Growing up I never really ‘fit in’, I spent most of my time at school being bullied after health issues– which led to a really dysregulated nervous system. I left school and had different office-based jobs, jobs that I didn’t really enjoy and it was a time in my life that I was affected by mental health issues. I believe the depression I experienced over these next few years was a direct result of emotional stress and a dysregulated nervous system from many things but mostly bullying.

I had my first real loss in 2007 when my Dad passed away suddenly, driving on his way to work, due to heart issues. At the time I was 21/22 and pregnant with my first daughter, and well-meaning friends and family would say ‘be strong for the baby’, which I was. However, this led to me not grieving and avoiding grief to be 'strong'. It has only been in recent years that I now believe I was protecting myself from grief but I wasn't strong, I was not expressing my grief or emotions and working through it.

This has led me on my journey to grow and heal, to acknowledge and allow my process of grieving. It has sparked a knowing in me, a passion, that this is what I am here to do. My purpose is to help others on their grief journey, find themselves again, their passion for life, their identity and values and learn that there are no bad emotions, they are here to teach us something. Our bodies are amazing and often protect us without even realising it.

I am delighted to say I have completed my Holistic Grief Coach Certification™ with @goodgrief_uk, I am excited and looking forward to this new chapter. I have a new purpose, my purpose and as in everything, mum is here every step of the way – coming along for the journey! Hope you are proud mum.

Thank you for listening.

Gem x