Vivien is a mother, a wife, a sister, a daughter, a friend, a pharmacist, a business owner and now a coach. As a parent I can definitely say that my kids bring out the best and the worst in me! In August 07 my eldest daughter Ellie is about to turn 6, my son Lloyd is 3 and a half. His warm and gentle nature encouraged my husband and I to try for a third – Lara is now 1 and a half. What a joy they are and what they bring to me each and every day! As a mother, the wonder of experiencing the growth of your child from a seed to what they are today is a constant marvel, to feel the warmth of their bodies and the love when they squeeze me tight.

As a wife, I have been with my husband since I was 20. When we met, I felt like I had a silly smile on my face for a very long time. Now, 21 years later, I feel like I am married to my best friend, we are on the same team and whatever happens, we will find an answer. I haven’t always felt this way. Getting to this point for me has meant I have had to learn a lot, to let go of old ways of thinking and behaving and learning to ask more to get what I need. In return I have felt more love, support and enjoyment for life and for my family.

As a friend, I have been available to those that I believe are genuine, to those that I believe I grow with and learn from. I am fortunate to have those people in my life. I have also learnt that the depths of friendships change with my life and friends can be found in many places.

As a pharmacist, I have learnt many things – science, health and the ability to help many people in many ways. To be an ear when someone just needs to be heard, understood and reassured. The great thing about being a pharmacist is I can help people in small ways every day. I have learnt to understand how precious our health and our life is, and how it can be taken away from us so easily.  I have an understanding of many chronic disease states and the implications that they have for our future health.  I have also learnt that the human body is an amazing thing and many things are possible! I also understand the implications of carrying excess weight on our bodies and have discovered a willingness to support people on a quest to find a healthier place.

As a business owner, I have learnt many things. To take risks, to work hard, to enjoy those that work with me, to keep my head up and to not always rely on others to tell me what I need to know. I have enjoyed the freedom and independence of having a business. I have experienced the struggle of when things aren’t so great and how to make it better.  I have learnt the value of loyal employees and how many resources are available if you just look. 

As a coach, I have learned what it is to be human. I have learned how valued others feel when they are listened to. I have learned a new way of communicating. To be a coach, is to sit in a privileged place, with another person where it is safe for them to just be themselves. I have learned to forgive myself, to become more fully present and enjoy each day for what it brings, to rise to the challenge and never say ‘it is too hard’.

So what do I bring to coaching?

Becoming a coach for me was to follow my dream of being able to support someone in their life in a way that would change their life for the better. The great thing about becoming a coach is I can do this more than once! I bring to coaching my life, my experiences, my passion, honesty and integrity. I bring my ears and a genuine desire to be there – for you, to help you find what you want in your life.