Vista Coaching

Alternative weekend in Brighton! Another Soul Sista mini retreat at the weekend and much needed.

founder, Vanessa, and I met 5 years ago when we started training with to become Transformational Coaches. We hit it off straight away and have very similar upbringings and lives.

This friendship has developed over the years despite only meeting face to face a handful of times. It proves that you don't have to live near someone to be their friend, just a willingness to connect and invest in the friendship.

This past weekend we swam in the sea, meditated and practiced yoga, had a campfire and caravan night, walked the South Downs, ate lots of nice food, talked and laughed. Vanessa also led me through an energy session and reiki which was amazing! She is a talented woman who loves sharing her knowledge and skills to support people in feeling better within themselves.

The weekend was a reset. It made me realise that I like meditation but had fallen out of the way of it. A reminder that I need to look after myself mind, body and soul to be the best version of me.
Investing in yourself is never a risk or waste of money.

Spending time with like minded people who support and gently nudge you to step out of your comfort zone and always going to be the people I want to surround myself with.

I encourage you to try something different, step out of your comfort zone, say yes to something new - you never know where it might take you ♥️

Well home now from a great in Lisbon.
The theme was "Translating Culture" and it gave a lot of food for thought regarding what my cultural and linguistic identity is and how my culture can influence an interpreting situation positively or negatively.

Having time away at events like this gives me an opportunity to reflect on my profession and my practice. It's important to take a step back and look at how I can improve what I do to provide a better service to the Deaf community I work with. It also gives me the chance to learn and see how I can support trainee and newer interpreters in the profession. DM me if you want more information on my Interpreting 101 membership.

Time away with colleagues helps create lasting connections and support. Having colleagues all over Europe to learn from and have fun with makes a huge difference!

As a registered interpreter I have to undertake Continuous Professional Development (CPD) every year so I am keeping up with changes within the profession, language and culture.
I also undertake personal development so that I can be the best version who I can be.

I encourage you to take time out for yourself to reflect on your skills, ability and where you could develop them.
You don't have to go to Lisbon but it does make things a bit more enjoyable 😉

Today is my freedoversary!

Yes today is 3 years since I took back my freedom and started my life as a freelance interpreter.

Making the scary decision to leave the employment I'd been in for the past 18.5 was actually one of the best I've ever made.

Being able to make decisions that effect me and my business is empowering, and a wee bit nerve wracking at times, but so worth it.

I've worked with new people, been to new places, stretched myself as a person and an interpreter.

I thought leaving the position I had meant I couldn't continue to support trainee and new Interpreters to the profession , a profession that I love, but that wasn't true. I've established "Interpreting 101" the membership group specifically for this purpose. I'm a supervisor for interpreters and still involved in the profession in different ways. As well as continuing with my Coaching work.

Taking that plunge has also allowed me to focus on my health and wellbeing, in what job could I go to the gym at 10am on a Wednesday morning? Or take Fridays off? Or pop into my mum's for a cuppa just because?

Well since I'm the boss I can do all that!

I know self employment isn't for everyone but it's definitely for me, no going back to work "for the Man"! And because of that I'm celebrating with cake 🎂

If you want to chat about making a similar decision or interested in support as a new interpreter through Interpreting 101 or supervision then DM me ✨

So I'm in the final week of my 51st year and been doing a bit reflecting.

I am feeling grateful for the life I've created for myself, one I never thought was possible a few years ago.

May 2022 I was unhappy in my job, I'd trained as a life coach, but loved interpreting and wasn't sure how or if I could do both. At an event run by I took stock of where I was and remember looking in the mirror in the toilets and saying to myself that I wouldn't be at my current employment by the time I was 50. I knew I had to change what I was doing and change my life.

Well a month later I was informed I was at risk of redundancy! I knew straight away I wanted to take it and become a freelance BSL/English Interpreter. The thought of not having a regular income, contributory pension scheme, paid holidays etc was scary and nearly kept me accepting another post there but I knew deep down it was time to take the leap and leave.

And I'm so glad I did.

Life is so different and so much better than I ever thought.

I now decide when I want to work and who with. I am doing a job I love in interpreting and have stepped out of my comfort zone many times doing work I never thought I could.

I've combined my knowledge and experience as an interpreter and manager with my coaching skills and created "Interpreting 101" a support membership group for trainee and new interpreters giving them the support and guidance they need as they start out in the profession.

3 years ago I felt stuck and couldn't see a way out. Now I'm living a life of flexibility doing what I love and able to spend time with family and friends when I want along with supporting new interpreters and a profession I am passionate about.

