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.
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.
I Want To Help
Over the last 6 months, I’ve been thinking a lot. I’ve been reflecting and thinking. Reflecting on the last few years. Thinking about all the things that have happened. So much has changed. If you’d told me at the beginning of 2016 that in a few years I would have left the security of my corporate job and I’d be doing my own thing, I doubt I would have believed you. Although, I would have been intrigued.
How will you keep busy over the festive season?
Christmas can be expensive, so over the festive season I am more mindful of the money we spend. For me, the important thing is spending time with our family and friends. However, the kiddies can get a little bored being dragged from house to house.
We’re lucky to live in such a vibrant city that offers so many opportunities for families. Plus, by being a little creative and investing time in doing a little research, you can find things to do that won’t break the bank.
Here are some ideas you might like to try.
What are you doing on Christmas Day?
Hands up if you’re a fan of Christmas? I love it. I think I always have. It’s the magic of this time of year. The streams of fairy lights that dress the houses of our road. The smell of the Christmas tree in our lounge. And of course, the infectious excitement of our kiddies. As far as they’re concerned, the lead up to Christmas started months ago!
So, what will your day look like? Are you hosting Christmas or is someone else? Even better, are you going out?
What do you do on Christmas Eve?
I’ve definitely got that Christmas feeling. The tree is up and decorated. Our children are practicing for their Christmas performances. I’ve started to write Christmas cards and Christmas shopping has begun. Plus, one of my favourite things is planning what delicious feasts I will be cooking over Christmas.
I love this time of year. I mean, what’s not to love. And it’s even more special because of my children. They get so excited. I don’t know of a child that doesn’t get excited.
Do you have a side hustle?
Before going into business for myself I’d never heard the term side hustle. However, now I hear it regularly. It feels like it’s an overused term. But maybe that’s probably because there are so many people who have a ‘side hustle’. Or, maybe it’s because lots of people are looking to get a ‘side hustle’.
So, what is it? Well, it’s something you do in addition to your main job. I think, for most, it’s usually to bring in some extra cash. However, for others a side hustle can come from something that they are genuinely passionate about. Like photography, making homemade goods or fitness.
Would you become a Vegan, part 3?
My little journey into discovering what being vegan actually means has opened my eyes to vegan food and also the health benefits of a vegan lifestyle. However, I am a mother so what’s really important to me are my children.
As you know, my children are my priority. I want them to have a good life. I want them to have good experiences. I want them to be the best they can be. For me, this is about them having the opportunity to gain knowledge so that they can make informed decisions. Be better equipped so that they have good judgment.
Would you become a Vegan, part 2?
So in part 1, I dipped my toe into the world of being a vegan. Mainly, the food. After all, I love food so this was the natural place to start. But it’s not just about the actual food we’re consuming. It’s about choosing to live a healthy lifestyle.
Now, from what I can tell, the definition of a healthy lifestyle is about reducing the risk of becoming ill through exercise, eating and managing mental wellbeing. Deciding to lead a vegan lifestyle obviously is just one way of living a healthier lifestyle and it appears to me that it’s mainly about diet.
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It’s time to take stock of where you are and where you want to go.