiny new pencils!

For those first few weeks I practiced for an hour every single night (when my little girls were tucked up in bed) on technique, style, shading, hatching and so on (you’ll know those terms well if you’re into sketching). 

I was building my confidence up with these new-found skills. And, my drawings improved over time. Of course I got frustrated – I’m only human and this was a new skill after all.

Patience. Is. Your. Friend.

Nurturing

During Covid I realised I was a creative person, and I started to nurture my creative side – whilst also working on my self-esteem.

What I’m trying to say is – you’re never too old to start something new, and it can be absolutely anything.
It all comes down to your mindset and what you feed yourself mentally. It’s like therapy.  If you go in with a mindset that it won’t work: then it sure as hell won’t. However, when you go in with an open mind and give it your all – it’s a great feckin start.


• Have a think about something you always wanted to try
• What is stopping you?
• What is making you feel this way?
• How can you make your self talk kinder?
• What are your values/beliefs?

If you have an urge to try something new. Go for it.
Maybe you want to start a new course. You might want to learn a musical instrument, to swim, drive or to be the next David Bailey! Whatever it is – as long as you give yourself time, then you can do anything.


Fear is always the culprit that stops us from following our hearts. Plus, worrying about what others think is a big one too.

Focus on you.

Sharpen those pencils, and write that next beautiful chapter to your own story. Life’s too bloody short.

Believe in yourself.

Thank you for checking out my article and do comment and share your own story of trying out new skills.

Xmas sketch
Harry Potter sketch from a youtube tutorial by the wonderful theartofbilly
I sat on the floor sketching my living room 2 seater!
Categories
Self-Care, wellbeing, you time, health and well-being, life coaching, life coach, healthy living, wellness

Self-Care! What do you enjoy for a bit of YOU time? Here’s how to get that ball rolling!

Hello there you!

How are you feeling today and do you manage to get a bit of self-care into your daily routine?

Self-Care is an expression thrown around so much these days isn’t it? However, it really is a practice you should incorporate into your daily life.

For me, I feel so much better after a 30 minute walk surrounded by nature, should it be in the park, or anywhere with plenty of greenery. I enjoy walking in a nice quiet environment! I always feel refreshed after a brisk walk as it clears my mind. Throughout a walk it gives me time to reflect on things, to admire the beauty of nature and to just be with me.

If you work in an office, even taking a 15 minute walk outside for some air during lunch can make all the difference. It’s about getting into a little habit.

What form of Self-Care do you enjoy?

Self-care can mean absolutely anything. It can be sitting reading a good book uninterrupted for 20-30 minutes. It can be playing your favourite instrument, meditating or going for a swim.

Even a walk on the beach or taking time out to enjoy your favourite cup of tea/coffee without the rushing about. Oh, do I love sitting down with that obligatory chai latte in peace. Something so simple can be so powerful; when you let it! Anything that makes you feel happier/relaxed.

Enjoying a hot cuppa without the rush!

Dedicating time for you

Starting a habit that focuses on your needs should become priority; and a good habit at that.

We live in a world where life can be so busy – we often forget to put our own needs first. If you are in a constant state of ‘rush’ you may find it hard to focus on what you really want/need. Even 20 minutes each day will make all the difference as you are becoming aware of your needs. After a while it will become habitual.

To build a habit, you need to practice it.

Make it easy

James Clear

Just breathe

If you find you are feeling a bit overwhelmed/stressed at times then take a step back and concentrate on your breathing. How does your breathing feel? What is worrying you?

Inhaling deeply (filling those lungs) for 5 seconds, holding for 5 seconds and exhaling slowly for 5 seconds (repeat a few times) should help you to connect with yourself and to feel more relaxed. It’s so simple, yet again, powerful!

Connecting with nature!

You should ALWAYS be priority

Remember: YOU are always priority. Taking that time out to practice self-care every day is so important for your physical and emotional well-being.

