I spend a lot of time with my clients talking about overwhelm and the associated stress and anxiety that it can bring. Everyone can feel things getting on top of them, and I am no exception.
As a general rule I always have a few things ongoing in my life; in addition to my coaching I continue to work part time as a Radiographer, I'm still getting my house in order before building work begins in the new year, I am active in a couple of local groups, continue to work towards another coaching diploma and have an ongoing family thing that's creating a bit of life admin. Add to that keeping the cat alive, trying to be healthy and keeping the bathroom clean, it's a lot.
At the start of August, I decided to launch an online group coaching programme to start in October, '61 Days to December'. A handful of people had expressed an interest and I was writing what was shaping up to be a really powerful programme. Then I received a message that threw a little curve ball into the mix. Bee Sober, the fabulous sober community, had an offer for me. Would I like to do some group coaching for their Bee Wild North event in mid September? I think it took me about 10 seconds to reply with 'YES!'! It was an honour to be asked, and too good an opportunity to turn down.
When I looked at my diary, the only time I realistically had to plan for the in person coaching was the time that I'd planned to commit to 61DTD. Hmm.
I'm pretty good at self-care and, overall, I currently feel emotionally nourished and have never been calmer. I regularly attend breathwork sessions, go to the gym, went to a lovely outdoor sound bath a couple of weeks ago and this week tried the local cold water plunge studio. I set good boundaries. When it comes to looking after myself, I do quite well. But, of course, I can't magic more time out of thin air.
This week I went to a group supervision session with my Coaching Supervisor, Liz, at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Liz is fantastic. She works outdoors and in inspiring spaces and I really enjoy the sessions I have with her. The first question I posed myself related to how I want my practice to shape up, given my finite energy, time and resources. Liz had suggested that we use the piece of artwork, Djinn by Bharti Kher to help us reflect on our first question, and it couldn't have been more appropriate. The enormous sculpture looks out over the stunning West Yorkshire countryside - the rolling hills of the sculpture park and beyond. The sculpture itself, a figure sitting crouched down with a bunch of bananas instead of a face.
A figure with the most gorgeous view in front of them, but it can't be seen because of all the bananas. Hmm.
It didn't take me long to realise that to enjoy the view, I need to start dropping some of my own bananas.
The first thing I had to do was pause 61DTD. I have emailed the people who have shown an interest to inform them of my decision, but without wanting to leave them high and dry I have pointed them in the direction of a couple of other coaches I know who are offering a similar type of programme at the same time. I'd obviously love to work with these people, but the last thing I would want would be for a delay in a change to their relationship with alcohol just because I'm not in a position to launch something right now.
I've put a weekly reminder into my diary to check on my bananas, and before I pick any more up, I'll see how much of my view I can see.
Photos of Djinn by Bharti Kher - taken by me at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Exhibition open until April 2025
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