This photo means a lot to me. I took it one morning at the beach just after a hard 45 minute fit camp session. It was to be a glorious spring day, but was still a little chilly at 6.45am when I got out my phone and took a series of three photos so I could catch the exact moment the sun burst into the sky signifying a new dawn, a new opportunity to make it the best day it can be.
Last year I learnt a lot about myself, good and bad. I also learned to appreciate what I have, which made me realise that I am extremely fortunate, and always have been. Every day I write something in my journal to remind me of this.
I also took stock of my stressful work situation and with the support of my wonderful husband decided to take a chance and put into practice something I'd wanted to do for years. Start a training business based on my coaching and creative experience. Little did I know that for weeks afterwards my head would be spinning with ideas, and more ideas as I planned and completed online courses to help me understand marketing and social media and art classes to rejuvenate my creativity.
Being in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance allowed me to access a business mentor who gave me information and guidance in the early stages. I put together a business plan, which when authorised would allow me to access a business grant for the first six months of the business. It's not a huge amount but better than nothing as I find my feet.
I delayed the launch due to Christmas, assuming that most people would be far too busy with other things to take much notice of what I had to offer. This was beneficial as it gave me a little more time to create resources and also relax and enjoy the festivities, although I still found time to decorate and move all my art and craft supplies into the spare room which became my cosy workroom.
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| the new workroom - complete with whippet |
On New Year's Eve I looked back over the year with relief that I no longer felt the fear of dread I had last year at the thought of going back to work. In fact it was the opposite. I can't wait for the new 'working' year to begin so I can start making calls and talking to people about my training. I launched the website and advertised my first workshop via social media. I already have enough people for a Bullet Journal Workshop.
I am so excited about what lies ahead. I'm not naiive enough to think I'm going to be inundated with requests for my courses as I know it will take a lot of hard work, self belief and perseverence to make it sucessful. I also want to get a part time job doing something where I can turn up, do my job and go home without taking the job with me. Something with flexible hours so I can plan coaching and training around it.
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| my 'Happy New Me' sketch |
The money will be helpful and I need to have something to do to connect with other people. Working at home has it's advantages but I missed the physical and verbal interaction with others in a workplace and got far too comfortable slobbing around in my hoodie and trackies.
So, my alarm will go off at 5am tomorrow morning. I will struggle into my gym gear and drive off in the blackness for the first fit camp of the year. I'll huff and puff through the session but feel totally invigorated afterwards and totally motivated to kick start healthy eating and daily goals. Sometimes we need the excesses of Christmas to remind ourselves how much better we feel when we are eating better and focused on our health.
Tomorrow, in my workroom I will start my new job as Owner/Manager/Administrator/Marketing person for Green Hat Coaching. How cool is that?
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| My hand drawn logo |
Of course I'd not be doing my job if I didn't post the link to my website and encourage you to have a look, add it to your favourites and share with your friends and colleagues. It's so new you can still smell the paint - but it is going to develop and grow with new content, new courses and creative ideas for everyone to try.
A very HAPPY and HEALTHY NEW YEAR to you all.