Think about what it is that YOU enjoy. How can it become a habit? Could it be a 20 minute walk during lunch, reading a good book or sitting down being completely present with that hot cup of tea/coffee. Whatever it is; make it a habit going forward.

You owe it to your body and mind. Learn to become more self-aware – tap into what makes you feel good. It really is about the simple joys in life.

What self-care practice is part of your life?

Categories
confidence coaching growth mindset life coaching

Growth Mindset. And, moving forward with those goals when you hit a standstill!

Hello there you!

Do you have a growth or a fixed mindset?

When you have a growth mindset, you’re always looking at ways to improve yourself, your talents and you learn from your mistakes. You’re a sucker for learning new things. But, you’re not being too hard on yourself during the process either.

I used to be extremely hard on myself and if things didn’t go as planned, oh boy would I spend forever overthinking the situation, beating myself up and my confidence would plummet. I believed if I wasn’t good at something, then that was it (fixed mindset).

But now, with a growth mindset I reflect situations, write in my journal (to process) have my own coaching (to gain clarity) take courses (learning) and practice gratitude daily.

I’m constantly learning and brushing up on my skills to become better. Oh don’t get me wrong, there are days where low confidence comes knocking right on my door. Of course it does. I answer it, listen to it, question it – but I don’t spend time dwelling or entertaining those thoughts (not like I used to)

Personal development is huge to me, and part of my daily life. You learn, progress, reflect and grow. Every. Single. Day.

Ask yourself:

  • What areas need training/improving in my life?
  • How can I banish those limiting beliefs?
  • What little acts makes me feel positive?
  • What are my core values?

Moving forward when you hit a standstill

At times we might reach a standstill with our goals. Therefore we struggle to move forward.

Am I good enough, what’s the point; and why do I not see instant results? Do these questions sound familiar?

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving” – Albert Einstein

Remember, results take time – and don’t give up or lose heart. As the saying goes “Rome wasn’t built in a day” and it wasn’t. You’re only human, and it’s really ok to have off days.

Get back on that horse, keep going, push through the pain barrier, and remember why you started in the first place.

Visualize that end result.

Ask yourself:

  • How can I move forward with my goals?
  • Why am I losing confidence and doubting myself in the first place?
  • What action do I need to take?

Keep going and don’t give up!

Life is short. And, the more you spend worrying and doubting your capabilities, the more stressed you become. Avoiding following your true path in life.

Change always starts with you – when you commit and believe.

Keep learning, brush up on your strengths and take your time.

Believe in yourself, work from within and grow. Just like that seed waiting to blossom and flourish. Water it with kindness and watch it grow ❤

What can you do to move forward with your goals?

Categories
health and wellbeing health, inspiration life coaching personal development stress management Transformational coaching

Sleep. It’s importance and 8 ways to improve your sleeping patterns, for a healthier lifestyle!

Hello there you!

How are you feeling today and did you get a good night’s sleep?

Are you getting enough sleep per night in general – i.e between 7-9 hrs? Are you struggling to fall asleep at the moment?

It’s tough sometimes to get the right amount, especially if you’re a new parent isn’t it? Or you could be going through other major changes in your life – should it be at work, your relationships, college or moving home.

However, getting the right amount of sleep is so important in order to decrease those stress levels; and to keep your anxiety levels controlled.  I know myself by not getting those early nights (my youngest is an early riser!) I don’t feel myself. Your concentration is poor the next day, then you reach for the junk food and you lack the motivation to exercise or to move forward with your goals. Getting those early night’s in helps your overall wellbeing and to control stress/ low mood.

Health problems

Research has shown how sleep problems could cause health issues such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, depression,  heart disease and reduced immune system function.This is not surprising as you do reach for unhealthy options when it comes to food ( I do and I’m also too tired to exercise if I haven’t had a good night’s sleep). I make sure I get those 8 hrs sleep each night, so I’m more motivated/focused to eat a well balanced diet, to exercise properly and to be more productive the following day.

