Fully qualified at last

I got my papers back this week from The Coaching Academy and was pleased to find that I have passed both my written pieces of work, one with a merit and one a distinction. I have hurried off an e-mail back to them saying I am happy with the results and please send me a certificate so I can boast about my new qualification and am off to the shops next week to buy a frame to put it in.

However, having a shiney new certificate in a shiney new frame will not bring me in clients alone, law of attraction or no. I was given a Kindle for my birthday, very strange not to have a book in my hand but a lot lighter and easier to cary about I must say. The first book I downloaded was 'The Secret' cause everyone talks about it but I had never read it. Well, to be honest, it could have been written by my great source of inspiration Dr Helen Ford who whisks me away to a freezing cottage in Wales to discuss the laws of the universe whenever I need an extra boost.

So, how much would it cost to give everyone a copy of The Secret and get them to read it? More than we spend on war every year? More than we spend on manipulative politics each year? More than the BBC, Sky etc spend on twisting and turning each 'news' story each year. OK, I am a firm believer that once you have put your ideas out to the universe you have to get off your bum and do something about them but who in their right mind would put into the universe...I want a recession? I want negativity? I want devistation?

All those who agree are welcome to sign up with the most positive of newly qualified coaches!
x

Forever learning

I have clients who tell me that they are too old to change. Too old to learn new tricks. Somehow they would rather spend the rest 20/30/40 years doing something they dislike because the bills are paid, than change their destiny.

Don't get me wrong, I have bills too, but life changed my destiny without a choice really and boy am I glad. I could still be sat in an office fighting to be heard over people who know better than me (for various reasons). But instead I work with people who respect my opinion, who listen to what I have to say and don't even give me a hard time when I break the computer. Thanks Universe.

See what you are missing?

launa
x

Being on trend

Well, putting something out to the universe has bought me back a solution to a different issue, but of course connected, as the universe often does. There I was last month asking for Gok Wan to come my way, well he has not as yet but instead I have been approached by a super Style consultant to exchange style advise for coaching. I will plug her work once I have permission to do so! 

Anyway, this came about because I got talking about my relationship to clothes. I love clothes, I love looking stylish and most of the time I feel pretty cool in what I throw on and I am not really bothered what other people think! I also have a great friend who drags me round the charity shops, leads me into the changing rooms and gets me to try on all the stuff she can find in a size 12 for extra tall people (no trousers then).

However, I bear the legacy of growing up above a clothes shop. Wonderful you might shout! Yes, if it was Next or Wallis so I CAN get long trousers, but my mum and dad's shop was of its time...crimpolene and tweed. And because we had very little ready cash when I was young, my wardrobe consisted of those items which were gathering dust.Top that off with size 9 feet before size 9 shoes were invented and you get the picture. And I was 10.

Don't get me wrong...that shop got me my first car at 17, a boat to sail up the Avon (once) and put me through Uni, but confidence it did not.

So whoopee, time for some style and coaching connections too.

Life is good

Launa

x

Gok Wan needed urgently!

Well it has been a very busy couple of weeks catching up but I have finally completed all my coaching qualification stuff and got it in the post to The Academy and finished my business plan. Launa Walker businesswomen here I come.

On Friday we had the first meeting of the group interested in putting our own inspiring women conference together for 2012. Over a bottle of wine or two we debated a number of relevant topics such as what is success? Who is inspirational? Are you inspirational just because you are famous? We decided that we need a main guest speaker to hook in our women and I mention this now because I am looking for inspiration. If anyone out there knows someone who knows someone who is bestest mates with Gok Wan then give him a shout for me cause I think the women of Worcestershire need him (usual contact details). He was definately a popular choice around the table  and I am not settling for 2nd best!

Thanks

3 weeks!

So how on earth did three weeks go by without me writing something here!


I know exactly how...it has been manic. I only have 3 jobs now as I gave up the Zumba having overloaded over the summer, but even so it is as hot in the office as it is out there...with steam coming out my ears that is.

3 weeks ago I went on part 1 of my NLP Practitioners course which was fab. I managed to buy the new car the day before my 104 mile journey down south and felt like I was driving a hire car all morning. She goes and is shiney red but she is not my old love.

