I went to the funeral of a friend yesterday. He was 95 years young when he died. He had served in the latter stages of World War 2 and took part in Dunkirk. We learnt that he didn’t talk about this, apart from reliving the vivid smell of the diesel from the landing crafts as they crouched waiting for landing.

I was chatting to another good friend – who had contracted COVID 6 weeks ago. He was recovering but was still slow with breathlessness and still with loss of taste. I have shared many bottles of red wine with him – something that he admits now that he cannot taste.

When working with clients, I often introduce a Gratitude model. I invite the client to think about what it is that they are truly grateful for and to capture this somehow / somewhere. It helps us to build on our purpose and helps us to build on hope. Hope being something that we need to hold onto as we face uncertainty into 2021 and beyond.

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.” MELODY BEATTIE

Recently in Co-Coaching (did I mention that the next one is this morning at 09:30…) – we went outside for a walk. I love walking and exercising so this weeks research is considering this important past time.

In some research, a small group of older people were asked to take a 15-minute walk every day for 8 weeks. They would be alone, and would capture the before, during and after as a picture. The group we told that “with the right outlook, awe can be found almost anywhere, but it is most likely to occur in places that involve two key features: physical vastness and novelty”. They were then asked to tap into their sense of wonder and curiosity and go for a walk.

Not surprisingly, at the end of the 8 weeks, the participants felt more awe than a control group, they felt more socially connected and had more increases in positive emotions including gratitude and joy. Daily distress also decreased, and prosocial emotions carried into their daily lives. They had bigger smiles, which carries with it greater social connection.

So these so-called ‘awe-walks‘ are good, as well as helping you to achieve the daily exercise.

If you are in need of a pick me up – why not go on an awe walk? Discover the vastness of what we live on and celebrate the greatness of who you are.

TODAY IS Co-Coaching

The next Co-Coaching is today at 09:30. If you are free, come along and explore some of your models for discussion and exploration. All proceeds from this event will go to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

PLEASE DO REGISTER BY 09:15 so I can send you the Zoom joining instructions.

Our Christmas Drinks party is on 18th December – so just bring a mulled wine and a mince pie and say hi. The focus will be on 2021 and setting goals. We will coach each other on this so also bring your ideas.

January 5th at 09:30 – we will start 2021 off with a bang and opportunity to coach others on the subject of objectives.

As usual – all details here.

Your Development

An early stage coaching development and supervision cohort will start shortly.This is aimed at an early stage coach, perhaps wrestling with hours, setting up business, accreditation questions as well as supervision need to ensure good coaching practice. You will work with a small group of other friendly coaches over a 12 month period helping to build your practice.

If you are interested in joining, then check out more information here

Another more experienced cohort is nearly full but if interested – please do get in touch.