Making plans in the recession

I have recently been asked by a couple of journalists for my opinion on coaching's place during the recession. It is an interesting subject particularly due to the fact that many life coaches are in fact experiencing a boom during these months. This is a time where people feel lost, out of control and stressed about their futures. So, it is the perfect time to see a coach.

The last querie I had was whether or not I had worked with clients who had lost their jobs and had hugely positive, life changing experiences through coaching. No, was the quick answer. More interestingly than that however, was the fact that those who I was predominantly working with were people in relatively secure jobs. Those who, out of everyone, need not have been as concerned. What the recession has done, is left everyone keen to make a Plan B. From day to day, people don't think about their future as much as I would encourage. It's only when things become unsettled that people plan alternative routes.

So, everyone is taking stalk of what they are doing and there is a huge shift in those in good jobs making the bold decision that they want something else, something different, something more 'me'. I am talking about people in secure office jobs making good money wanting to do things much more creative and hands on, antisocial hours and with much less pay. People are prepared to risk it in order to be happy. I believe this is due to fear that has come with the recession. There is also a surge of my clients who now want to retrain in their new desired field.

And by understanding what it is they want, they very quickly decide to make it Plan A.

Let the weather be on your side

I find it fascinating and amusing that during certain weathers people can be so miserable. Now, I am not doubting that there are a few people out there who genuinely suffer from S.A.D. - seasonal affective disorder. But the rest of us? We just like a good moan.

I am often faced with gaping mouths and startled expressions when I meet someone amidst a downpour and reply to their 'This weather, aye!' with 'I know, its great isn't it?'. I can hear their minds desperately trying to seek out the 'greatness' in the desperate situation. But it is in fact not a desperate situation at all. Is it? I like to find the positives in all areas of life in order to remain happy and upbeat. The rain to me says; we have fertile grounds to grow an array of food, we are not likely to have huge water shortages, its a great time for jogging and how much fun little children can have in their wellies. We have been blessed with waterproof skin and unless the rain turns into acid, I don't see much of an ordeal.

Billy Connolly once said 'There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing. So, get yourself a sexy raincoat and live a little'.

Brilliant.

Might it in fact be, that we are not angry with the weather itself but angry at ourselves for being unprepared? Would it seem as bad had we packed that brolly? Or had an alternative 'wet weather' activity up our sleeve?

As I lay thinking about my next blog entry, the 'heavens opened' (what a frightening expression for something so harmless). I could have grunted and snorted about the injustice of it all. Instead, I shut my eyes and let the pitter-patter on the window soothe and relax me with its rhythmic sounds. As I sat on the bus on my way to a client, I witnessed two ladies pushing buggies in t shirts getting soaked through but barely able to walk with their laughter at the hilarious scene they found themselves in. I laughed too and then some others on the bus joined me. Me thinking; I wish I was out there with them, the others probably thinking how lucky they were to be dry.

So, stop yourself the next time you're about to complain about the weather. Stomp in those puddles like you don't care, have an electrical storm party and throw leaves into the wind just because you can.

Lighten up folks, it'll do you the world of good.

Book suggestion

Hello!

I was recommended a book on Saturday which I bought today and read in one sitting. It's 'Peaks and Valleys' by Spencer Johnson and is a lovely, inspirational read.

It helps us better understand how to deal with our Valleys and how to appreciate our Peaks. I will do my best to stick to its philosophy which is wonderfully simple yet effective for every situation and scenario.

It is written as a little story which makes an easy read so great for those tedious bus journeys. Put your commute to good use and get this book.

Know your direction

I love this.

'Would you tell me, please, which way i ought to go from here?'
'That depends a good deal on where you want to get to ' said the cat.
'I don't much care where...' said Alice.
'Then it doesn't matter which way you go,' said the cat.

Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll

New experiences

Have you ever had an evening off where you fancied something other than a night on the sofa watching Eastenders? Maybe you had an entirely free weekend that you wanted to pack full of fun and exciting things? What did you end up doing?

I am all too familiar with the dilemma of doing the same old things time and time again. If it is raining then the list is always shopping or the cinema and as my husband doesn't like the sound of others munching on copious amounts of popcorn, shopping it is. But for those times when it is nearing the end of the month and that is out the question too, racking our brains for new experiences can prove a challenge. This blast of hot weather hasn't helped matters either. We are not used to having the sunshine on our side. What can you do in the sun? Picnic, beach, hillwalk. These are the same three that appear on the short list around the same time of year. I want something new, something different.

