No Balls or Slobber
Our dog Eric has a new favourite toy. He loves it so much he insists on burying it in the bin — which, as you can imagine, ends in chaos. Bits of rubbish everywhere. And when people visit, he proudly drops the soggy, slobber-drenched thing right in their lap, looking up with those big eyes, begging them to throw it. Again. And again. And again.
I have no control over that.
But I do have influence — I can limit how often he gets the toy. And I do have control — over how I respond. I could stay cross and focus on the mess… or I could smile, shake my head, and enjoy the sheer joy he gets from playing.
It’s such a reminder that we don’t always get to control the situation — but we do get to choose how we meet it.
Holding Space for Change: Free Support for NHS and ICB Colleagues
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been offering free sessions for NHS and ICB colleagues in response to the recent government announcement of a 50% reduction in staffing. This is a huge shift—one that’s left many people feeling uncertain, anxious, and in some cases, quietly hopeful.
Some colleagues have shared that this may be the nudge they needed to make a change they’ve been dreaming of. Others are understandably fearful about what this change means—for their careers, their families, and their future.
I know what that feels like. A couple of years ago, I was made redundant in the first wave of these changes. It was difficult—personally and professionally—but in time, it led me toward a new and deeply fulfilling chapter in my work. I now spend some of my time supporting others through periods of change, transition, and uncertainty.
What We’ve Been Exploring in These Sessions
In the first set of sessions, we’ve been focusing on a simple but powerful framework:
Circles of Control – those things we have direct control over
Circle of Influence- the things we have some control over, like what we can do to best position ourselves to get what we want.
Circle of Concern- the things we have cock all control over and need to learn to let go.
Whilst many of us are familiar with the concept, taking the time to really reflect on what sits in each circle—and where we tend to invest our energy—proved to be incredibly grounding.
The science backs this up: when we focus more on what we can control and acknowledge what we can influence (rather than worry about what we can’t), we reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing. Easier said than done, of course—especially when so much feels uncertain and most of us feel we have control over most things!
A big part of what I help people explore is what sits inside their Circle of Control: → our words → our behaviours → our mindset
This idea really seemed to resonate, and many attendees left with a renewed sense of clarity—and even a small plan to help make life just a little more manageable in the days ahead.
“Thanks for today, it was really helpful in putting things into perspective. Also knowing that we are not alone and you showing us we can come out the other end.”
Want to Join a Future Session?-There are more dates for June
Monday 9th 3-4
Tuesday 17th 10-11
Wednesday 25th 1-2
Thursday 26th 6-7pm
If you’re reading this and would find it helpful to take a breath, reflect, and find your own space to reset, if you want to come just complete this form HERE and I’ll send you the details for upcoming sessions.
Feeling the midweek slump or staring down a to-do list that never ends? Come join me for my Wednesday morning “Getting Sh*t Done”session — it’s 90 minutes of focused time, friendly energy, and no-pressure accountability.
🕘 Every Wednesday at 9:00 AM (UK time)
⏱️90 minutes of focused productivity
🎧Mic off, camera on – just show up and work
💬Optional check-in at the start and end
💡Bring your “eat the frog” task or anything you’ve been putting off
It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you’re in a supportive space with others doing the same. No charge, no expectations, no need to tune up every week — just a group of good people showing up to move things forward.
If you'd like to join, sign up HERE and I’ll send you the details.
No Balls or Slobber just a Supportive space. Serious focus.
Let’s Get On With It