Since then I have been on a whirlwind tour of networking and events to get the business started (coaching that is!!!). I spent all day last Saturday at a convention in Birmingham where there were some great people but I felt that it was mis-titled saying it was about personal development...it really was 'show me the money' and I can't relate to that. OK, I am not denying that I buy lottery tickets now and then and look out for people I know on Heirhunters but it will always be about people for me. Sometimes too much, but I am learning.

I won't leave it so long next time, I promise.
x

A week without a car

Well, almost 2 really. I went up to the garage and cleared out the old Honda last week. It was a very tearful moment, who would have thought that I would get so close to a box on wheels, but then there has been times in life when she and the cat are the only two things I had to my name.

But in the last 2 weeks I have had so many offers of help from my friends; lifts to work and Pilate's, offers to drive me round to look at cars from people who know how lost I am looking to replace the old girl. This has been very uplifting and reminded me that there is so much good in the world, shame it is so well hidden by the rest.

So, a new car has been chosen and I owe a big debt of gratitude to the people who are loaning us the money to get it. Time to put loads of energy out to the universe so that clients come for coaching, I know that the universe will provide what I need to make my dreams happen. It always has, I have just not always been so sure what those dreams are.

How on earth did time fly this much without me writing on the blog?

Well I know how really.

I decided that this blog would be a positive one and I would write on it with lots of positive stuff which is great when you are feeling cool but when your world slumps for a while then it is difficult to climb back on up.

So here I am dealing with a very difficult dilemma and I need the whole story to go out into the universe for an answer.

In 2000 I bought a car. For very many years I had a motor bike but I came off on some black ice and lost my nerve. Anyway, I know nothing about cars so I asked a friend to get me a Honda Civic, a red one and that is what he got for me. I chose a Civic because my mother had one which I used to use when I needed a car rather than 2 wheels. When she died I had hoped to inherit it but did not, so I bought my own. So, even though it is not my mum's car, this vehicle has come to mean a lot to me and we have been through loads together.

Fast forward 11 years and the head gasket blows. Yes, I am skint so I need to borrow some money but I have good people in my life who will help me. So, do I borrow a fair sum and get her repaired when she is already tired and looking ready for retirement or do I borrow more and get the little, characterless run around I really should, or should I?

Help me please universe, I need you for this one. x

Tom, Barbara and me

So, I might not have mentioned it before but living in my house is a bit like living The Good Life. Since we moved in we have a greenhouse, every variety of veg growing you can imagine, and most recently, chickens. My partner, who is Tom through and through, joked long and hard with me about feeding said chickens and how much of the grass left in our garden I might let them have, but the irony is lost to all but those who know me. For I am Penelope Keith. I should be living next door with the old couple who have red flowers in their borders and newly laid turf.

So what is it about chickens? Everyone seems to have them nowadays. They poo everywhere, dig all the grass up and make bloody loads of noise when an egg is coming as if it is a gold medal (or more likely, very painful).

Trust me, I have no idea but within minutes of us setting eyes on our half feathered ex-batteries I was hooked too, and maybe I need to invest in a pair of wellies...they will just have to be pink and hosed down alot.

launa
x

A very busy fortnight

On one level I can't believe that I have not written on this blog for 2 weeks as it has certainly been on my mind. On another level it has been so hectic that it is fully understandable that I have been rolling in and out of bed every day and not too much else!

Last weekend I joined the Bra Chain Team in our mammoth Guinness World Record chaining attempt. I drove that many miles collecting that many bras I lost count along the way. It was a fab day, brilliant buzz with loads of supporters turning out, but we did not have time to finish the attempt as time was against us.
My attitude has been, so what. We raised money and we raised awareness however we have had to deal with a load of negativity this week. Shame some always have to look on the down side of life.

But then, I have to admit that I am not really looking forward to having to do this all over again. If nothing else, I have been exhausted all week and neglected my business which has to be my priority. A Wellbeing Coach has to lead by example and I will have to examine my contribution to the next attempt to ensure I get it right next time...more volunteers welcome!

