Maria Newman Coaching
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Grab a cup of your favourite something, make yourself comfy and then allow yourself the time to read one of my blogs.
How will you be celebrating our Mothers?
In our current climate, celebrating mothers’ day is going to be different. We’ll have to be more creative, especially if our mums are self-isolating.
Trying to help my anxious daughter, part 3
As a mum, it’s upsetting to see your child trying to deal with their own anxieties. Here’s some practical tips to help you help them.
International Women’s Day – 8th March
Did you know that the first International Women’s Day (IWD) was in 1911? Neither did I. To be honest, I wasn’t really aware of IWD until a couple of years ago. I remember thinking at the time that it must be a relatively new thing. How wrong was I? So I decided to educate myself.
Trying to help my anxious daughter, part 2
Imagine what it feels like to see your daughter run away from you because the thing she fears is so big she needs to run instead of fight.
That’s what happened a couple of weeks ago. The fear of the fire alarm and walking into school was so great for my daughter that as soon as we stepped outside of the house she ran. I don’t think I’ve run so fast in my life. I was like lightening.
This really scared me.
Trying to help my anxious daughter, part 1
The last few weeks have been pretty challenging for me as a mum. You see, my daughter is struggling a bit. Struggling for several reasons and as a result, getting her to school is really hard. She is a bright, loving, funny little girl. Academically, she is not struggling. She has lots of friends at school. She really enjoys actually being in school. She thinks her school teacher is amazing. So, it’s a bit confusing.
Who will you be loving on Valentine’s day?
Have you booked a restaurant? Are you having a romantic meal at home? Are you confused by all these questions?
In a couple of days, it will be Valentine’s Day. The day when apparently, couples show love by showering each other with cards, gifts and a romantic meal. Or do they?
I think Valentine’s Day is like marmite. You either love it or hate it.
Are you a square peg in a round hole?
When I started my corporate career, I was keen and eager. I wanted to do well. I wanted to fit in. Obviously. I mean who doesn’t want to fit in? Plus, I was young and I wanted to learn from those with more experience. Take on board feedback. Be a good employee.
I remember one incident where I was actually told I was too enthusiastic. I was politely told to reign it in. My enthusiasm was likened to that of an enthusiastic puppy. At the time, I thought this feedback was reasonable. And so, I took on board what was said and started to “reign it in”. That was the first step to putting on my invisible straightjacket. Slightly altering who I was to fit in.
Having the courage to change
Have I mentioned that life is short? Yes, I have. And so, I want to fill it with whatever makes me happy. Or at least limit doing things that make me either unhappy or just go ‘meh’.
This first started when I decided to change jobs. To find work that I wanted to do. It was that niggling feeling, that I actually had for years, that was telling me that I needed a change. But I was comfortable. Very comfortable. I had a good job. I was well paid. Why would I need to change anything?
One change leads to another
Since 2017, I’ve experienced a lot of change. Some I’ve instigated. The rest is just life. The thing is, change is inevitable. It’s not worth fighting it as that’s just starting a losing battle. Instead, it’s about managing it. That way you’re ready to at least be open to enjoying the journey plus something exciting might come from it.
You see change doesn’t have to be bad. Even if you think it’s being done to you. It’s all about perspective. It’s all about the possibilities that might come.
Where do I start?
So, I’d left my corporate job. I didn’t really have a plan. But what I did have was space and time. Space and time to decide what was next. A blank piece of paper ready to fill. Can you imagine what that was like? Scary? Exciting? Daunting? Liberating?
For me, it was great. It felt like a breath of fresh air. It was like that feeling you get when you’ve been stuck indoors for what feels like ages. Then you step outside and take a big deep breath in. All that pure air fills your lungs and it feels good.
Download your Personal Life Assesment
It’s time to take stock of where you are and where you want to go.