What’s included:
- May: permission?
- Tuning Into Natural Rhythms
- Micro‑Retreat Exercise
- Mayday & Mental Health Awareness
- Recharge Retreat Recap
- Upcoming Retreats & Workshops
The word “May” has so much potential.
- May offers an invitation… or permission to CHOOSE…
The subtle difference between “can”, “should” or “may” is important.
How you apply this in your day-to-day self talk is a significant factor in how you feel about yourself, your life and your career.
Whenever you think: I SHOULD do/ be/ feel something and it doesn’t sit right – try out saying “I may choose to… ” and then decide whether you still want to. This is the start of setting new boundaries and making choices based on what matters to you instead of what you feel you OUGHT to do.
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Tuning into your natural rhythms:
“Ne’er cast a clout ’til (the) May is out”… this year the Hawthorn was flowering before May even started, and last week we celebrated National Dawn Chorus Day 2025.
The sunrise creeps earlier and birdsong is at its very peak at this time of year – which is worth a listen if you ever find yourself up around 5am.
The lengthening days offer the opportunity to feel energised, and to see more daylight at both ends of the day.
This has had me thinking about natural rhythms and energy levels. As a younger person I was definitely a “night owl”. My optimum study hours were always in the evening and mornings have always been a struggle. Now I am in my 50s, with school age children, this natural tendency has had to adapt – but I am still most productive later in the day. My husband and youngest child – however are up and singing as soon as their eyes are open!
I have learnt to build in energising activities and appropriate rest or “lull” times (whenever it is feasible) and how to optimise my working week around family activities. This allows me to sustain my energy for when I want it.
SO: How can you honour your natural energy levels? Have they changed over time? And are you even really aware of them?
- Micro‑Retreat: fetch a pen and paper, then ask yourself:
- What time do I naturally feel tired?
- When would I wake up with nothing scheduled?
- When do I find motivation most difficult?
- When am I at my most cognitively productive?
- When do I feel most energetic?
This information can then help you to adjust your self expectations. And to offer rest or a more nurturing activity when you need to replenish rather than expend energy.
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Mayday & Mental Health Awareness
The month started with “Mayday” – a homophone, and excellent reminder – of the international distress call “M’aidez!” Which seem pertinent in this Mental Health Awareness week 2025.
Noticing “Help Me” signals: crucial and powerful:
- in ourselves: notice when it is time to talk to someone else. Even just naming it can make the words easier to find.
- In others – ask, listen and acknowledge. This can be lifesaving.
Recharge Retreat Recap
Last week Katya Miles and I enjoyed delivering our Recharge Retreat at The Retreat Space, West Oxfordshire. (See photo)
We offered a selection of practical coaching concepts and simple but fun activities so that everyone had a chance to think about what their priorities for self care were, and share what they felt happy to share. We practised some gentle mindfulness and movement, took a walk through the woods, listened to birdsong, sat and chatted around the fire pit and ate lunch as a relaxed group at the garden table out in the courtyard.
Testimonial:
“A wonderful day offering space to think and prioritise your own needs”
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Upcoming Retreats & Workshops:
In the coming months I have the pleasure of delivering a Wellbeing Focus and Away Day for ~ 100 GP Trainees in Swindon, and a series of different retreat days for groups of Doctors and other professionals in Wiltshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire. For these we will be using a variety of tried and tested coaching activities, including journalling, mindful movement and group-work to offer participants a day of calm, fun, peer group connection and self-reflection.
If your workplace or business would like to experience the benefits of a coaching based team away day retreat or workshop, please get in touch.
If you want to book a place on one of our retreats here are some…
Dates for your diary:
- July 18th, Outdoor retreat day in Berkshire
- October 10th, Recharge Retreat for healthcare professionals
September 15-18th 2025: Residential retreat for Doctors – enquire via the contact page
These are safe, confidential, nourishing spaces to reconnect, reflect, and reset – with coaching, creativity, nature and rest woven through.
Please reply to this email or DM me if you’d like to be added to the waiting list or would like to find out more.
Thank you, as always, for being part of this community.
Here’s to embracing the pause when we need it, and noticing the possibility when it arises.
HAve a wonderful April and look after yourself!
Jo