Launa
x

Feel the Fear...

This week for Life Coaching purposes only, I like to tell myself, I have been reading the book 'Feel the Fear and do It Anyway' by Susan Jeffers. It has been around for some time but I was wandering along our local high street when I thought...I know, I will check out the local charity shops to see if there are any personal development books I could buy to enhance my library and there is was on the shelf in the very first place I tried.

What has particularly interested me has been the comment that we human beings start from a position of negativity and have to practise at being positive. How true that seems to be and such a shame that it just isn't the other way round, though I do have some  friends who are pretty damn good at it. 

The reason it has been a very poignant thing for me to think about this week is that I have had man flu. One of those illnesses where you are too poorly to think straight but not poorly enough to get any sympathy whatsoever. People just want to keep away from you because of all that snot. During this same period I have had to deal with two incidents of people saying 'this and that' which have been difficult and challenging, especially as I have really needed to stay in adult mode for both. I applaud those people who can keep that positive up and I can only declare that I am 'working towards', but every step is worth it.

Launa x

A welcome break in the hairdresser's chair

Isn't going to the hairdressers brilliant. I am keeping my fingers crossed that my hairdresser does not read this ever, but if she does, I am sure she will smile (thanks Moira).

The two hours it took me to go from before (windswept and grey roots) to after (styled and coloured perfectly) were probably the first sit still and do nothing time I had this week!  But not only is it a great break from the frantic balancing act of having the 3/4 jobs that I have now, it is so entertaining. I think hairdressers should run courses on how they remember everything that is going on in your life from one session to the next 5-6 weeks later. Perhaps if I turn over my colour chart which tells Moira what colour dye she used on me last time it has a list of useful personal tips like my boyfriend's name and business (boat building, if anyone reading this needs a boat). OK, I have been going to her for a long time cause she does such a brilliant job, but even so.

What I like most though about going to the hairdressers is the atmosphere...it is always so lively that I come out with jaw ache from laughing. Without meaning to offend in any way, she has managed to surround herself over the years with the most lovely and lively co-workers and customers with stories to tell and an audience to listen. Some times when I am feeling particularly tired or uppity it takes me a while to get into the groove as the music blasts out and the chattering encourages great laughter.

That is after all what life is all about and I come out feeling like I am having a very good hair day too so if you don't get that feeling from your hairdresser, I can recommend someone local. x

A long weekend

It has been a long weekend, but a fun one. I touched on all my various activities this weekend. Firstly i spent Saturday volunteering for the BraChain. What a party it was too, must have been getting on for 20 people outside the 2ndSkin shop chaining bras together for the world record. I chose to give my thumbs a well deserved break and serviced the tables, running back and forth delivering and collecting bras but soon realised that I had the long straw after all as it was bloody hard work!

Sunday I covered a Zumba class which is always a laugh and I managed to get the headmike to work at the gym in Stourbridge so people could hear me! I had planned to spend the afternoon studying but had a mass panic when our gate opened at 2pm and one of my clients walked in for her Life Coaching session! Shorts off, smart outfit on and whizzed down to greet her. Note to self...make sure your dates are in the diary.

My life might be a patchwork quilt of work, rest and play but it is a fine one. x

3 down and 4 to go

I have a love hate relationship with teaching Zumba. I love getting up in front of everyone and seeing them have a fab time. It is a great way of getting in shape and I hope the craze lasts as Zumba teachers seem to be everywhere - but for some reason I have never felt the need to run my own regular classes.

This week I have 2 friends on holiday so I am covering both their classes. I get the adrenaline rush of teaching without the commitment of having to go back week after week and constantly refresh the class. I have been going to one particular Zumba instructor for a few years now and I am beginning to move on. It seems so difficult to keep things original and exciting which must be why fads like this do come and go...I definitely miss my step aerobics but even that has had its day.

And I suppose the truth is that what I do love about teaching Zumba is that is exposes me to a number of people who do, on one level, want to change their lives because they are exercising. They may never have heard of Life Coaching before so I could really make a difference to this whole experience for them. 

I also love the fact that I sleep like a baby and can eat loads when I teach so that is a bonus!