So if you are feeling stuck, unhappy, like life is passing you by then I'm here to say it can change. You need to be ready to take the leap, get out of your comfort zone and make the change.

"Nothing changes, if nothing changes" be the change you want and enjoy life in a way you never thought possible 🥰

It's been a year since I hurt my back.
A year that I've struggled and eventually came out the other end.
I've had to do a lot of slowing down, acceptance, mindset shifting and starting again.
Doing whatever I did to my back but carrying on, as I thought I knew best 🙄 then developing sciatica was not good. I was in a lot of pain, uncomfortable and stressed. I wanted it to be done but it took time. Visit's to the chiropractor, massages, walking all helped but it took a good few months for the tingling in my feet to finally go.
Great! But then I became scared to do any exercise other than walking cause I didn't want to hurt it again.
Slowly I started doing gentle exercise and talking with about building up my core muscles, started on a individual plan. This along with support from , and helped me move forward.
It was tough as the stress I was feeling was affecting my work. How I stood or sat, how I moved while I was interpreting were all factors I had to consider. But changing my mindset to doing what I could, being kind to myself, speaking up at work for what I needed all got me back on the right track.
This summer though I knew it wasn't enough and I was feeling not happy in my body again, same as I had 7 years ago. So I invested in myself again and signed up to work with . I'm now stronger and more toned than I've ever been. Eating more protein and feeling much happier within myself.
This shows not only in my body but my mind too and I'm more positive and flexible in what comes up.
It's been a tough year but one I've learnt a bit more about myself and what I'm willing to accept and not accept.
Take care of yourself, listen to your body, don't test your health because if it rebels you are the loser!
There are people around who can help and support you. Use them, they want the best for you too 🥰

Today I'm celebrating 2 years since I became self employed 🥳

2 years of learning, making decisions, sometimes the wrong ones, but learning from that and moving on.
2 years of investing in myself and my business.
2 years of working less and earning more.
2 years of working with people that I want to work with.
2 years of support from family, friends and colleagues - special shout out to

It's not all been plain sailing even though I've been interpreting for a long time but it shows me that I'm always learning, keep moving forward and become a better version of who I am, personally and professionally.

Can't wait to see what is ahead. Heading to Italy next weekend for .eu and looking at how I can expand Interpreting 101!

If you have a gut feeling that you aren't where you are meant to be, that there is something else out there for you then listen to that feeling. It is scary, the uncertainty of it but believe me it is far better than staying in the comfort of a place that isn't meant for you.

Take the step off the edge and fly ❤️

7 years ago I had started my self development journey which took me to joining Slimming World as I was not happy with how I felt in my body and knew I needed to lose weight. I had been here before but this time I knew it was my mindset that had to change along with my eating habits.

6 years on and I'm still working on myself to become the best version of me.

Over all this time the key thing has been to invest in myself.

I invested in training to become a life coach which in turn led me to investing in other courses to develop myself and my business. Training with was key in setting me on my path.

Investing in coaching with
has made me prioritise me and what I need to be able to help and support others. She has also supported me in realising my vision of supporting interpreters through Interpreting 101. This puts my skills of coaching, mentoring and supervising along with my knowledge and experience as a BSL/English interpreter together so I can support Interpreters to develop their own skills to become the best they can be.

I have invested in my own professional development as an interpreter by attending training and the .eu conference in Turin, Italy. Always something to learn and share at these events.

I've also recently invested with
Over the past 9 months or so I've noticed my body changing again. Going through peri menopause is like a game, never knowing what symptoms I'm going to check off the list each week!! How I was exercising (especially after I hurt my back in 2023) and what I was eating were not working like they used to. I was conscious that I needed to get stronger for the stage of life I am at now and for the future so working with Kirsty this past month has made me realise I was not eating enough protein or strengthening my body the way I should.

What I'm trying to say is that investing in yourself is never a bad bet. Investing in yourself to become stronger, wiser, self compassionate, supportive and more is key to a long and happy life, not just for me but for my family, friends and beyond.

Invest in yourself today, the returns are phenomenal 💖

So end of an era for aka Alex, retiring from the police service after 25 year's.

We moved to London in 1999 for Alex to join the Met police and although it was a good move for me professionally as well, it was tough. Moving away from family, friends and a life we knew but it pushed us to embrace change, meet new people, make new friends and open ourselves up to all London had to offer.

