Blog
If You're Feeling Stuck, You're Not Broken.
01/01/2026
Welcome all.
This is my very first blog on this website for 2026, and the first for my coaching practice-so it certainly feels important to begin gently. If you are here, reading this, thank you. It really is lovely to have you here.
Many people arrive at coaching not because something is necessarily 'wrong' but because something just doesn't feel quite right. Things feel heavy or unfulfilling or there is something you feel you are missing out on but you cant quite place it.
On the outside, life may look fine. Yet, internally, there is something rumbling within that cant be put into words.
I want to reassure you that feeling this way does not mean you are failing. Actually, it means you have been coping for a very long time.
When we are living in survival mode, we just 'solider on'. Does that sound familiar to you? but what we overlook is that over time our confidence and self-belief starts to fade. Decisions can feel harder, we second guess ourselves more and even the idea of 'resting' feels uncomfortable and selfish. We simply lose touch with what it is we need.
Coaching offers space, solely for you. Not to fix or help you to 'solider on' but so you can remove the noise and start to hear yourself again. A space to feel supported, gain clarity and have time to reflect.
If you are reading this and have found yourself feeling the same way then know you are not alone. You don't have to have everything figured out in order to begin, sometimes change starts simply by allowing yourself the space to pause.
thank you for being here.
Warmly, Harriet
Sometimes, Pausing is the Bravest Thing You Can Do
04/01/2026
Have you noticed that we live in a world that gets faster by the day? you have to keep going, keep pushing, keep that momentum up. What happens when we think about pausing? well, it is uncomfortable. Even selfish, especially if you are used to being capable or relied upon.
You know, pausing isn't the same as giving up. It is not a sign of selfishness. It is an important step to begin hearing ourselves again.
When life is busy or overwhelming, our instinct is to try harder. Yet this pressure does not stop unless we are able to stand still and grasp clarity. You need space to reflect and to ask yourself, what is working, what isn't and what do you need- really need.
Tell me, what do you really need?
Coaching creates that pause. A space to slow things down and truly reflect. Give yourself permission to pause.
Warmly, Harriet.
Finding Silver Linings when life interrupts your plans.
07/01/2026
There are moments in life when things don't go the way we expect.
Plans are paused and our progress interrupted, and something that we have poured our time and energy into suddenly feels.. uncertain.
And if we are honest, those moments feel unsettling.
But lately, I have been reflecting on the idea of silver linings - nothing forced but just seeing the more compassionate side to these chaotic moments. Although, I will say, it is only when the initial stress softens that we are able to see this.
What if life isn't intentionally stopping progress, but redirecting us instead?
I have always liked the thought that when one door closes another opens and inside is something different that will being to grow.
For me while that disruption took a hold this week, that space has allowed me to do different things-creating meaningful content, learning, networking and building connections across social platforms. So what initially felt like a huge (utterly annoying) disruption, has slowly turned into a redirection .
My silver lining.
This is something I often see in coaching. We naturally focus on what isn't working but beneath that is often another question..
what is it redirecting me to?
Ok, so the silver linings don't remove the stress or disappointment, but they do invite us to notice that growth happens, even in times of uncertainty.
If you are in a season where things feel paused, messy or unclear, it doesn't mean you are stuck- you might just be being redirected and that.. that might be where the growth can begin.
Warmly, Harriet
A Small Check-In for the Weekend
10/01/2026
Before the weekend disappears, it can help to gently ask: What is it I actually need right now? not what should be done or what looks productive- but what would support you as a human being.
Maybe its rest? connection? space? Whatever the answer is, it does not need to come with justification. Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is listen and let that be enough.
I hope your weekend is what you want it to be.
Warmly, Harriet
Leadership That Doesn't Cost Your Wellbeing
14/01/2026
One of the quieter costs of leadership is the loss of thinking space.
There are so many managers, myself included that move from direction to decision, meeting to meeting without room for pausing and reflecting. Over time, the ability to lead becomes reactive rather then thoughtful and our ideas begin to shrink-not because we are no longer capable but because the pressure to lead and manage takes that thinking space away from us.
Strong leadership relies on more than action. It needs space for reflection and to be curious. When leaders are constantly 'on' then being creative in our decision-making just seems to … disappear.
Supporting wellbeing in leadership is not just about feeling better- but its about creating boundaries in order to think clearer and allow those ideas to emerge and come into fruition.
So to the leaders and managers navigating responsibilities and battling that pressure- this is your reminder not to lose the parts of you that leads- your creativity, your values and your way of seeing the world matters. Creating that space is not a luxury, it is apart of leading well. Don't lose that in the rush.
Warmly, Harriet
Reflection isn't Self-Indulgence- It's Strength.
19/01/2026
In a world that rewards speed and being productive, where does reflection come in? We are encouraged to push through, to stay busy and deal with things later.
But.. reflection isn't about slowing down for no reason. It has a purpose..
It is about understanding what we carry.
Research shows that a reflective pause supports emotional regulation, resilience and wellbeing. When we are able to take a moment to notice what is happening internally-we are more able to respond thoughtfully (rather then being on.. you guessed it.. autopilot).
Reflection is not the same as ruminations. It is not self-criticism or overthinking. It is kind, and gentle and is an intentional pause to ask ourselves: What do I need right now?
A lot of us avoid reflection. Slowing down feels uncomfortable and putting ourselves first feels selfish. But, if we don't give ourselves this time, then we can later become exhausted or burnout.