Launa
x

Mad mad mad world

So, you spend time creating stuff on your social networking sites, then you get some referals so you are busy working, then you don't get to keep your social networking sites up to date...how does that work?

OK, so I would be telling a few porkers if I said that I had been working all weekend but I now define sharing a beer or two as networking as you never know who might know someone, who knows someone, who needs some Life Coaching. Personally it still amazes me that a-we are not all getting coaching and b-there are a lot of people out there who still don't even know what it is. Since I have been a Life Coach I have even come across a group c-those people who go to a Coach but don't take out any of the actions they agree to so don't move forward. Why waste their own time and mine?

When we were training I thought I would never turn down clients because they are all precious and have the potentail to develop but I am fast learning that you spend more time chasing and changing appointments when you should really be out there updating your social networking site. So here I am and I have learnt another interesting lesson. Nite. x

A waste of a week?

Well I apologise for my lack of commitment this week but I hope you, blog, understand why I have been absent. I have been preparing for a job interview which took place today. I have given it my all and felt pretty confident but did not get a look in which shocked me somewhat.
These really are tough times, compounded by the media's ever complaining about job losses and cut backs. As a positive thinker I find it increasingly difficult to put that spin into action, and I make no apologies for having a good cry when I got home tonight because I really did want that job.

But lets look at the spin, what is the reality of it all. Working for yourself is hard, it takes time, effort, money (there's the rub) and a self belief far beyond anything I was mustering this afternoon when I got the rejection call. So I revert to two steps forward and one back while I work on the truth that , in fact, I do want to work for me and I do want WalkerWellbeing to succeed. I just have to believe it. And I do. 'The universe provides me with what I need to make my dreams happen'. Thank you Helen for those wise words.

Launa x

Sunday, the end of a busy weekend.

You know, a few weeks ago I was on a course with a wonderful woman by the name of Helen Ford. Please check out her website too. She said something, a bit off the cuff, but I wrote it down and think of it every day and here it is for you...'If you give love, you are going to get love'. OK, knowing Helen, it was probably not that off the cuff especially as she is absolutely right. The amount of time, thought and energy people give to you and your life is amazing when you just give to them too, no commitment, no value judgements, you just believe.

A friend of mine today asked to come round for a cup of tea and, even though I had loads to do , I thought that I would love to see her so I found a window, as you do. She arrived with three lovely flowering plants she had found for me at a sale. The fact that she had thought of me at that very sale and that I had three empty pots ready for me to find flowers for (my only gardening, as Jon does it all otherwise, but refuses to plant anything that can't be eaten), did not go un-noticed nor unappreciated, so thank you universe and thank you to a dear friend who shall remain nameless as she is YET to be self employed and deserves a plug for that.

We are all unique and special. as one of my clients said yesterday, we just need to believe. x

Working for fun!

Just a quick one this morning following on from my natter about management styles the other day. I helped out another friend last night who is in the catering business, check out KB Catering. Working with good managers really reaffirms my belief that you get the best out of staff if you treat them with respect. Yes you need the boundaries in place so everyone knows who is boss when the final decision has to be made but what is wrong with it not being your idea that is finally chosen as that decision?

Zumba-ing around the marquee preparing poppadoms. Fun!
x

Culture and ethics

Yesterday was a full on but fun day which really makes me feel like I am beginning to be in the world I want to live in and all the books are right, you do create your own reality. Not because you magic it from thin air but because you make the choices and you make happen what you want to happen in your world. How heavy a start was that...

So, I started the day at 7am for the first time in many months by attending a business breakfast club. I felt at ease amongst people who had also chosen their own paths in life and believed in what they were doing. We were given a talk on changing the culture in your business and how that will increase productivity and, to be honest, they were preaching to the converted. OK, I am a business of one at the moment but of course I have a culture and I was not surprised to find out the results of the little exercise we did which showed that I stood for honesty, integrity and transparency. I actually believe in these values unlike some places I have worked for who write codes of ethics about them which might as well go straight in the bin!!!