Statistics

Research has shown:

  • That 40% of aged 18-24 struggle to fall asleep at night (sleep foundation)
  • 33% of people above 55 in the UK also struggle to fall asleep (sleep foundation)
  • 22% of people in general in the UK struggle to fall asleep (NHS)
  • 7-19% of the overall population struggle to get enough sleep (national institute of sleep)
  • 50-70 million Americans have chronic sleep disorders.

Sleep problems during times of stress

What common sleep problems do you experience during times of stress?

Common sleep disorders are Insomnia, Restless Leg Syndrome, Sleep Apnea, Narcolepsy and Sleep Paralysis. During times of high stress I tend to get palpitations prior to falling asleep and I’ve also experienced sleep paralysis a handful of times during my life (now, if you’re aware of sleep paralysis then you know how terrifying and unpleasant that can be)

8 ways to improve sleep (Sleep Foundation, NHS)

  • Avoid Caffeine (a stimulant) and alcohol just before bed (at least 2hrs) as they can prevent you from falling asleep or going into a more deeper sleep
  • Exercise throughout the day but avoid it just before bed
  • Make sure your sleeping environment is dark, relaxed and with dim lights if you prefer a light on
  • Put away those gadgets – I know how distracting they are.  When I take mine to bed I’m scrolling and wasting valuable sleeping time (we’re all guilty of this aren’t we?) I always leave mine downstairs now.
  • If you’re feeling anxious, do a bit of writing before bed and let those worries out. It really helps.
  • Listen to a bit of relaxation music to help you drift off
  • Stick to going to bed at the same time each night so it becomes a habit/routine over time.

Do you like your tea/coffee before bed and can’t do without? Maybe try some calming lavender herbal tea instead – to help you drift into a more relaxed/calmer state just before bed.

Concluding thoughts

Take a step back, look at how your sleeping patterns are and adapt (using these tips I’ve shown throughout)

What tips do you have that helps you with sleep?

Thank you for stopping by to check out my post. And, here’s to you having a decent night’s sleep going forward for a healthier, happier and more productive you!

Categories
anxiety believe in yourself goal setting growth mindset managing stress motivation personal development success

Inner strength. Keep going with your goals even if you need that break to recharge!

Hello there you!

Are you moving forward with your goals? Or has that little seed of doubt returned? You’re losing the motivation to move on and next thing you know procrastination kicks in.

When we set goals, we need a solid plan in place, written down, and a time-frame. Realistic goals. So you can work on that action plan.

Build it up slowly

Start off in baby steps (yes build it up nicely) and work on that confidence. Believe in yourself. Do all that inner work. Work on the relationship with yourself. Get to know your strengths and weaknesses, your passions and what drives you!

Ask yourself, what exactly is my plan? How can I make this achievable?

Focus

When I set my own goals, I am more focused/clear when I actually do it step by step. Sometimes you can get too carried away and want the whole shebang overnight. All these incredible thoughts/ideas running around in our heads. The next thing you know you’re overwhelmed, and that confidence dips,  oh boy does it dip. When it gets to that stage, step back and ask yourself these questions:

  • How can I do this in a more manageable way?
  • What is stopping me from moving forward right now?
  • What have I learned?
  • How do I really feel?

Set realistic goals, then reassess over time. And if you are reaching those targets, then yes aim higher, go for it. Do it.  It really is all in the planning.

Using the SMART guide to help with setting those goals

When setting goals just think of the following guide SMART to help throughout the process:

Specific

Measureable

Attainable

Realistic

Time-band

Overwhelm

When you become stressed/anxious our body goes into overdrive. Then the procrastination starts and you are going nowhere. You are spending way too much time doubting your capabilities (I know this too well)

Sometimes, you just need to take a break, recharge those batteries and come back to those goals with a fresh outlook; raring to go again.

Each step forward counts

Even taking a step back.

Reconnect.

Recharge.

Focus.

I know myself when that little seed of doubt starts growing, and those weeds start sprouting;  I need to ask myself ” why is this happening?”

