Catkin Coaching

09/09/2022

23/04/2022

Metamorphosis - change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one.

Change can feel hard and messy sometimes, we know we need to make changes but staying with what we know feels safer, easier, and so we do nothing. 

But just like the life cycle of the butterfly, change can also give you wings 🦋.

Coaching can help you explore your thoughts, feelings and ideas and creates an empowering way for you to move forward in a way that feels right for you. 

If you're interested in finding out how coaching can support you with changes you want to make in your life, get in touch, it would be great to hear from you.

Nancy x

 

26/03/2022

This is Peanut (or 'Poppy' as I found out she's being called when she sleeps in our neighbour's home! ❤).

Peanut can often be found sleeping in this basket, curled up tight, taking up all available space 🐾)

My other cat Gizmo, who is not quite 1ry old, wants to play with Peanut all the time. Gizmo seeks her out, she'll chase her, jump on her as she walks past and generally try to be near her all the time. This basket gives Peanut some walls, some boundaries, a small sanctuary where she can curl up and sleep in peace.

It got me thinking about how we humans do similar by setting boundaries. We set boundaries to protect our time and our safety, we set them in relationships, working/home balance, financially, to name just a few examples.

Our boundaries can be virtually non-existent and ineffective, or like Peanut's, very clear!

Sometimes the boundaries we set ourselves work really well. And other times, or in different situations, we might struggle to keep them or find that they are limiting us.

What boundaries do you set and are they effective? Do they give you enough space to do and be all the things you want to do in life?

If you have a feeling that you need to set some new or stronger boundaries in life, or if the ones you have are limiting you and need redefining, coaching can help.

Coaching can provide a supportive and empowering environment for you to explore your boundaries and figure out what you them to be, so you can make that goal your reality.

Get in touch by DM or email me at [email protected] to find out more

Nancy x

11/03/2022

If you have experienced loss and want support adjusting to your changed life, coaching can provide a supportive environment for you to talk, to manage emotions and it gives you space for you to focus on you, without judgement or worry about how others are feeling.

We can experience many types of loss in life, perhaps it's the death of a loved one, or the end of a relationship, or career that ended not through choice. Adapting to a life after a significant loss can be hard, no matter what type of loss it is, and grief is the response we feel to that loss.

While there are similarities in people's grief, each person will have their own experience which is unique to them. There is no book that can tell you what you'll feel or how long it will take - it takes as long as it takes, despite society wanting us to be 'back to normal' in no time.

If you're interested in coaching for loss, please get in touch, it would be lovely to hear from you.

Nancy x
[email protected]

02/03/2022

Whether it's feeling pressure to decide what our career should be at 16 years old, feeling inadequate as we compare ourselves to what our peers have and do, or not moving through grief in the way text books say we will, society's clock doesn't always run the same time as our own.

That's okay...

You have your own clock...

Live your life in your own time...

You'll get there when you get there, and in your own unique way

Coaching can be a great way for you to discover what's important to you, where you want to get to and supports you moving forward in a way that's right for you.

If you're interested in finding out more about how it can help you get in touch.
Nancy

11/02/2022

To me, catkins are beautiful, symbolising new growth – from a small flower the mighty tree grows.

Spring will soon be here, hopefully with warmer days.

Are you ready to come out from your winter slumber and set some intentions for yourself?

Nancy

[email protected]
www.catkincoaching.com

28/01/2022

Who do you give thanks for in your life?

Have you told them recently?

Today I would like to give thanks to this lovely man.

This is my husband. I'm grateful to have him in my life.

He is one of the cleverest people I know. He can fix just about anything and still makes me laugh 20 years on.

He keeps me safe, he keeps me grounded and supports me and our children always.

I might not always agree with him, or be able to stop him drinking the milk straight out the fridge, which is really frigging annoying, but there isn't anyone I'd rather partner up with.

This one is for you Gary, thank you for being you, and for all you do for us 😍

Wishing you all a lovely weekend
Nancy

11/01/2022

What's your self-talk gremlin like? Critical, impatient, unforgiving, rude...

Would you talk to your child/parent/friend in the same way as you talk to yourself? If the answer is no, perhaps it's time to bring a bit more kindness to your self-talk.

Your subconscious brain is listening to that voice all day long, day in day out.

So why not give your gremlin a make over, make it a bit more friendly, a bit more encouraging and compassionate, you'll be amazed at the difference this can make to to how you feel, think and act.

If you'd like to explore what your self-talk is like then coaching is a great place to do this. Get in touch, DM me to find out more.

Nancy
[email protected]

07/01/2022

This is a great time to take some time out to set some intentions for the year ahead.

For me, it's spending more quality time with my friends and family. It's setting clearer boundaries with work/home life balance and it's continuing with my sobriety.

No matter how big or small your goal is, set the intention.

If you'd like coaching to support you in achieving your goals for 2022, get in touch it would be great to hear from you.

Nancy x ❤

29/12/2021

In my yoga class yesterday as I stood, wobbling and shaking trying to hold my posture in the correct way, my teacher said 'old habits never disappear, you have to replace them with stronger new habits".

Very true I thought - those bad habits are much easier to replace with good ones, than to simply resist.

This reminded me of James Clear's brilliant book, Atomic Habits (well worth a read if you have time). We are what we repeatedly do.

As we near the end of the year, many people will be thinking of New Year resolutions for the year ahead....for some it will be less alcohol and sugar, for others more exercise and learning, or maybe it is making certain things or people more of a priority.

Whatever the habit is you want to create, coaching can be a supportive and effective way to help you achieve this.

If you'd like support in bringing positive change to your life, get in touch, it would be great to work with you.

Wishing you all a safe and peaceful year ahead.

Nancy x

01/12/2021

The festive period sounds like such a magical time, with TV adverts depicting warm homes with laughter and presents galore. A month of social gatherings with those dear to us and mountains of treats and special days out. But, often, the reality can be quite different.

For some people, this time of year will be poignant, a time of reflection after a difficult year. It might be more focused on remembering and supporting one another. For others, it will be a time to let go and celebrate with a month full of social touchpoints. We are all unique with our own needs and desires.

So, before the festive period kicks off, take some time to acknowledge what you need and want this year so you can make that vision your reality.

Working out what’s important to you is such a valuable exercise to do, not just for Christmas but in life in general, too. If you don’t know what’s important to you, how can you create a life that will meet your needs and wants?

Here are some questions to ask yourself, to help you bring awareness to what can contribute to making this year feel right for you:

Who do you actually want to see?
Do you have traditions that are important?
What do you most want to do in your time off?
Where do you most enjoy spending time?
How much time can you spend with others before you want to scream (perhaps set some boundaries before that point)?

27/11/2021

I love cats, as you know. One of the many reasons I like to live with a cat is they help me when I find myself worrying.

You know the 'they aren't home yet I hope they are okay' worries, or worry that so often appears when waiting for news, or thinking about all the terrible things that might happen (but probably won't)...

At moments like these I'll find one of my cats and sit with them or lay down next to them and watch and stroke them, bringing all my attention to my cat.

Cats never fail to help me find calmness. Their beauty, meticulous cleaning routine, the feel of their soft fur, the peace they appear to have (even after committing such heinous murders). They help me bring my thoughts away from worry and into more of a mindful state.

If I'm not at home or I can't find one to be with and I want to block the worry, then I'll imagine my cats, using all my senses - to help banish the worry.

What are your strategies for dealing with worry? Share in the comments below.

Nancy x