A time to stop....

It’s been one of ‘those’ work weeks – longer than normal and hard.
Hard mentally, physically and emotionally.  Morning Skypes and calls, travelling the breadth of Ireland, trains, planes and automobiles, observing, eating and working in the evening, back in the gym (owch), holding the space for others, client challenges, thinking for me, thinking for others, thinking for the business, more gym, seeing my cottage fleetingly, early morning train to London, I coached, I traveled, I wrote, I spoke to clients and I made things happen and then BAM. I STOPPED. I had to stop. I was called to stop by my heart and by others. ‘What are you on about?’ you may be saying.  Basically I had stretched myself physically, mentally and emotionally. I had over-committed to projects, I was up at 5.45am each morning, meditating, the gym then breakfast. Work starting at 8am. I wasn’t there for people I am collaborating with, I wasn’t there for myself as I had gone into automatic pilot and got on with what was required of me.

Owning your own business, more often than not, sees you going the extra mile, stretching yourself to accommodate everyone’s requests and needs. I like to think I factor my needs into a week, I know I need to resource myself if I am to shine brightly for my clients, friends and family. Guess what? I am human, I forget me and put everyone else first. I am in a helping profession and this is one of my weaknesses – others before me.

​What did I do? 

1. Got support from my trusted network: I spoke with those around me who I knew would hold me and understand my desire to talk from the heart and speak my truth. This group of awesome women shared their wisdom and gave me space.
2. Listened to my intuition: I went home. I missed my cottage, the green fields, the calmness and peace.
3. Cleared my diary: I had 3 commitments in my diary. I was really worried I was letting them down. Guess what – they were cool about it. This behaviour isn’t my normal MOD.
4.  Created space: I gave myself a mental break and chose not to beat myself up.
5. Had an honest conversation: I reconnected with the people I am collaborating with and we talked – a lot – about the journey, how we are feeling, what we need from one another.

​I genuinely believe that as a coach, facilitator and trainer it is important that I resource myself. I must look after me emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. This week I learnt to put me first. I know this isn’t always easy and we will all have a long list of excuses. As we move into Spring think about what you can do to resource yourself, what can you weave into the framework of your world?

Come to an SOF Gathering, find yourself being held within a group of like-minded people, connect, share and learn.  Come and share your stories.
kirsty.lewis@schooloffacilitation.com or jenny.moore@schooloffacilitation.com

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