Conclusion

You are only human at the end of the day. Go easy on yourself, set realistic goals. Yes, it’s great to aim high, but “slow and steady wins the race” otherwise you burn out before you even reach the starting line!

Take action, set those goals and be kind to yourself. Look within. All the answers are there!

Break it down to a manageable plan of action for you. Use the SMART guide throughout the goal setting process to help.

We all go at our own pace. Listen to your gut.

How are you doing with your goals and are you losing focus?

Thank you for checking out my post and keep going. You’re doing great.

Categories
change clinical Hypnotherapy health and wellbeing holistic therapy life coaching managing stress

Clinical Hypnotherapy. A holistic therapy to help with your subconscious mind and changing those behaviours.

Hello there you!

What’s this about Hypnotherapy I hear you say? Controlling your mind, putting you into a deep trance while making you do all sorts of daft/silly things! Clinical Hypnotherapy is non of these stereotypical views.

Here’s the thing. Being a certified clinical hypnotherapist I can tell you that you always have control throughout a hypnotic state. You will always be aware, but are more focused and in a relaxed and calm state throughout.

During hypnosis, you are listening to direct suggestions (simple instructions from your hypnotist) in a guided, safe and relaxed environment with a trained professional, who wants nothing more than for you to have a good experience. However, you need to give it your full attention, and forget about those stresses in life for a short period of time.

So what exactly is hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy dates back to the late 18th century by Franz Mesmer and is a holistic therapy where you are working with the subconscious mind. So what is the subconscious mind? It’s basically everything that you have experienced throughout your life i.e what you have felt, seen, heard, learned and your beliefs. And, during hypnosis you are digging that little bit deeper when your mind is relaxed and the hypnotist has your full attention.

Think of it this way (you might already be familiar with Freud’s iceberg theory) and imagine the subconscious mind being the bottom of an iceberg where everything is stored and the tip is our conscious mind (current thought process, analytical thinking, aware of now, feelings of pain).

Clinical Hypnotherapy can help with certain behaviours and addictions. So how do people respond to Hypnotherapy? Around 80% can go into hypnosis, 10% are highly susceptible while 10% are non-susceptible.

By quieting your mind and learning

To induce a state of hypnosis, you can visualize

The you that you’ve always dreamed of

And make this a reality

William W. Hewitt

Hypnotherapy can be extremely beneficial to your health and wellbeing. Over a few sessions you should be able to feel the benefits completely. However, as I stated before; you have to go into Hypnotherapy wanting to change and with an open mind.

What can Hypnotherapy help with?

  • Insomnia
  • Stress
  • Self-esteem
  • Confidence
  • Anxiety
  • Phobias/fears
  • Weight management
  • Quitting smoking
  • Pain
  • IBS

Remember, it’s nothing to do with the hypnotist controlling you, but gently guiding you into a trance where you are fully aware and in control at all times. It is up to you in how the experience goes.

Have you tried Hypnotherapy and what has your own experience been like? Would love to hear!

During a session, you will always be in a safe environment, and make sure the hypnotist is certified to perform Hypnotherapy!

Have a great day and thank you for checking out my post!

And relax!

Categories
believe in yourself change growth life coaching motivation personal development success wellbeing

Change is a good thing, even if you have to jump out of your comfort zone!

Hello there you!

How do you feel about change? As in changing your career, your mindset, your eating habits, or taking up a new hobby. Change can mean many things. This year I became certified as a Life Coach, NLP Practitioner and Clinical Hypnotherapist. I was nervous when training started, but the more I became familiar with the course material and my training group, the more I warmed up to this change.

The process of change can be full of personal development and you discover more and more about who you are as a person and recognising strengths/weaknesses (as I am on this coaching path) Facing these challenges head on is a constant journey of growth and can pull you right out of your comfort zone.