I then worked for my friend in the lingerie shop during the day and we discussed the morning's talk. It was not suprising that we agreed on the need for team ownership of a business and the need to really put people first. That's why I believe in coaching and that's why I work to develop myself and others towards their full potential.

So time to create another day. x

Zumba - join the party

So, another note to self...I do not have to write on my blog every day. Not because I don't want to to be honest as I have been keeping a diary on and off for more years than I care to admit to, but because life does just get in the way. Yesterday I was Zumba-ing as I have been tonight and I will be tomorrow, six different locations and 4 different instructors, one of whom is me. The Zumba revolution has been a manic one has it not? My friend qualified in Germany 3 years ago as you couldn't even get a course over here when she heard of it and her business is booming. I love covering classes but generally can't be bothered to keep regular classes as you have to work so hard behind the scenes. Saying that, I have taught for Curves for a few months and my ladies are lovely, they make me smile every class.

But, and there is always a but, I heard the phrase Zumba-wars used yesterday and have read some sad stuff on Facebook about instructors slagging off each others classes and being spiteful to each other. OK, I am an idealist on one level but I am also a realist on another and a Life Coach too so I believe in the power of the individual. In the same way that there are loads of supermarkets to chose from in town and loads of garages for you to get the car MOT'd at, why can't we have loads of Zumba classes, giving everyone a chance of enjoying this fab way of exercising? You might go to one class and think it too slow or too fast or too crowded or too quiet for your tastes, but the next person will love it because it is slow, fast, crowded or empty so LET IT BE. That's the love of Zumba...there is no right or wrong way to do it, we are all just helping people to love exercise.

Rant over. Enjoy your Zumba and chill, I certainly do.

Launa
x

The night before

It was a late night last night so I am writing this on the following morning, my rules so that's fine.

It is hard to believe now as it was so long ago but I was a serving officer in West Mids Police, straight out of uni from one institution to another. Thanks to the delights of Facebook I have managed to get back in touch with a few of the people I worked with then which lead to an invite last night to a leaving do. As I have fond memories of working with the chap that has now as of midnight last night officially retired, I went to pay my respects and am very glad I did as it was a lovely evening catching up with people who I had spent so much time with all those years ago.

Whenever people ask me why I left the police I can hardly remember, I just always thought that the grass was greener and looking back in many ways it has been, in others obviously not, one big area of course being the money. Money has never driven me (good job at the moment!!!) but as I left people were saying even then 'what about your pension'? That was 13 years ago and I would still have 9 years to do I think, so I would have sat still in a job I was not convinced about for 22 years for a good pension. I am not saying I was right and everyone else wrong as I can only answer for myself but I feel that the next 9 years holds so many exciting and wonderful things for me to do, waiting around for the time do do them is just not an option for me. What I do wish for those who are treading that path is a healthy and happy nine years and a long time thereafter so they can really feel the benefits of that long wait. Maybe I am a teeny bit envious of that lump sum after all. x

Moving bras

Are there too many causes in the world? Are people just too busy living their own lives to give an hour here or there?

Don't get me wrong, I certainly was until lightening struck earlier this year. It just surprises me that as I move in totally different circles now some people give so much while others give so little, if anything at all. And it is not all about money, I mean time or commitment or a kind word or two.

Just a quick word for the day. Launa x

Chaining at Tescos

What a fab day I have had today. There is something about a large group of women (and one man) chaining together 100s of bras in Tesco's foyer that stirs the imagination, especially when half of the volunteers are women's rugby players and insist on wearing the brightest bras they can find on top of their rugger tops!

Though I must admit that the more mature of us got into a conversation about how many people actually choose to shop at Tesco on a Sunday. We were the ones old enough to remember the days when shops were shut on a Sunday and how quiet that was.

Back at home I found myself reading through my course notes on values and beliefs, specifically how we are molded into our V&Bs from an early age and often go through life firmly stuck in these ways without ever challenging them. I count myself as one of the fortunate ones as I have managed to learn day by day. I have challenged my own V&Bs so that they are indeed my own, whether you like them or not. I really would recommend to people to have a go at this. Do you hear yourself say or do something and you just don't know why? It feels uncomfortable but you just can't put your finger on it? Then try asking yourself whether you want to own this action or belief? After all adults have a choice, oh yes we do.

