• Yes Futures charity – they work with 66 schools and I was a volunteer coach with one of them. We had monthly coaching sessions and a residential team building weekend at the end. I LOVED every minute. Seeing how the young people transformed before my eyes, learnt to communicate and increased in confidence and overcame their fears was incredibly rewarding. (I wrote a blog about it too.)

• My support team – just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a support team to run a small business. As a self-employed coach, the bucks stops with me on all aspects of the business. I know where my strengths lie, and they’re certainly not in websites, writing content or photography.

• Dale Vincent Coaching - an expert in coaching children and teachers, I had the opportunity to be a volunteer coach at a Year 7 Transitional Day in Houlton School, Rugby. The move to secondary school is huge for many children, and working with Dale Vincent and his team was an unforgettable experience. It was a super rewarding day for me, getting the chance to work with the student, co-coaches and the opportunity to meet Team GB athlete, Edward Faulds.

• Careers fair – Bishop Challoner, an independent school in south London, had a careers fair and I took a stand so I could meet some Year 7 and 8 students. I spoke to them about the opportunities that are available to them and what they need to do to start on their career paths. These type of events are fabulous because I get to talk to such a mix of people and age groups, and anything I can do to help them move on is so rewarding.

• My networking groups – I love networking. It’s a great way to meet other business people, find a support network and create a set of work colleagues – invaluable when you largely work alone. One of my groups ran a pilot programme of coaching for the members and I was only too pleased to be one of the coaches. The programme was successful and has made a difference to the business owners who were coached.

And on the personal side, 2023 has been a fabulous time for family

• Holidays – managed to get away with both my sons and granddaughters this year for the first time in about five years. We had such a fun time swimming in the sea, playing It and Piggy in the Middle and football till it got dark.

• Adventures with my girls – I love spending time with my beautiful granddaughters and this year we’ve had days at the seaside, where we even managed to get their great grandma to come along, we’ve made tie-dye t-shirts for their dad’s birthday, and I helped them learn to ride their bikes. Amongst all this, we’ve just enjoyed our time together.

2023 has been a balance of work and play, remembering to savour the good times. So a huge thank you to those mentioned here, to my family, my fabulous clients, and to all of you for your support. Look back on 2023 with joy and pride, and look forward with even greater hope to 2024. And don’t forget to take the time to stop, pause and breathe it all in, and enjoy some time with whoever you choose to be with. Spread as much peace, love, happiness and kindness as you can. There can never be too much.
Finally, if you need someone to talk to over the holidays, I am always here. Please just reach out.