This made me laugh on my walk this morning - it looks as if the chair has been drinking all night, but the owner will certainly be travelling lighter without the food and wine to carry!
Planning and preparation have always been an integral part of my life and I used to joke that I could be spontaneous so long as I was organised. Organising a recent visit to London to catch up with my beautiful daughters, their generous partners and my adorable granddaughter, began 3 months ago, booking a train seat, and arranging for friends to look after Jilly. As the day for departure neared and my excitement increased, all washing and ironing was completed 2 days prior to travel, and all packing and general tidying the evening beforehand. My eldest daughter and granddaughter were meeting me and, not wanting to trundle a suitcase over London’s busy streets, I travelled light, using a rucksack and tote bag.
Travelling light is more than just the amount of physical luggage taken on a journey, it’s also about letting go of unwanted, unnecessary and sometimes unpleasant emotional baggage. This is not an easy process, nor should it be undertaken lightly, because the outcome can be surprising, might need a period of adjustment, and requires perseverance while establishing new and sustainable habits. Coaching sessions with me can help you navigate past what is holding you back, so that joy and gratitude become a comfortable and natural part of your life. And as you think more positively you will naturally lean into your values. I’ve written previously of my own ‘Ah - ha’ moment when driving to Skye in 2019 to participate in the Columba 1400 HTLA (Head Teachers Leadership Academy) while listening to Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead:
“Integrity is choosing courage over comfort; choosing what is right over what is fun, fast or easy; and choosing to practise our values rather than simply professing them”.
By the age of 54 years, I had never considered what my key values were, but as Columba 1400’s leadership academies focus on values, being able to articulate and actively embrace mine has been a journey of discovery and empowerment ever since. Integrity, Perseverance and Connection are the top 3 values I adhere to closely followed by Intuition, Love and Nature.
Of course there had to have been an inner driver, a moral compass, which guided me to where I am now, and in spite of a few bad decisions and mistakes along the way, every day I am grateful to see a new day dawn, watch my family grow, and spend time in nature.
Coaching a diverse range of clients, prompts me to stay curious, to develop personal and professional learning so that I continue to show up as my most authentic self, while also empowering me to put necessary boundaries in place. I adhere strictly to the EMCC Global Code of Ethics, which serves to maintain confidentiality, impartiality and empathy towards my clients.
Boundaries help to create judgement on what is important at any given time, and can offer protection against exposure to harmful influences or practices. If you begin to feel rushed into making a decision you’re not ready for, practise saying, “not just now”, or “give me time to think”, “thank you but this is the wrong time/ place/ situation”, or simply “No”. These phrases are not rude or dismissive, but when delivered in a thoughtful and considerate manner, set a tone which is easily understood and empowering. Those who struggle to accept boundaries, possibly haven't established personal values and boundaries, and might need deeper therapeutic opportunities offered by professional counsellors.
At the end of the day it’s ok to say no to colleagues, family members, potential investors or friends when planning a comfortable life/work balance.
During the summer months I boost my income by sharing my home with holiday makers, and because I live on the property at all times, there was a need to create a set of expectations, and rules, not only to keep myself safe but to ensure guests have a comfortable environment to stay in. My ratings this year have been mostly 5* with only one personal complaint about having too many rules. Ironically, in the run up to their stay with me, I had provided detailed travel arrangements, including transfers from the airport, bus and train times, so when a late departure was requested, I felt very comfortable with politely telling them that I had a sharp check out time, in order to prepare the flat for new guests.
While walking through Tooting Commons last Thursday, my attention was drawn to a sandwich board advertising an art exhibition. My curiosity was piqued, particularly since I recently started painting again. I chatted amiably to Gina, one of the artists and curator, for a few moments and we soon discovered that we have both participated in Louise Fletcher’s Find Your Joy taster course, have become grandparents in the past year and are life coaches. These moments of connecting with like minded people generate positive affirmations and increase confidence in the decisions we make.
When you practise your values, especially self care and love, boundaries will occur naturally and you can travel lighter, safe in the knowledge that only one person can live your life in the way you deserve.
Follow Columba 1400 for #30daysofvalues
** SPECIAL OFFER**
FINAL CALL for Special Offer, £150 for 3x 1 hour online sessions and only a few places available:
Coaching with me can keep you on track as you continue on your well-being journey.
**SPECIAL OFFER** is extended to all those who work with young people in schools and community settings - 3 sessions for £150, a massive saving of £135, or if you are a NEW CLIENT!
Please get in touch, to book a session before 30th September. 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; LinkedIn @CharliPrime, Instagram @catching_light_wellness.
ps £50 a session is cheaper than a big night out these days and has a longer lasting impact!
Comments