The short version

I was in a corporate career - Managing global brand and communications projects at a big four firm and appearing to be doing OK. I was actually lost, stuck, dissatisfied; you get the picture. I discovered writing and journaling and it saved me. It gave me an outlet to express myself and, crucially, I discovered different aspects of myself which gave me more agency in my life and helped me understand who I am and what I want/don't want. 
 
I wanted to share this powerful tool and Write for your Life public workshops were born.

Now I'm much happier and continue to develop every day.


The longer version

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m pretty evangelical about writing – a conversation barely goes by without it popping up – I can’t help it! Writing to process, organise and make sense of myself and the world has been life changing for me and I want to help other people to see how it can help them to live a better, easier and more enjoyable life – something I don’t think is too much to ask for.

I was a serial ‘searcher’ and had consumed every self-help book, TED talk and self-development course going. I’d looked everywhere, in retrospect, for myself: laughter yoga, flamenco dancing, radio production, sculpture, abstract art, singing, playing instruments, dancing, meditating and various volunteering jobs. I could go on. Still, I felt disconnected, all the while feeling – with rising panic - that time was running out, fast.

Everything changed when I attended a weekend workshop in 2014 - which introduced me to free-writing. Free-writing is a bit like journaling in that it’s a splurge of what’s on your mind. It’s continuous, unedited writing.  
 
Writing gave me much needed headspace and a way to process what I was experiencing. It was clear I hadn’t been processing anything. More like shoving it all away in some internal cupboard that was ready to burst. And once I had the space to breathe, I began to discover and connect to myself and get clearer on what I wanted and what brings me fulfilment. I started to feel more grounded and in control, to feel calmer, healthier, happier and hopeful. All that, and it was fun and creative too!

After making everyone I know have a go (they all enjoyed it, honest), I made the leap in 2018 and started using writing professionally to inspire and enable people through coaching and running workshops.

My journey is far from over. Life has its own schedule and I don’t believe in forcing outcomes. But I do know I’m on the right path, defining my own version of success, and spending my time doing things that satisfy and fulfil me and that’s what I want to help other people do. Wherever I end up, I know that writing will help me get there.

You can hear everyday people talking to me about what writing gives them on my Write for your life podcast.

Coaching

I trained as a coach with the Academy of Executive Coaching in 2011. I chose this course as there was a pass/fail, which not all training providers offer. As well as my own model of exploration and discovery through writing, I work with the Co-active model which holds that you are already whole, i.e., don't need changing or fixing. That only you can know what's right for you, and it's my job to give you space, listen, ask you the right questions - always following your agenda – and to help you have the aha moments you need to make the changes you want. I support direction vs goals as it’s less prescriptive and enables you to be more flexible when moving forwards.

Mental Health First Aid

I completed training as a Mental Health First Aider in February 2022. Certificate.  

"Life moves pretty fast, if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you might miss it." Ferris Bueller​