Monthly Reflections: April
Welcome to my monthly reflections! This is where I get personal, sharing my monthly highs and lows of running my business as a solo founder, whilst navigating life as a girl in her 30s, who loves to not take life too seriously whilst also having existential thoughts most days. This is my 8 for April.
What I’m Loving
I've been absolutely loving my 90 minute one-off sessions this month! I always feel so energised leaving these sessions as they’re so focused and action packed. Most of my work is longer term, which I love, but there's something so special about these one-off sessions – seeing someone walk away with clarity, motivation and specific action steps always leaves me feeling so fulfilled and grateful for my job.
What I’m Grateful For
Hearing the birds on my morning walk with Bodhi. As someone who used to always be rushing around, listening to something and go go go all the time, there is something I love about a slow walk now just listening to the birds. I would highly recommend taking your headphones out next time you’re on a walk in nature.
What I’m Reading
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. I got this for Christmas and have finally got round to reading it. Such a well written and moving semi-autobiography, highly recommend.
My Upcoming Goals
Personal: I'm determined to create more space for creativity in my life. I want to be intentional with this, so my plan is to schedule a dedicated creative slot for myself every two weeks. I’m thinking more napkin embroidery!
Business: I'm setting an intention to welcome three amazing new clients in May/June! Get in touch if you think this could be you.
A Challenge I’ve Faced
I've really been missing the office environment this month. Working from home has so many perks, I love the flexibility it gives me and am able to concentrate so much better on work, but I’ve really been craving being around other people recently. It got me thinking about my balance and how I can reintroduce some co-working days, mid-week walks or tea catch ups. Also I am going to be going into an office for a few days in May to host corporate coaching sessions so this feels like it’s coming at the perfect time!
Monthly Win
Submitting my Masters essay! I cannot tell you how happy I was to finally have that submitted. I’ll be honest, with some things going on in my personal life, the essay took a bit of a back seat. Once I had decided to start it, I had to time block and be really firm with myself about sticking with the plan I created to get it done on time. A reminder for me that a deadline, time blocking, a clear plan with manageable steps I can tick off and a good playlist to help me focus are such good supports for me when I really need to get on with something.
Client Breakthrough
I've been working with a client who's been struggling with people-pleasing for years. This month, she had this beautiful moment where she recognised that her fear of disappointing others was actually disconnected from reality. The story she was telling herself about what would happen if she said "no" was far worse than any actual consequence she'd ever experienced. Watching her realise this through a process of becoming aware of the story, challenging and reframing it, as well as connecting to and understanding the sensations in her body, was incredible. It all clicked, and she was able to immediately apply it by setting boundaries at work, allowing her to create more of the life that she truly wants and have time to focus on the business she is building. Lightbulb moments like this are one of the reasons why I love doing this work!
Favourite Meal
I am not a pizza person at all, it's one of my least favourite things to eat BUT the Breadstall pizza is honestly so good!! Big slices, thin, crispy, good amount of toppings. I think I’m nearly converted! You can try the one in Clapham or they’ve recently opened a new place in Soho which looks really cute.
Have a lovely month and I’ll see you in 2025 for my 8 for May!
Elyssa x
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