In a nutshell:

I have re-emerged as a creative, a contemporary artist, performer, singer, and comic. It’s what I always was meant to do, but didn’t for a while!

At the same time, I work to assist others, as a positive energy promoter, resilience practitioner, a self development expert, an ex OT and a trained life coach.

I can now feel the confidence to admit I used to be driven by fear. I, like many ‘shadow artists’ (described by Julia Cameron, auther of the The Artists Way), chose security and social conformity over following my true calling. I was too afraid of not surviving as an artist, too bothered about what others might think, too worried about the insecurity and so when it came to openly sharing my gifts and talents with the world, it seemed like an impossible choice.

Does this sound familiar?

Underneath I was a socially anxious extrovert, hiding in the shadows. I was the stage manager not the person on stage. I struggled with ‘imposter syndrome’ and set myself plenty of self limiting beliefs which I allowed to stop me even trying a career in the arts.

But not any more, and I’m here to share how I did it.

With the other half of my background being in healthcare and self development, I am passionate about how we can all feel more joy and have a better quality of life. I got into positive psychology and having got back into the arts, am currently exploring the way we can be more childlike more often to develop a playful, lighthearted and comedic mindset in order to raise good energy, increase positive emotions and create momentum towards joy, lighting a spark and following our dreams and ambitions. I am also wanting to share what I’ve been learning about positive psychology and the theory behind what makes us thrive and blossom.

The inspiration for my work is as a wounded healer and evolved over time through having to make my own self development and healing journey (which I am still on) and finding that sharing what I know so far, speaks to others.

I am passionate about helping people who give to remain resilient in tough times by finding as many ways as possible to feel positive emotions.

This is especially for those of you who know that really, you are a Creative and for some reason you haven’t been showing the world what you’re made for!

If you want to read more…..

Career & Education:

Now:

• a performer

• workshop leader

• running a coaching & mentoring practice since 2017.

• a trained Associate Life Coach via the International Coach Federation.

• a College of Wellbeing trained resilience practitioner.

• I’ve come to embrace that I’m a multi-potentialite, meaning I’m passionate about lots of things, not afraid to change & develop my career. Above all else, I love to keep learning.

Previously:

• While my son was little I worked as a professional gardener for HRH the Prince of Wales at Highgrove. I found one of my happy places/sanctuaries for myself in nature & gardening.

• Originally from an NHS Occupational Therapy background, I have over 25 years experience of working with people of all ages including children with additional needs and vulnerable adults experiencing mental health issues as an Occupational Therapist. I’ve worked 1:1 with a multitude of people from all walks of life, led various types of groups including for mindfulness, resilience and wellbeing,

• Prior to this I worked in education, in primary schools and respite care for children with additional & complex needs.

• Originally I studied a BA Honours degree was in Visual and Performing arts. I always used to be creative and devised & been involved in creative projects. These included nature & land art, street theatre, music, dance and singing but never dared turn it into a career.

Personal Journey:

Through reflecting long and hard on my own adverse experiences from childhood and working to assist hundreds of people going through their own vulnerable times over the years, I have ended up knowing a lot about mental health, wellbeing, self awareness, personal development and how to be resilient.

Now in midlife, I have managed to step out and pursue being the artist and performer that I was meant to be.

I have found, it is possible for us to turn things around and lead an increasingly content, happy, authentic and unabashed life!

I’m doing what I love and my wish for you is that you can do what you love and follow your calling too!

Thinking about and doing things you love is soooo important!

So what do you love to do? What’s your dream?

Things that I LOVE (I call it a Childing Blueprint) are:

• creativity and the arts in all forms.

• nature, plants, animals, the universe and David Attenborough and his peers.

• caring, love & romance, especially my guilty pleasure of watching cheesy rom coms and period dramas.

• learning new things every day (or I get bored)

• wondering at it all and saying “wow” a lot with a beginner’s mind.

• laughing a lot especially with friends and loved ones.

• dancing, singing, playing, performing, comedy, being creative and arty.

• discovering I’m part clown!

I’d love to hear what’s on your Childing blueprint list!