I worked for 25 years in the health service, until during a very stressful time in my life I started getting severe joint pain, stiffness, and extreme fatigue. I didn't know what was going on. I was always so reliable and attention to detail was important to me. I found it impossible to concentrate and worried I would make an error. 

I discovered that I had Lupus with secondary Fibromyalgia. Stress was my biggest trigger. I would have to learn to micro-manage stress for the rest of my life. After extensive sick leave, I decided to take early retirement. This was a soul-destroying moment for me as I watched my career and the colleagues I worked with for so long disappear overnight. I felt invisible to the world in which I lived. 

I had 2 children to raise and support. I also did not want them to grow up thinking their Mam, no longer had a true purpose. I knew I had to find the kind of self-designed home-based project that was flexible, allowed me to be there for my children, and was fulfilling.

My degree was in Biomedical Science. I also trained for four years in Biodynamic Psychotherapy. What was I going to do with my life now? 

Then, a friend put language on what she saw I was naturally good at 'Intuitive Listening'. Immediately, I researched other areas, in which I could use that valuable skill. I came across Life Coaching and knew that this was for me. I trained part-time, and became accredited with the IAPC&M. I began my lifelong journey of helping others find their true potential, balance and peace.

A whole world opened up for me.  I discovered so many ways to help others find balance in their lives.

I expressed gratitude for the struggles in my life because they brought me down this path of fulfilment.

Through this work, I rediscovered my own love of writing and decided to write down my insights and some of the methods I had of working with clients. Before long, I realised I was actually writing the manuscript for my first book, which I called 'Being'.

I realised that a very important part of myself had been shut down for a very long time. I went through my boxes and found poems that I had written in school and college. I read back through process journals and reconnected with that soulful Aintherese. That person was passionate about understanding the human condition and expressing it in a heartfelt way. I did grieve the time lost, but instead of becoming overwhelmed, I channelled my thoughts into my book.

It is never too late to reconnect with your essential self and your true potential as a human being.