An Alternative to Resolutions

By Michelle Mclean There is something about this time of year that has always prompted introspection and reflection. Last Christmas this was particularly prevalent, as the impact of Covid-19 had changed the way we lived and for many, changed what we prioritised. There was increased talk of #bekind, looking after each other and spending time…… Continue reading An Alternative to Resolutions

Permission to Pause

How often do you daydream? I mean really, truly getting lost in your thoughts and drifting off for a while? In a recent article in Psychologies Magazine they covered the idea of soft fascination. This is where we balance periods of intense focus with periods of less intensity. It is giving ourselves permission to pause.…… Continue reading Permission to Pause

Forty

It’s my fortieth birthday this month. People have been politely calling it my ‘big ‘birthday so perhaps I’m only supposed to whisper it or just not mention the number at all. Forty. FORTY. FORTY! Sorry, not sorry. Each birthday is a blessing. I’m grateful every time I get to see another one but especially this…… Continue reading Forty

Root to Rise

Despite having a regular yoga practise, I had a frustrating half an hour on my yoga mat early this morning. I was unsteady and I wobbled the entire time. Even in Tadasana (mountain pose), which is standing still with both feet on the ground, I found it difficult to maintain good balance. There is a…… Continue reading Root to Rise

Study Tips For Students

This summer I graduated from the Open University having studied Creative Writing and English Literature on their Open Degree pathway. Like so many who opt to study with the OU, I did so because of the flexibility it offered. I’ve since been reflecting on how that flexibility worked for me in practice around my commitments…… Continue reading Study Tips For Students

Goldilocks Was On To Something

By Michelle Mclean Goldilocks has a bad reputation. What with the trespassing and the criminal damage, she’s not too popular, especially amongst bears. I think she might have been on to something though. Hear me out… You know the story. A curious girl stops off (uninvited) at a house in the woods, scoffs some porridge,…… Continue reading Goldilocks Was On To Something

There’s No Such Thing As The Perfect Time

In 2015, whilst on maternity leave with my second child, I felt a sense of restlessness and a loss of identity. I had a sense that something needed to change but I couldn’t quite identify what. Unable to get clarity, I asked myself some of my favourite questions I’ve asked my coaching clients and then…… Continue reading There’s No Such Thing As The Perfect Time

Life Lessons From The Garden

Connecting to nature is part of my self-care, so having a bright, colourful outdoor space at home is important to me. I’m not much of a gardener but I do try to have a go. I take tips from the seasoned gardeners in my family but mostly, it’s trial and error. I’ve had a reasonable…… Continue reading Life Lessons From The Garden

Bringing Your Expertise

By Michelle Mclean I was recently given a crash course in how to use iMovie. I wasn’t a particularly willing student but my teacher was patient, encouraging and affirming. She sensed my discomfort and gently guided me. That teacher was my eight-year-old daughter. Creating a friendly environment for me to learn in, came naturally to…… Continue reading Bringing Your Expertise

Vulnerability could help improve our relationships.

Recently I had a mid-morning Zoom call with a regular client, who I’ll call Ellie. As the call connected, she immediately apologised for her camera being off and confessed “The thing is, I’m still in my dressing gown”. I joked that I was fully dressed ‘for a change’ and gave her a twirl to prove…… Continue reading Vulnerability could help improve our relationships.