From fatigue to fulfilment

I’m writing this sitting in gorgeous April sunshine still feeling very tired after an extraordinary time at The Big Festoon. I don’t yet have the words to adequately describe how fabulous and unique an experience it was, but what I do want to share is how I set myself up for success.

This was an event with 800 people at it. It combined entertainment with education and as an introvert who also has fatigue I knew I had to take steps to make sure I got the most from it rather than being wiped out!

Going to this event was a big deal for me. It was the first thing I booked, twelve months ago when I was recovering from my bilateral mastectomy and was no longer at the mercy of NHS waiting lists. I’m not embarrassed to admit that watching 800 gorgeous humans sing "Reach for the Stars" during the closing session caused me to shed a few tears.

So how did I prepare for success so I could get the most out of it?

By asking myself what I needed. Not always the easiest question to answer but believe me the more you ask it the easier it gets to tap into the answer. Your inner wisdom knows.

Although the event was only a few miles away I knew I needed a hotel room so I could arrive the day before and not have very early starts both days. I gave myself permission and I booked that hotel.

I knew that I would need a meal each evening. I don’t mind eating alone but when I’m tired and peopled out I can make excuses and tell myself that a snack in my room will do. It won’t! So, I booked myself a table at the pub next to the hotel each evening. I know myself well enough that I’ll show up when I say I will – even if that commitment is to an anonymous pub app!

I also knew that the event would be very noisy. As well as the 800 delegates busy networking I knew from videos of previous years that there would be loud music. And so I invested in a pair of Loop earplugs. This is not an advert, but oh my goodness, some of the best money I’ve ever spent on myself. I could still hear and engage but without feeling like I was being assaulted on all sides by the noise.

I joined the ticket holders’ group on Facebook so I could interact with other attendees before I arrived. It meant I knew I wasn’t the only newbie attending alone. I realised there were people attending who I’d met before and was excited to meet again. I also spotted people who I’ve known online for five plus years and never met in person before. That little bit of prep meant I had my eyes open looking for them and got real life hugs.

I gave myself permission not to go to the after-party, even though Gok Wan was the DJ. I was a huge fan of his make-over programmes! I knew two long days would wipe me out and pushing myself to go to the party too would be a step too far. I gave myself permission to accept the situation and give myself what I needed which was an early dinner and bed!

Normally before a big event like that I’d be nervous and excited but more nervous and excited. The nearer it got I kept telling people how excited I was even though I was sure I’d be nervous as I first walked into the event space. I was wrong! Thanks to all my preparations for success I was just excited and had had my first hug from an old friend and met an online friend in real life before I’d even sat down.

Your inner mentor knows what you need too. I promise. All you need to do is learn to listen. And that’s exactly what our next “Who am I now and what’s next?” coffee and coaching session is all about. Come and meet your inner mentor. Tap into that innate wisdom inside of you so that you can face the future with clarity and peace.

The session is on 9th April at 7pm BST. You can sign up for the session and the recording for just £27 or you can go VIP for 12 months of access to the quarterly sessions and a library of 13 (and counting) sessions and two bonus workshops. This would usually be £97 but the special launch price is £70 using code COFFEE at checkout.

I’d love to see you there. Sign up here.