Many people, at least those who don’t know me, can’t guess my age when they meet me.  I’d like to think it’s my excellent skincare regime, but I have a sneaking suspicion that I appear younger to them due to my youthful enthusiasm and playful nature.  For the past 46 years, I have resisted ‘growing up’ as much as is socially acceptable.  When I became a parent is when I did the most ‘growing up’ and soon began to feel the side-effects of ‘adulthood’ i.e. seriousness, stress, worry, responsibility, monotony, etc.  Things were no longer done for the fun factor, but because it was expected.  Life went from technicolor to black, white and beige.  I mean, who has time for fun anymore when there is so much washing, cleaning, working, feeding, taxiing, shopping, consoling, feeding, policing, educating, coaching, juggling, feeding, etc. to be done. Seriously, there is only so much time in the day, correct!?!?   

And don’t even get me started on the whole achievement factor! I mean, what happened there?  I went from being a high-achiever in my athletics, schooling, and career, to putting aside the pursuits that filled me up and ignited my spirit because I was ‘all grown up,’ ‘responsible,’ and had to ‘pay the bills.’ Can you relate?  Parenting was also a contributing factor; parenting subconsciously equalled giving up one’s self and one’s dreams to be a slave to one's super-conditional, demanding and selfish offspring.  Of course I’m (mostly) kidding, and I love my children to distraction, but I realised that I had made the mistake that so many others had made before me (and I said I never would); I had lost myself in what I thought my family and society expected of me as an adult and mother.  

But, one momentous day, I had an inspired thought (the first of many); I realised that I couldn’t have been the high-performing athlete I was in my youth without a coach and team behind me, so why was it any different when trying to navigate and improve in my post-athletics season of life?  So, I sought out a coach and a team that I resonated with and I got back in the game.  I’m happy to report that I have not only reconnected with my ‘fun,’ but I now have a safe space to germinate ideas, practice new skills and grow.  My journey has been a series of inspired thoughts and actions that keep me leveling up each and every day; a series of small efforts building and compounding over time.  Starting this business was one of those inspired thoughts; I finally saw that my highest point of contribution and achievement is now in paying forward the combined learnings I’ve had through my own personal coaching, athletic career, education, life experiences, 15+ years as a learning & development professional and coach, and nearly nine years of experience as a mum of three.  

If you too have come to the conclusion that ‘growing up’ and putting yourself last is a fool's game, or that growth, fun, and following your internal guidance system are to be explored and supported by a team of like-minded individuals, then trust yourself and jump in!  The risks are small but the rewards are priceless! Let’s create a life worth winning!