It’s that time again; to close off the previous 12 months with a reflection on the blog topics. Like the annual book retrospective, this gives me the chance to share a round-up of the articles that I feel represent my work and the themes that clients have brought to the coaching table. This year, I’ve also included those that pushed me outside of my comfort zone; I’ll leave it up to you to guess which is which! Here are the four blogs I’d like to share as part of the balance collective 2024 blog round-up.
How coaching can support your mental health
Self-awareness is the cornerstone of personal growth. My clients often experience a significant boost in this area, which leads to better decision-making and improved relationships. During coaching, we explore their beliefs, perspectives, and identity, helping them understand how these shape their choices. This process allows them to build on empowering beliefs that support their aspirations
How you can support your career during stressful times
I don’t think anyone is immune to the pressure of change, unpredictability and life concerns. From bereavement, ill health, relationship breakdown, and money concerns, all these things place us under stress. They can make us, and our nervous system, feel like we are under threat. When our energies and attention are given to managing things that affect the very structure of our lives, work can feel like the last straw, leading to long-term implications around our well-being. You can feel your anxiety increase, tempers shorten, sleep be disturbed, critical thinking skills disappear, and creativity extinguish. Does this sound familiar?
Why we need to reframe self-care for parents
However, it’s important to remember, that whilst all these practices are important, they shouldn’t replace collective action aimed at systemic change. The patriarchy flourishes when we are silent. We need to challenge structures that perpetuate inequality rather than solely focusing on individual well-being. This means using our voice collectively, speaking up when we see injustice, sharing our personal stories and amplifying the voices of those who are regularly ignored or silenced.
Reflections on finding your identity within motherhood
When we think about our lives, most of us have spent most of it having our identities defined by others. It starts with our family dynamics (such as sibling, cousin or nibling), our schooling (the actual school type, clubs, sports teams or academic status and subjects), then our working life (the industry, sectors, salary, job titles). I think you get my drift. These identities are defined by the people and expectations we surround ourselves with, even if we don’t agree with what is expected. When parenthood is added to the list, we are given another title with a whole heap of personal, cultural and societal expectations. These are presented to us, wrapped in a bow, as a gift – yet it can be tainted by judgement, pressure and lack of support.
Which blogs (mine, or others) have stood out for you in 2024? I’d love to know.
If you want to read more of the previous topics, find them here.
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Clara Wilcox is a straight talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective is a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance.