There is no complicated script or expectation to follow, it can be a few simple questions to ask ourselves:
- What am I feeling?
- What do I need right now?
- What is taking my energy?
I have said it a few times now, but being able to pause and listen, is a pretty brave thing to do. You are brave.
Warmly, Harriet
Vulnerability is not a weakness.
26/01/2026
We are often taught to keep it together. To be capable and strong. Especially in the ever day roles expected of us- whether that is at home or at work.
I need you to repeat after me- vulnerability is not a weakness. It is honesty.
It is allowing yourself to say .. 'actually, this really feels hard'. It is self-awareness and it is where our growth begins.
When we hide how we are feeling, we disconnect from ourselves, but allowing vulnerability creates space for understanding, compassion and change. You don't need to rush to fix anything. There is nothing wrong.
Being vulnerable is not the same as oversharing. You don't have to share everything- but it is choosing to be honest in a gentle and safe way.
If you are feeling tender, uncertain or stretched-nothing has gone wrong. You are simply human and you are more than enough.
Warmly, Harriet
You are allowed to say NO.
08/02/2026
Even if you are capable, kind and available, and here is how:
Pause before the automatic yes and ask yourself:
- Do I want to do this?
- Do I have the capacity to?
- Am i agreeing out of fear, guilt or habit?
Check your why:
- Do I think that by saying yes, it protects the peace?
- Does saying yes align with my values?
Say no without over-explaining:
- "That doesn't work for me"
- "I don't have the time"
- " I am not able to take this on".
Expect discomfort, but do not undo it!
- Guilt means you are changing a pattern
- Just let that feeling pass
Reaffirm your choice:
- Remember that your needs matter too
- You did not do anything wrong
and lastly, I want you to notice what that 'no' gave you. How did it make you feel? what did it protect you from? what did it free up space for?
Warmly, Harriet
Stress at work is becoming normalised.
15/02/2026
Deadlines.
Staff shortages.
Constant demands.
Some pressure can be motivating- we know that. It can make us focused. But when the stress does become continuous, it stops being productive and starts to erode our capacity, compassion and performance.
Leaders can become reactive, a team can become quiet and our patience wears thin.
Strain develops over time, through blurred boundaries, increasing workload, toxic environments and emotional load (to name a few!)
So what can we do?
we start to notice it- where are we feeling stretched? What are we not tolerating anymore? just how short is out fuse? how compassionate are we feeling?
Small shifts can really make a difference, clearer priorities, healthier boundaries, more honest conversations.
We will never be able to remove pressure or challenges, but we don't have to be consumed by it and we don't have to let it become the norm.
Warmly, Harriet
Why our brains look for evidence - even when it hurts us.
07/03/2026
Our brains like certainty.
Uncertainty takes energy, so the brain naturally tries to create a quick explanation, about the world and about ourselves.
Once we form a belief, our brain begins looking for evidence to support it. This is called confirmation bias.
Meaning we tend to notice things that confirms what we already believe and overlooking things that don't.
… and when the belief is about us? then this becomes powerful in who we think we are.
If you are telling yourself that you are not confident, not good enough or that people don't value what you say, then the brain will scan for proof.
- A small mistake
-Someone interrupting you.
- A moment of self-doubt.
and then, each experience becomes another piece of evidence supporting the story. Overtime, that story can become a label; one that we carry about ourselves.
BUT...
A thought that is repeated many times doesn't make it true. Sometimes, this is just a very well-practiced story.
So, instead of asking 'Why am I like this?' maybe we should ask ourselves 'What story has my brain been telling me?''
Because once we do notice the story, we can start to question it.
Warmly, Harriet
Mental Health and Spring: The Quiet Return to Yourself
15/04/2026
Spring has a lovely way of inviting us back to ourselves.
The days get lighter, the air is softer and there is a shift- but- just because the world is blooming, it doesn't mean you have to be.
Mental health does not follow the seasons.
So you may feel more energised and lighter, or you may feel tired and overwhelmed.
It is important to remember that both are valid.
So instead of seeing spring as a time to transform, what about choosing to simply reconnect?
Ask yourself:
'what is it I need right now'?
Could it be slowing down? Going outside for a few minutes? Moving your body? Being kinder to yourself? Eating a nourishing meal? Rcconecting with friends? .. the list is endless.
Growth, as we have said alot in these blogs does not happen all at ones. It happens quietly and in small shifts.
Spring is not asking you to become someone new, it is offering you space to begin again, in your own time.
Warmly, Harriet
Mental Health Awareness Week
14/05/2026
Every year, Mental Health Awareness Week arrives and is a reminder that our minds, with all its brilliance and chaos (and occasional tendency to wander off without telling us) needs TLC. Not perfection, or the five-year plan you keep putting off. Just TLC.
And if you’re anything like me: a person who has no idea what 'relaxing' means, then I have you covered.
Here are some thoughts, offered to you with affection and a dash of quirk, on how to care for that spectacular mind.
Notice the small things:
The sound the kettle makes when it boils, the sun when it dances on the wall and those birds bent on playing tag. These things remind you that you exist as a person, and not just in your head.
Let yourself feel all those things you are avoiding:
They are horrible, I know. But you do need to feel them, These feelings are not failures. You have not done anything wrong. They are signals, that our mind gives to us to take notice. That's all, and that's ok. You are ok.
and lastly....
REST:
Intentionally, like you are going for a gold medal. You have to choose to stop, before you break. Give yourself that permission and dont apologies fore it!
Warmly, Harriet