Step by step.

Even as a teenager, with plenty of angst, I was able to hike off into the distance with my dog, Skip and tell him all my problems without him responding. He just listened. 

The wind against my face, the anger and sadness of my teenage woes being thrown out onto the breeze. I was then able to sit and feel a renewed sense of peace and togetherness, often taking in my surroundings and recognising my own insignificance as a comfort – my problems may not be as massive as they seemed, they can be overcome.

I was lucky enough to grow up on a farm and have this space and freedom (and a non-judgmental dog who followed and sat by my side).

As an adult, I still recognise my need for space, nature and the healing that it brings me. I love hiking. Nothing brings me more joy than being on the tops of the magnificent fells in the Lakes and if there is no one else there, all the better! It has massive health benefits: being outdoors, breathing well in the fresh air, fitness and it can be social too. I also go wild-swimming and this is something I grew to love after my divorce, I have found a wonderful and supportive wild-swimming community. The cold water submersion, the freedom and the social benefits are fantastic – ask Wim Hof!

This is where I can link what I do to benefit others. I am a Break Up and Divorce Coach and am now offering a new type of coaching called ‘Step by Step’. I am based in the beautiful county of Yorkshire and offer coaching as we walk. I have a number of walks for different abilities and locations in Yorkshire. If you would like me to come to you we can add transport costs but I am happy to source a walk whilst we have our coaching session. If you would like to attempt a wild swim in North Yorkshire and link it to a coaching session, I can also facilitate this.

Why am I offering this?

As one of my roles, I volunteer as a Street Angel (those folk who give out water and flip flops) and, as part of this I undertake conflict management training with the police. Within this training, we discuss being alongside people, rather than face to face, it can be less daunting to chat side by side as we walk, plus there is the added fitness benefit. You are getting more for your money!

I am also a huge believer in the healing power of nature. There will be moments of peace and tranquillity. If you need to let go of negative emotions, there will be time and space for us to do this and we will be in quiet and beautiful parts of the countryside. By the end of the walk, you will not only feel reenergised and reinvigorated but you may feel a sense of calm, clarity and a new strength and resilience to move forward, having been given tools to help you as part of my coaching.