My Story So Far...

Like so many of us, I have had hurdles and setbacks throughout my life. Some I have dealt with well and others have taken longer to reconcile. One thing I can say though, is that I always knew it would eventually get better; that life has its high moments and low dips, and that we are defined by how we handle those difficult times. What are we without hope?

I am most proud of my children and their spirit, independence, integrity and honesty; values by which I stand. I am also proud of the way I have handled childhood abuse, parental bereavement and heartbreak. My niece once said, " I`ve always admired how you pick yourself up, dust yourself off and follow your dreams no matter what." Reinventing myself has been a survival mechanism and a reflection of the free spirit within me. Let me tell you more.

In 2019, I was in my third marriage, working as a teacher in a London school with a good salary, stability, and a home of my own. On the outside, all seemed perfect but, on the inside, I felt lonely, isolated, and lost. I had no work-life balance. I was stressed and my marriage was suffering. Something had to change. So I took a leap of faith and handed in my notice at the primary school where I had worked for four years. This was a big step for me. The security of a monthly salary had gone but it was a step in the right direction.

We are the most powerful when we are the most authentic!

Why I Coach

Helping others takes you away from your own situation and helps you to appreciate what you actually have. I have overcome many challenges and I knew I had the experience to support women who had suffered abuse and needed to grow in strength. So, I initially trained with Shine Hillsong UK, who run a volunteer programme, which empowers women to realise their worth, strength and purpose. While giving other women the tools to make positive steps to self-worth, I started to make similar changes in my own life.

I decided to have some coaching sessions with a life coach to help me gain clarity. I discovered that I have many transferable skills from teaching, along with great empathy for others. Having felt the many benefits of life coaching, I wanted to help others achieve this too. So, I decided to become a life coach myself! With much excitement and some trepidation, I signed up to train as a Certified Life Coach with the Pure Coaching Academy in London.

During the global pandemic, we have had time to think about our lives. We have already made significant changes and many of us have decided to go in a different direction.

Whatever change you want to make in any area of your life, I am now in the privileged position of being able to offer you life coaching support and guidance; to initiate change in your life; to help you discover your unique qualities. I can guide you in taking that first step towards a happier, more purposeful life.

I designed the logo below (a woman and a flourishing plant entwined in the letters BU) because I believe each person is truly unique and that living an authentic life brings personal growth, happiness and true contentment. I believe everyone should follow their dreams and be passionate about what they do. We all have a purpose in life, and with my coaching, you can discover what this is. The answers are within you!

Be Bold, Be You, Be Unique!

Life is fleeting. You should seize the moment!

Life Experiences

I have not lived a conventional life. I am a free spirit, a traveller and lover of the world and all that is to be discovered. At nineteen, I travelled to Uganda, and I have been travelling ever since. I have studied and trained for many roles - travel consultant, fitness instructor, dance teacher, choreographer, Salsa DJ and primary school teacher - but I was happiest when I was teaching dance and playing music. I was being my authentic self, following my passion. I managed to do all of this and be a stay-at-home mum for my children when they were at primary school. My life has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions, but I mostly remember the laughter and love of my fabulous family and friends.

Challenges I have Overcome

By far, the most traumatic experience I faced was losing my father at the age of twenty-three. He died of cancer five weeks after his diagnosis. I was very close to my him, being the youngest child of four children; I was heartbroken. In time, I was able to think about him with a smile rather than tears. I think it gave me the resilience to face anything.

I have been married three times. So I understand the heartache and difficulties of divorce. I was particularly hurt by my second husband who didn`t want a physical relationship with me anymore. It was a form of rejection and it came out of the blue. I lived like this for one year. After which, I decided to leave. I knew I wanted love and intimacy in my life. Once I decided to move on, I felt more positive about myself. At the time, I was desperate not to be alone. I rushed into my next relationship and eventual marriage.

After qualifying as a teacher, my first interview was successful and I taught in a faith school for eight years. I was very happy there but it was not going to last. Pressure was applied by a senior leader for me to leave the school. My union encouraged me to fight my corner but I had no energy. I gave in to the bullying and left. It was an extremely difficult time. I lost my self-esteem and confidence, and I became very depressed. I was ashamed of my situation. I didn`t work for six months and I got heavily into debt. I could not pay any of my bills. It took a while, but I dug deep and decided to teach again, After a few interviews, I got another teaching job in a much more challenging school. My life seemed to be back on track. I had survived yet another setback.

By this time, I was married to my third husband. I was so happy to meet somebody after the experience of my second marriage. I wanted to share a life with someone, have a companion. Initially, this relationship worked well. We had so much fun together, but there was a fundamental lack of trust and respect. I suffered emotionally. I felt controlled and I was badly let down. So we separated.

Now I feel stronger than ever. I got through lockdown alone. It wasn`t easy, I was incredibly lonely, but now I am able to live alone with my dog, make my own decisions and spend time with friends and my children. Despite everything that has been negative in my life, I still have the eternal optimism I started out with. I am grateful for everything I have. Now, as a life coach, I want to help others move forward and make positive changes in their lives.