This was all fine when it was just us but when our son came along we made the decision to move back to Edinburgh so he could grow up near family. Again huge changes in life. New jobs, new house but it was hard cause just because we were born and grew up in Edinburgh things had changed while we were away and things were different.

Once our daughter came along we were settling in but having a hubby on shifts with 2 young kids is hard. At times I felt like a single parent but the shifts did have positives and I think you were a more regular dad at the school gates than many others.

We have always worked as a team and neither of us saw our career was more important. Taking time off to be around if I was away or me doing bath and bed routine with the kids so you could study for promotion. And I think that is what got us through the 25 years.

Teamwork. So important in all of life but definitely in marriage. Working together to support eachothers needs and supporting eachother in the tough times.

So as one chapter ends and a new one has started I'm grateful for the opportunities and experiences of the past 25 years, they have helped shape me into who I am today. I know that we will continue on that path of support and encouragement and I'm excited to see what's next.

Happy retirement! Ok world let's see what you've got now!❤️

Happy 75th birthday to my mum, Sylvia!

Although she's 75 she definitely doesn't look like or act like it 😊
My mum has always been active. She was a keep fit instructor, ran a day centre for the elderly, looked after my 2 kids and my niece at the same time (1@ age 3, other 2 were 8 & 5 months old!). She still goes to a keep fit class as well as Line Dancing and walking everyday.

Mum has been there for me and my sister whenever we have needed her. She's listened to us and given us advice, made us laugh and held us when we've cried.

The 3 of us love getting together and spending time with eachother.

One of my values is family and this is where it started. Being with people you love and who love you unconditionally is the basis for everything. This is where I learnt how to step out of my comfort zone and be the best version of me.

Mum has taught me gratitude, encouragement and love.

Mum is my biggest cheerleader and let me know I can achieve anything if I put my mind to it.

Happy birthday mum, looking forward to spending much more time with you 💕

I created Interpreting 101 to support and encourage BSL/English interpreters so they can be confident and secure in their skills and themselves.

Combining my years of experience and knowledge as a working interpreter, manager, supervisor and coach it was a no brainer to continue what I love doing now that I'm freelance.

We all need our tribe to go to who will be there to listen, support, advice and encourage when needed and this is the tribe I am fostering with Interpreting 101.

We kick off on 29 February. Spaces still available. DM me for more information.

Above are some testimonials from people who have worked with me. So don't take my word for it, take theirs.

Launching "Interpreting 101" into the world!

3 year's ago when I trained as a Transformational Life Coach I didn't know where that road would take me.

After much ignoring I decided to eventually listen to my intuition and put my coaching skills in my toolbox alongside my interpreting skills, knowledge and experience.

This has resulted in the creation of Interpreting 101, a membership group for new interpreters and those returning to the profession.

This has been something that has been on my mind for a while but wasn't sure how it could come together. But with the support of and others I have got something that I'm really excited about!

Don't get me wrong, I've bounced this back and forward for months but knew deep down that I can support and encourage interpreters after all my time in the profession and that there was no point waiting any longer!

So not one for sitting in my comfort zone, I've put together something that is wanted and needed. It is by no means completed and content will be guided and inspired by those who are in the founders group drawing on my own knowledge and experience and that of other expert interpreters and Deaf people.

So I'm encouraging you to listen to your intuition, what is your gut telling you to go out and do? Do it! That is why you are here ❤️

2024 is already getting exciting 🥰

Today I paid off our mortgage.

This is a huge milestone that I didn't think would be possible until my husband retired and we used part of his lump sum payment.

But when I took the leap and left my employed post for a life of self employment I realised I was the captain of my own ship and that I could make that goal happen sooner rather than later.

I am not posting this to boast but to say that when you have a goal, get clear on it and work towards it, then you will achieve.

For a long time I worked in the third sector, worked part time as I'm a mum with 2 kids and was "happy" being safe with my monthly salary although it covered my outgoings but didn't leave much at the end of the month.

Being presented with redundancy in 2022 was scary but my intuition told me it was the right decision and taking the leap was worth it.

I can now decide when I want to work, where and who with. My kids are growing up now, 21 & 18, so this gives me greater flexibility.

I made the conscious effort that I would be the one to be able to pay what was needed. It was something I wanted to do for myself to prove to myself I could - and I did!

When you have that goal insight, that fire within to know what you want to achieve then the work doesn't seem like work as you know what is going to be at the end.

As we are at the start of 2024 get clear on what you want to achieve by 31 December and put those plans in motion, YOU WILL ACHIEVE!

Off to celebrate with a takeaway on a Monday night, living the dream ❤️