Today 21st January, is Race Against Dementia Day, a charity founded by Sir Jackie Stewart, with the aim to raise much needed funds for research into finding a cure for dementia.
I was honoured to meet Jackie Stewart in 2012 when he was giving a talk about his struggle with dyslexia - he is President of Dyslexia Scotland. When he told us he was still unable to recite the alphabet, but had devised methods and strategies to overcome the challenges that dyslexia presents, I was immediately filled with admiration.
Dyslexia was unheard of when Jackie was a schoolboy in the 1950s, and yet his rise to become one of the world’s most inspiring racing drivers is as a result of enduring focus and an uncompromising determination to develop a skill for what he could do - racing cars, and not want he couldn’t - read and write.
This week, I’ve been listening to Quincy Jones’ 12 Notes on Audible. Quincy’s early childhood was filled with trauma: his mother who was locked up in a ‘mental institution’, and his father, who was under the influence of notorious Chicago gangsters, the Jones Boys, was often an absent figure. Quincy chose several reckless paths before stumbling on a piano whilst on a breaking and entering mission. He ran his fingers over the keys and this one small act became embedded in his soul. His book eloquently describes how he taught himself to play a wide variety of instruments, and has received countless global accolades since.
Quincy’s story is another example of how determination and willpower can be the guiding light leading to opportunities for change in the status quo.
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January has hurtled by in an unexpected, joyful and productive way, which is why this blog is a wee bit late.
When I decided to leave education in October 2020 it was a relief. Much as I had enjoyed moments of teaching, I was very much a square peg in a round hole and knew that I was denying myself an opportunity to fully grow without constraints, and follow a path which aligned with my key values: Integrity, Perseverance and Connection.
I became a coach because I know how the power of coaching can challenge embedded thoughts and patterns of behaviour. In 2017 I was embroiled in an unpleasant standoff with a colleague who seemed intent on blocking my attempts at integrating a few pupils on trips and activities. During my coaching training, I was invited to use the Perceptual Position Model to unpick my feelings. 3 chairs were put out, the coach sat in one and I occupied a second. The absent seat represented my adversary. I was asked to describe how I felt about my colleague and so, choosing my words carefully, I articulated to the empty seat how they made me feel. I was then invited to sit in the empty chair, and assume the role of my colleague. Finally, I sat in the 3rd seat and could see how some of my actions, whether well intended or not, could have caused them to be wary of me, which resulted in their aggressive manner towards me. I resolved to approach this colleague with more caution, and to ensure our paths crossed as little as possible, and where possible, engage support from others for the benefit of the young people. Things settled for a while, until, ironically, they were suspended for breaking GDPR, but I’ve never forgotten how stepping in another person’s shoes made me feel about my own behaviour, and I am more mindful of how I might come across to others.
Life is so busy for us all, that taking some time for yourself to work through any concerns in a safe, confidential coaching environment can reap long term rewards. I’m often asked who I coach, and until recently I’ve listed the professions: small business, individuals, those in education. Actually, I’m now going to give a similar response to when I was asked what I taught: I would reply, ‘children’. So who do I coach? I coach anyone who needs a helping hand to navigate unexpected barriers which have caused them to lose focus, momentum and indeed joy from their lives.
You can get back into the driving seat, play your instrument of choice and look forward to a brighter, lighter future filled with moments of wellbeing, joy and overall wellness.
Take a moment to think about your key values, are you in alignment or have other influences nudged you off course? What would you do if you could? What is holding you back? What one change can you make?
Coaching with me can help you find a new focus and move forwards to where you want to be.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Get in touch - details on www.catchinglightwellness.co.uk
Email: charliprime@gmail.com
Today is also National Hug Day - go on, you’ll feel better, even if you hug yourself!
Kung hei fat choy as The Chinese New Year begins tomorrow: the year of the Rabbit.
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