October heralds a seasonal sensory shift as leaves fall from trees, and the east coast wind whips up sea salt which tantalises nostrils before sticking to window panes. While summer tops are packed away, there is unmistakable excitement at the prospect of rediscovering favourite woolly jumpers from previous winters.
Like many householders, I am acutely aware of the rise in fuel prices, and so far haven’t felt compelled to put the heating on. I wear extra clothes, or wrap in a blanket if watching television. However, I have succumbed to the underfloor heating in my time loft bathroom because of its dual function which is to heat the bathroom as well as the area at the top of the stairs which becomes a vortex of cold air throughout the winter. And during a facilitation call for EASE participants last night, I switched on an electric heater for a while, to take the chill off.
When I was contacted by my energy provider recently, I made a point of reading their email carefully and was astonished that they wanted to double my Direct Debit when I already have a decent credit, which I have been building through the year, to allow for the inevitable winter chills. I double checked their calculations and realised that their estimate for gas usage was 11.5 times more than I used last year! With a shaky hand I emailed “hello@octoenergy.com”, explained my calculations and advised that I would not be changing my DD. The response was swift and almost apologetic, without actually admitting their mistake, and it was agreed my tariff would remain as it is. Had I not thoroughly checked their email, and understood their mistake, I would have had to double my DD. I accept it was an oversight on their part, and I have chosen to stay with this provider, simply because their customer service is so good.
Almost as soon as I closed summer bookings I was struck with Covid. Ironically I had been due to see Dr Gabor Maté at an immersive experience in Glasgow to celebrate his book: When the Body Says No, the Hidden Signs of Stress, but was barely able to lift my head off the pillow. Although I am a lot brighter, my energy levels are fairly depleted, and so am even more mindful not to take my health for granted. Serendipitously, I had enrolled in Amanda Hamilton’s Wellness Women Masterclass and I'm looking forward to her Nutrition Masterclass next week. It was just the boost I needed, having transitioned from cramped loft living with a microwave and air fryer to full kitchen appliances, with storage and utensils. It is undeniably soup and wholesome food weather and I’ve enjoyed making delicious vegetarian bolognese, lentil soup and my special superfood green soup. I have baked low sugar ginger flapjacks and look forward to testing my culinary skills over the next few days, in order to boost not only my immune system but my general health too.
My partner and I were taking it in turns to mop fevered brows, and as we are not used to sharing a space for long periods of time, we have been extra kind and thoughtful towards each other. I’m not going to deny there have been moments of frustration, but by taking ourselves off to separate rooms, or outside, we have avoided an overspill of tension.
Being able to work permanently from home continues to bring me comfort, and prior to becoming unwell, I invested time getting my office sorted, as it becomes a bit of a dumping area during the summer as I am inclined to take my laptop outside when possible. I was notified that Dunbar’s Zero Waste had received a delivery of office furniture last week and, as I happened to be in Dunbar at the time, swung by to have a look. Very little was left but I spied a cupboard and started edging it towards my car, before realising I needed help. I asked a man who had just finished loading a large cabinet into his car, and he duly obliged and was kind and chatty too. We easily lifted the cupboard into my car together. I had no idea how I would get it up to my flat, but had I not asked for help, I would have had to drive away and leave the cupboard behind. Instead I now have an attractive and useful addition to my office, which I have filled with unattractive ring binders and freed up much needed space in the wardrobe. Having discovered the essentials of organisation from 3 years of short term letting, I need a place for everything and have everything in its place, which has significantly improved my home working environment.
(In case you're wondering, I manoeuvred the cupboard onto a wheelbarrow, and then ‘rolled’ it upstairs into my office!)
During a recent coaching conversation with a Level Up client from Know You More, the issue of work environments arose. As my client spoke, they realised that in spite of the several departments in which they had delivered training, very little had changed and although they are keen to implement change, perhaps the culture was never going to suit them. They suddenly looked up, smiled, as the light caught their eyes, and said, ‘Oh wow, I guess if I can’t implement effective changes here, and I'll give it a really good try, I can go elsewhere.’
I love these moments of realisation, when a client catches light and recognises they have choices, and the option they thought was the only one, is only in fact, one of many avenues to explore.
Another client had started our sessions keen to avoid the inevitable teacher burnout that arises towards the end of each term. During our 2nd session, recognition dawned that instead of hurtling towards a blind tunnel, they could take a meandering path, accepting that there would be inevitable fluctuations. Furthermore, by handing over some duties to other staff members, taking time for themselves during the week, and really thinking about what needed to be achieved rather than being stuck with what they thought needed to be done, they have started to rethink longer term intentions.
A client who only needed one session with me, chose to undertake a programme of study, rather than pursue their part-time teaching job. It meant short term sacrifices in the family, but the initial study has finished and until starting again in 2024 they are enjoying a mixed bag of supply teaching. They are energised, have fallen back in love with teaching and have a very clear plan as to where they want to be heading longer term.
Coaching does make a difference. I give you permission to take time to articulate what is on your mind and I give you confidential space, insightful questions and intuitive feedback so that you can have your ‘A-ha’ moment too!
Get in touch - I have tailored packages to suit your needs. There is no upfront fee, A discovery discussion is free and puts you under no obligation whatsoever.I will not lock you into any more sessions than you actually need, and you can let me know what is a realistic budget for you.
I’m really looking forward to hearing from you and will celebrate the moment as you catch the light towards wellness.
All you have to do is email charli@catchinglightwellness.co.uk and we will arrange a free discovery discussion.
You can also find me here: www.catchinglightwellness.co.uk; Twitter @CharliPrime, LinkedIn @CharliPrime, Instagram @catching_light_wellness.
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