Following your passion:

You hold the key to

Unlocking your full potential

Believe in yourself

I’ve always been passionate about encouraging, supporting and helping others; and finally plucking up the courage to sign up to an accredited course was a positive step towards that goal of pursuing the field of coaching.

What do you want to change in your life at the moment? How can you make that happen?

Have the courage to follow your

heart and intuition

Steve Jobs

I worked in a senior position within the corporate world for years and just never really felt fulfilled (when I reflect hard on that time). When my children were born I made the decision to stay at home with my little girls while they were still young, and it has been the best decision, in order to spend that quality time with them before they started school.

Embracing change and following your heart

Although change can be daunting, the more you follow your gut instinct, do your research and take your time; you realise that life really is short and you become clearer about what you really want.

Believe in yourself and how capable and worthy that you really are.

Two years ago I wasn’t a writer and now, I’m a published writer, poet, blogger and have written articles for positive wellbeing magazines and poetry zines. How did I move forward with my writing goals? I started to believe in myself and joined a writing club. Connecting with a community of like-minded writers is empowering. Joining a community with individuals who share your passions and interests can help you to grow and move forward.

Opening that door

Working hard to achieve your goals when it feels right will open that door to amazing opportunities when you allow yourself to do so.

It all comes down to ‘you’ at the end of the day!

Write a list of what you want to achieve within the next 6-12 months and work on those goals, while working on yourself. Make that decision; allowing yourself to embrace ‘change’.

What are you passionate about when you listen to your gut instinct?

Thank you for stopping by, have a great day and remember ‘change’ is a good thing! And, as the saying goes:

“A change is as good as a rest”

It will open doors to wonderful opportunities!

Categories
acceptance growth happiness health and wellbeing inspiration journaling, gratitude personal development poetry community

New Year, Staying Present and Focusing on the Small stuff…

Hello there you and Happy New Year!

How are you feeling after the festive season? Are you glad to be getting back into a more structured routine?  I’m looking forward to getting back into a more healthier routine (too many sweets/tipples, but I enjoyed it all, and the banter that went along with it)
I had such a lovely time back home in Ireland catching up with family, and my brother who I hadn’t seen in over 2 years due to Covid! I was grateful every day!

Present moment:

“It’s the feeling you get when you are able to be touched

By the simple things in life: watching a child playing,

The leaves falling from a tree”

Richard Carlson

When life stood tragically still in lockdown, I soaked up the outdoors, connecting so much with nature and my family.  I then started to crave nature and became more self aware. I soaked up those giggles from our girls; realising there is so much beauty out there and the free stuff like fresh air, fabulous beaches, sunsets and mountains: are all breathtaking views that are food for the soul! Absorbing the “present” moment!

When you stop striving for “perfection”, you  automatically start to slow down and realise all that beauty was right under your nose (while your mind was full of worry and busy from those to do lists, lots of unnecessary clutter taking up space in your mind)

Poetry outlet:

I wrote the following ‘etheree’ poem as a reminder to absorb those precious little moments…  Being present certainly is the way to do it. Sounds so easy doesn’t it? It is when you practice being present every day but you have to work on it, enjoying the simple little things in life, changing your thought process to a more “positive” way of thinking and being extremely grateful.

Grab it

It

Starts with

Fresh air. Free

Flawless. Simple.

But so powerful.

When you stop. Soak it up;

like sand soaking salty sprays,

gentle yet ferocious waves. The

present is all you have. Grab it, then

bottle it. Capturing every small bit!

Bernie Egerton

Enjoying that fresh air and watching the girls happy out at the beach!!
My eldest loves rolling down those sand dunes… Absorbing it all !

Growing from within, self-awareness being mindful and always learning; are the components to reaching that place of peace and happiness. Getting the most out of life for “you” and yours.

Work on ‘you’ and believe in yourself.  Trust me, the rest will follow!! 

Categories
gratitude poetry wellbeing

Poetry as comfort: Seamus Heaney and that wonderful poem Blackberry-Picking!

