Rae Harper - Coaching Women to Shine

May was fast and slow. Wonderful month, lots of outdoors in nature, metaphors and sunshine.

In a group session this week, I introduced the idea of radiators and drains.

Radiators? The feeling of warmth, comfort, that quiet sense of ease.

Drains? Think of tipping your cold coffee dregs down the sink. That slightly grim, flat feeling. Nothing left.

You can apply this to people. To tasks. To whole days.

When work is feeling harder than it should, pause and ask yourself two questions.

What gives me warmth right now?

What is emptying me?

That’s it. Just honest noticing.

Once you know, you can start making small adjustments.

If it’s tasks draining you, can you sandwich them between the ones that energise you? Can you do them differently, or at a different time?

If it’s people affecting your energy and mood, that’s a harder question. But still worth asking. What do you want to do about it? And what, realistically, can you do?

You don’t have to overhaul everything. You just have to start noticing.

Radiators or drains. Which is winning this week?

I read an email this morning from someone I’ve been following for years but never really engaged with.

I’ve watched her grow, pivot, and rebuild. Reading it today I was genuinely excited for her. All that she has worked for is becoming real. She has evolved, and those watching from the wings have probably seen it for a while. She’s definitely known it for a while. She just wasn’t ready to share it.

I replied and told her I felt it. It gave me goosebumps and helped me call out what I’ve known for a while.

I know I’m growing, evolving, becoming. I’m sensing a big shift this year. I’m just not entirely sure what that looks like yet.

So I’m sharing here, for vulnerability, for accountability, and maybe a little inspiration for anyone else feeling a shift they can’t yet name.

Anyone else is feeling it?

Wow, where has April gone?

Fabulous month - flowers, walks, new clients, great conversations.

More sunshine please May! ☀️