For those looking to add new things to their tired lists and tick off the wonderfully amazing things achieved up to this stage, check out http://www.diddit.com


From eating new foods to staying somewhere out of this world, this website will never leave you stuck for ideas.

New experiences keep you mentally active which is always good for the soul.

Running for my life

So, I wake up today feeling a little stiff but with a big smile on my face. I did the Race for Life yesterday. For anyone who hasn't either participated or spectated, it is a wonderful event. It kicks off around 10am with inspirational stories from survivors of different cancers. They each remind you what this event is for and how important all the sponsorship is for research purposes. Then there are clips shown on a huge screen of stories of those who didn't make it. Because everyone is facing the same way, you get the opportunity to read people's dedications pinned to their backs. I run this race for.... and a sea of different names, each a stranger to you yet each poignant in their own right. Everyone is there for the same reason and not many can say they didn't have a lump in their throat at one stage of the morning.

Just before the race began, a giant warm up took place and this really got people siked up to go. Being piped up to the start line felt like being part of something special and when the horn blasted to announce we were off, I was giddy as a kipper.

Myself and my sister were a little way back and so it took us a few minutes to actually get over the start line. We were amidst thousands of ladies all in pink and that alone was incentive to keep jogging as long as I could. Unfortunately, I had thought the race was going around the other direction of Arthurs Seat, this was what I had practiced, so was really concerned when everyone ran in the other direction. That meant the steep bit of hill to begin. It was a gentle running pace though as there were just so many people. And quite quickly people began slowing down and walking. I kept going with my sister saying constantly 'we're nearly there' 'you've nearly made it to the top'. And I did make it to the top without stopping. I was so red and so hot but I had never imagined being able to do it. So, only another 4km to go. Back on the flat I had the chance to catch my breath again and was pleased about overtaking a good few people. Not that I was trying to get a good time - I don't even know what a good time is. I just wanted to jog all the way if I could. A couple of moments around the top just caught me out and I had to slow it down to catch my breath. My sister was fantastic though, distracting me with stories of things I can't even remember now and telling me to keep going. As soon as we had come to the downhill I knew I had done it. By the finish line I had nothing left in me and my sister tried to make me sprint which I could only do for three seconds. I was exhausted.

That was the biggest achievement for me. I realise it isn't far but for me, who four months ago had never jogged at all, it is huge. I am now planning my next run and racking my brains for something else I can't do that by Christmas I will.

The photo of me shows just how knackered I was at the end and it isn't very flattering but I really don't care a jot as when I look at the picture I think 'you did it, well done you'.

Pre match nerves!

Yes, we have all heard the expression. However, I am not talking about football. I am currently experiencing pre-match nerves for this coming Sunday. This Sunday is Race for Life day. This Sunday is what I have been training for, for the last 12 weeks or so. I am now VERY nervous about this Sunday.

Those of you who religiously follow my blog (thank you!) will know that I signed up for the race for life as a bit of a challenge to myself. I don't do running - or certainly didn't. But it seemed that everyone around me and everyone I spoke to this year was going to complete some kind of race. I, doing what I always do, laughed it off saying that was good for them but I couldn't possibly do it myself. My body isn't built for running. Then I stopped and reminded myself I am a Life Coach and should take some of my own advice. Was it really impossible or was I just talking myself out of it due to fear? Yes, I was definitely fearful. I was currently reading 'Feel the fear and do it Anyway', how apt I thought. So, without further hesitation I signed up. I also pledged this in the article in the Evening News when they interviewed me for 10 questions. There was no way out.

I stuck to the programme in the 'Running made Easy' book. It began with walking three minutes and jogging for one, four times. Even this was a bit of a struggle at the start. I am fit and healthy. I love going to the gym and walking but jogging was a very different discipline. I did this three times a week. It built up every week. Now, I am going out and jogging for half an hour. This is very hard for me and requires a lot of stamina. I am always purple on my return but feel amazing. However, I have never yet been able to jog the full 5k all in one yet. Not only is this a problem but I really struggle on the uphill. Those of you who are familiar with the Race for Life in Edinburgh will know it is up Arthur's Seat. I feel ill just thinking about it.

I am aware that when there is a big crowd I will be more inclined to keep running and that I don't actually have to run all the way round. However, it would be a huge achievement for me if I could. It all seems to have come a round too quickly.

I will let you know how this goes. Meantime, any hints and tips on stamina or jogging uphill would be greatly appreciated.

Watch this space. x