So, as for Sunday trading, I am far from being a Christian but I do think that slowing down occasionally is a damned good idea, recharge the batteries...after all in this life, every little helps (sorry).

Launa x

A few little frogs

OK, so the two big ugly, warty toads are still looking at me but my excuse is that it is Saturday and I need to face them on a week day when I have access to people, but today I did in fact eat a few small frogs and it feels good. For those of you who are wondering what on earth I am talking about, it is putting off what you can do today for a good week or two.

It should be no surprise to anyone now that one of the frogs was to do with technology. I had to wait 20 mins on the phone to speak to a salesman from Vodaphone as I can forgotten my pin number for the Internet AGAIN, but when I got through to 'Ronnie, how can I help you?' I found myself being polite and understanding that they only have so many staff on on a Saturday afternoon when everyone is sat at home and decides to upgrade their phone simultaneously. How positive is that?! And I must say that Ronnie was polite and helpful and almost fell off his seat as I agreed to a new phone and tariff so easily. One frog down.

Next week I am going to face my warty toads...the strategy for my future. I have never been a strategist at heart though I can do it and I need to know where WalkerWellbeing is going so Marketing and Business Plans here I come. Thankfully I have a coaching session on Thursday with a fab coach from London who will help me with a plan. And, no you can't have her details!!!

Pleasant dreams indeed. x

Day two, amazing positive thinking...

Well, as the end of day 2 approaches I get to thinking about what I have been up to. One day a week I work for a friend of mine who has her own lingerie shop. We have been stock taking recently so I have been on the shop floor chatting to some of the customers. My friend (check out 2nd Skin, Droitwich) specialises in a number of things including bras for big ladies. Over the last week or two I have heard a number of women talk negatively about their bodies because their bust is so large. OK, so I can't identify with that on one level, but I do compare as I have had a life time interest in reducing the size of my apple stomach.

Now, what I have been noticing is the contrast in the women who come in post Breast Cancer to get their bras. My apologies in advance for any generalisation that may take offence but they seem to really love their bodies, any shape or size, any post operation scar that has been left behind, mentally or physically. It makes me ask whether we have to go through some sort of issue with our bodies to really get to know them and love them for what they are. It has taken me until my mid 40s to really understand that my body is unique and pretty cool, stretch marks and all. I am only very glad that my partner spotted this pretty early on in our relationship!

Speak soon, Launa. x

Approaching the end of day one

Hi! Am I supposed to be on here more than once a day? I am assuming that because it is my blog then it is my rules, so yes I can go on here whenever I want. And that goes for you too, you may join me on the blog whenever you want but I am a coach so I must stipulate that this is a happy blog, a fun blog and a positive one. There is enough sadness and negativity in the world already without us adding to it so please go elsewhere if that is what you are looking for.

It has been a very peaceful day. Started off with a coaching client over the phone, she was fab and I am sure will be achieving her goals at a great rate of knots. A friend of mine who is also a coach commented today that coaching is doubley fab because you get so much out of it as the Coach too and that is true. There is so much to learn out there and you never stop...U3A shows that.

I am now off to teach Zumba, covering for a friend of mine who is away with work. She is a very special person who has been through some tough times, so loads of love to her if she ever reads this. Friends are priceless. 

Speak to you soon. x

2nd blog

Hey, it worked!

I didn't want to write too much in case I really was in the wrong place at the wrong time, which would not have been a first.

So, why Life Coaching? Well I suppose I have come to the place in life where I have had enough of working so damn hard for other companies and want to do something for myself. A friend of mine suggested I had some Life Coaching to find out what I could do self-employed and that was it, I was hooked. Here I am now studying and practising hard so that I can make a difference to people's lives in the same way I used to strive to do as a manager.

Believe in youself and you can achieve anything...that's for me and you. x

First blog-if this is the right place to do it...

Hi, for those of you who dont know me I am Launa, trainee Life Coach, part time Zumba instuctor and basically up for anything that makes a bit of money until I become a high flying full time coach.