An unexpected opportunity led me to training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a mindfulness- based modality that focuses on living by your values, psychological flexibility and gives you the skills to commit to action. Through this experience of working alongside and sharing my experiences with others and by also working with a Life Coach I went on a journey that completely transformed my life. I also changed the way I ate and the benefits were immediate.

 

It was at this point that I knew I wanted to change careers and help people, who like me, had reached a bit of tricky point in life. ​

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So what did I learn? 

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I learned the power of being in the present moment, of being mindful and able to notice my thoughts, feelings and actions, rather than constantly operating on autopilot, or being trapped by regrets of the past or worries about the future.

 

As I became more mindful, more self-aware, I was able, by using some amazing tools, to challenge the limiting beliefs and negative thoughts I held.

 

The thoughts that were holding me back, the thoughts and actions that were affecting me physically and mentally and that were keeping me trapped in feelings of fear, self-doubt & imposter syndrome. I changed my mindset and I began to transform. I also  learned the power of acceptance and self-compassion. Two things I realised are essential for change. 

 

I discovered that we can always learn new ways of thinking, being, and doing that better serve us. We can actually rewire our brains (neuroplasticity) and become more in tune with our body and mind. We can overcome the things that hold us back. 

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I also rediscovered my life values, the things that are really important to me. This was probably one of the most valuable life exercises I did. I realised my non-negotiables in life and I prioritised self-care and nutrition. The benefits were immense. I also overcame a life-long sleeping problem. 

 

The end result was that I felt reconnected to myself and those around me.

 

I felt better able to communicate with my loved ones.

 

I felt more present for my children. 

 

I  grew more self-confident, my self-belief returned and the stress disappeared. 

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I felt stronger and more able to navigate the peri menopause. 

 

I learned to respond rather than react to situations. Essentially life balance returned.  

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This new found confidence led me to train as a Holistic Lifestyle & Nutrition Coach and Mind-Body Practitioner, an accredited training with the MindBodyFood Institute, to build on my skills in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT).

 

I want to share with others everything I have learned. And for people to know that change is always possible with the right support. 

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This is not to say that I am always stress free or have it all sorted (who actually does?), but I am now equipped with the skills and tools to make sure that life stays balanced and that I can step back from the edge and choose to act differently. I feel in control. I want others to feel like this too because it is liberating.