What’s holding you back from making the breakthrough you know you need?

Maybe it’s a clash with your values, the grit of determination, or the heavy pull of shame and ambition. Perhaps it’s an old, unspoken promise — to yourself or to others — about staying loyal, committed, and sticking it out, no matter what.  

Then there’s the fear, what people might say, the judgment, the risk that someone might withdraw from you altogether… just because you dared to dream, to change, to focus on what really matters to you.

With every step, shuffle, or leap forward, there’s no doubt:

You are leaving something behind.

It’s a horrible feeling, isn’t it?

Are you the dumper, or the dumpee?

Maybe both, either way, there’s pain and discomfort in unravelling yourself from someone or something you were all-in for.

But you also get the goods:

That feeling, cautious but real, of moving towards something.

Something that might actually feel nourishing, safe, fulfilling.

You barely dare to believe it… but what if?

And then there’s the vulnerability of change.

The doubt creeps in.

You have made the decision, but now you need to hold your nerve.

Remember the FACTS.

The choices and clarity that brought you to this moment.

Accept the learning curve, the missteps, the clangers, and breathe in the optimism that this is what you have been waiting for.

There was a time when I had been through some significant change in my life and spoke to a friend I had not seen for a while. 

He asked me how I was, and I said, “I’ve evolved.”

His reply?

“Does that mean you’ve now got two heads?”

 After I’d finished howling with laughter, I realised he wasn’t far off.

I had needed to separate my thinking from my feelings to get through a really gruelling time.

I am here to support you through that too, because I’ve walked through it myself. Now, as a coach, I’m so privileged to stand beside those of you navigating the balance between the phenomenal work you do and the cost it can take on you personally.

Reignite – What aspects of your role still bring you purpose and pride, and what have you quietly shelved that used to light you up? Reconnecting with these can be the first spark back to yourself.

Reframe – What if stepping back, changing direction, or setting a boundary isn’t failure, but a deeply ethical, sustainable act of integrity? What if your wellbeing is part of safeguarding too?

Redefine – How is your understanding of “strength” evolving? Is there room for a version of resilience that includes rest, asking for help, or saying no more?

Restore – What would help you feel just a little more grounded today, a conversation, a breath, a decision made for you, not just for others? Start there. You matter too.

If this speaks to where you are right now, caught between the weight of commitment and the pull of possibility, you are not alone. These shifts are never simple, especially in safeguarding and helping roles where our hearts are deeply wired for responsibility. But your clarity matters. Your peace matters.

I’d love to hear where this resonates for you, feel free to drop me a message, share your thoughts, or just take a quiet moment to check in with yourself. What are you ready to break through?

Coming Soon: Compassionate Clarity Workshop

I’m in the early stages of shaping a gentle, grounding online workshop for anyone navigating these crossroads, a space to pause, reflect and realign. If you’re interested in joining or just want to stay in the loop, let me know or watch this space.