Welcome to my first post! Is there anybody out there?! I say this because “blogging” is new to me but I really want to connect with as many people as possible so here goes!

For the last 30 years my work has involved helping people and organisations in various ways, mainly in the areas of Occupational Rehabilitation, Disability Management, Equality and Personal Development. I have worked for large and small organisations, public and private and I also set up my own business.

Between 2008 and 2012 I found my resilience being tested due to many reasons including the recession, starting and ending of businesses and personal loss. The purpose of my life was undoubtedly about survival and the main goal was to keep going financially, practically and emotionally. I began to forget what I loved about some of my work which troubled me.

During the same period I began training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. CBT was the best personal development I ever did.  It helped me to become more resilient at a time when I really needed it. I did keep going and I did survive but resilience did not come without cost and in truth I was the classic mid-life burn out.

Eventually I took some time out, rested, cut back on some work that no longer fitted with my values, did some more learning; asked myself a lot of questions and trusted that the answers would come. Some of my thinking really challenged me. I spent time thinking about what others wanted for me vs what I wanted now; what I thought I should be doing at this point in my life vs. what I wanted to be doing etc.

I used my CBT training, life experience and other learning to remind myself that I am responsible for my thinking and my emotions, that I can choose my responses to events and people, that I don’t have to define myself based on other people’s opinions of me, and ultimately that the life I choose and how I lead it is down to me. I also learned more about slowing down, getting balance in my life and the importance of wellness. The answers did come and continue to come!!

I have moved house, re-balanced my life, re- focussed my work and continue to learn!  I have been reminded that I am at my best when I am helping others to achieve their goals and enabling others to live their lives of choice. And that is why my working mission statement is to help others find their purpose, define their goals and help them to live their life of their choice.