I have to admit, poetry wasn’t an art I was into until this pandemic hit. I remember studying it for my exams in secondary school but that was it. I just didn’t get it.

Well. Talk about what I was missing. Maybe its getting older, life experience, sadness in our world, heightened emotions: but it really has been a means of comfort to me throughout COVID. Have you found comfort through this art?

Learning all about the art, writing my own poetry and reading from many great poets; transports me right back to familiar, relatable places while bursting with imagery and power.

Seamus Heaney’s Blackberry-Picking

Oh what poet doesn’t like Seamus Heaney? When I first started writing and reading poetry (during COVID) I started reading an anthology with a collection of his greatest poems ( I remember studying a few at school).

He was such a beautiful and talented poet; and could really hit the five senses in such a powerful way.

Blackberry-Picking:

Blackberry-Picking by Seamus Heaney

Being from the country in Ireland this poem just transports me back to that place of innocence during my childhood – where you would run through those fields picking those juicy blackberries from those bushes.Children just loved to run wild with anything they could find, in order to collect those blackberries. Living near my grandparents farm and even his description of the bath in the byre (you country folk will know this well)

Finding comfort through poetry during COVID

The pandemic has been difficult for you and I. We’re lived through something we could never have imagined. Connecting through poetry if its writing or reading some of the greats, has really opened my eyes and tapped into the emotions in such a powerful way when you let yourself ‘feel’ and get lost in those words.

Some of the greatest poems have been written through the hardest of times. Does this tell us that poetry isn’t dead, but is very much alive?

I’m so thankful I connected with poetry throughout the pandemic as a therapeutic outlet and is part of my life now going forward.

What poem/poet do you like that takes you down memory lane in the country?

Thank you for reading my post and have a beautiful day, reading some wonderful poetry!

Categories
book reviews poetry poetry community Uncategorized

Poetry book reviews

Hello you!

So, with poetry being a “big” part of my I’ve bought many books: accumulating my fair share during g COVID (to get a feel for the different styles and to learn more about the art)

So I’ve picked a few of my favourites; and all for very different reasons.


Billy Collin’s work is witty and bursting with imagery. His conversational style makes it so enjoyable to read. A poem could have you laughing your heart out and pulling at those heart strings at the same time. His poems take you on a journey full of surprises. I LOVE his work and it’s no surprise he was appointed Poet Laureate twice.
This gorgeous anthology is relatable in so many ways from such raw, honest, heartfelt and beautiful accounts on motherhood! I’m part of this beautiful writing group (the mum poem press) who published this collection and it’s a great community of mums sharing experiences and learning about different poetry forms.
Oh Seamus Heaney, what can I say about a  poet who has written beautifully about the landscapes of Ireland, his childhood, his children,  love and loss.  Being Irish, his work transports me right back to many of my own childhood memories, especially being from the country myself. This collection (selected by his family) is filled with his greatest poems and many I remember studying in secondary school.
Stunning poetry/prose collection! Full of soulful, heartfelt poems. Covering love, heartbreak and growth. Taking you on a journey of self discovery. I love this book and is also the poets first collection.
This little book of inspirational quotes from an amazing poet is full of reminders on love, strength and empowerment. Full of inspiration to dip in and out of.
I’m still working my way through this lovely collection ( a gift from my lovely sister in law) of poems from many great poets… Lovely to read a poem every day and to have by your bedside table!
Not a poetry book, but a stunning inspirational book on love, kindness, trust and friendship. Everyone should read this. And you could have it read within the hour.

I also enjoy reading work by Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, Carol Ann Duffy, Mary Oliver and William Wordsworth.

So these are just a few from my poetry collection. I love discovering new poets, and also reading from the greats. However, at times it can be hard to get into a poem when you are first introduced to poetry; but taking your time and “feeling” those words just adds to the experience. I also enjoy reading inspirational books to empower you and keeping that cup half full!

Have you read any of these collections/poets? and who are your favourites?

Thank you for taking the time to stop by. Have a lovely day!