I was born in Northern Ireland in the 1960’s, I was the youngest of 5 children and according to my siblings I was the spoilt one. I was not an overachiever at anything, I held my place as steady in the academic arena that is High school. I plodded along with plenty of friends but no big dreams or aspirations to be a scientist, doctor or millionaire of any sort, I would now say this was the start of my ‘Winging it through life’. I passed my exams and went on to the local catering college as I had a passing interest in cooking. Again I made it thought the 2 years and that was ok in my world.

After college I moved to England as there was not much work in Ireland in those days and I needed to do something with my life. I was only here a few moths when I met my now husband and we have somehow survived the past 39 years together.

By the age of 22 I was married and had 2 daughters, not unusual in the 1980’s. Over the coming years I had various jobs in different sectors, mainly working around my family. I have worked in hospitality, retail and banking to name a few. All of my experiences have been people focused so I am skilled at people management and have the skillset for any eventuality.

I suffered with anxiety and depression for many years and I though that that was normal an everyone else did too so I was ok with that, I am now aware that this is not normal. It was just after my 40th birthday that I had that ‘lightbulb’ moment we all hear about, for some reason and I still have no idea why but I suddenly stopped caring what other people thought of me. I stopped being a people pleaser and embraced ‘ME’.

Life suddenly seemed easier for me, I was enjoying my work and family but as we all know curve balls get throw when least expected. I went through some serious family issues with ill health and grief so I knew then I needed to focus my pain in a different direction.

So yes, 48 years old and going back to college to train as a counsellor, terrifying, but I am lucky enough to have a wonderful family unit that supported my aspirations and we're my biggest cheerleaders. I won't lie and say it was easy. It was anything but easy. There were lots of tears, fear of the unknown and considerable self-doubt... not to mention the stress of the ever-advancing technology that I now needed to grasp (all so new to me). But then, life isn't easy, right? If anything, those fears led me to where I am today and only increased my desire to support and help other people in their life, whether that be through counselling or coaching.