Elma Carew Coaching & Consulting

In 2017, I was lucky enough to be in Croke Park when Galway won the All-Ireland.

My dad managed to get tickets for Vinn​y and me through a friend. We got to sit together and witness one of the greatest days we've ever experienced.

It meant so much to us that afterwards we had everything framed. Our tickets. The match programme. The Galway colours we wore around our necks. A photo of us from the day. Even the final score.

It still hangs proudly in our home today.

Dad is no longer with us and every time I look at it, I'm reminded not just of Galway winning, but of him making sure we got to be there together.

This Sunday, Galway are back in the All-Ireland Final.

And I'd love nothing more than to experience another day like that with Vinn​y.

I know tickets are like gold dust and I'm not expecting miracles. But if anyone happens to know of two genuine seats together that become available, I'd be so grateful if you thought of us.

Either way, here's hoping for another unforgettable day for Galway.

A little Monday reminder to make time for the things that fill your cup.

Over the past couple of months I've had two lovely chats with on the Lifestyle Lounge on Galway Bay FM.

We talked about balancing a busy social calendar without burning yourself out and why hobbies matter so much for our wellbeing.

Thank you again to Sarah for having me on.

If you missed either interview, they're both available to listen back in the Galway Bay FM podcast section.

I'd love to know... what's one hobby or activity that helps you switch off?

Have you ever caught yourself thinking...

"I just need a new job."

It's one of the most common things I hear.

Sometimes it's true.​ But sometimes the job isn't the real problem.

Tomorrow I'm sending a new newsletter to my community with something I've been wanting to create for a while.

It's called Thinking of Leaving Your Job? Read This First.

Inside are ten questions I encourage people to ask themselves before handing in their notice.

My hope is that it helps you slow down, reflect and make a decision that's right for you.

If you'd like to receive it, you can sign up through the link in my bio​ or stories today.

Sometimes the thing we think needs to change... isn't actually the thing that needs to change.

One of the quotes from my recent interview with EVOKE that really sums up my approach is this:

"Sometimes changing your life doesn't start with changing your job. It starts with changing the conversation."

It's something I see every week.

People come to coaching convinced they need to hand in their notice. Then we start talking and realise they're carrying far more than a difficult job. They're exhausted. They've lost confidence. They've forgotten what they need.

Of course, sometimes changing jobs is the right decision.

But sometimes the biggest change starts with giving yourself the space to stop, reflect and have an honest conversation.

I'm so grateful to Claire Hyland and the team at EVOKE for sharing my story.

If you'd like to read the interview, there's a link in my stories today.

As I stood in Heuston station in Dublin on Monday 22nd June just after 11am, I looked around at all the tired faces, many of whom were wearing Metallica t-shirts. And I thought to myself, we all looked forward to this event for so long, we each made the pilgrimage to Dublin to support a band we love, each looking forward to hearing certain special songs that may carry personal meaning to us. And now here we all are, standing and waiting for the platform to be announced so we can all clamber aboard the train back to reality. Now, I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that reality but my point is, for this one weekend, we all got to put on our favourite band t-shirts, I'm sure many were purchased new over the weekend, we laughed together, told each other stories as we all bonded over our love of this great band.

What now for the band t-shirts?

What now for those fans who spent this magical weekend reliving their youth, giddy, enjoying a pint or 2, connecting with others and now were headed home to their individual realities?

Will they still make time to listen to the music that gives them so much joy?

Will their t-shirts get some more days out?

Or will they all just get caught up again in the rat race that can be life?

Weekends like this matter.

Taking the time out to do the things you love matters.

You matter!

When was the last time you did something just for yourself?

If you're struggling to remember, then it's time to prioritise yourself and remind yourself that you cannot pour from an empty jug.

If you've gotten this far, I'd love to hear your thoughts on my rambling musings.
Sending you love and light x

I delivered a workshop ​r​ecently on rebuilding confidence after setbacks.

It struck me how many people are still carrying old stories about themselves.

A rejection from years ago.

A mistake.

A job they didn't get.

Feedback that landed badly.

The event is long over.

The story is still running.

Over the past few months I’ve had the opportunity to deliver 8 wellbeing workshops for staff in Atlantic Technological University, with the final session taking place yesterday.

Across the workshops we explored topics including burnout, motivation, mental clutter, boundaries, confidence, mindful work and work-life integration.

One thing became very clear throughout these sessions.

​​One thing I noticed across the sessions is that people are carrying a huge amount mentally while still trying to keep everything moving.

There’s a level of constant pressure and noise that so many people are trying to function through every day while still attempting to show up fully for work, family and life.

What stood out most to me across these workshops was how much people valued having space to pause, reflect and have honest conversations about wellbeing in a practical and meaningful way.

I’m incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to facilitate these sessions and to everyone who engaged so openly throughout them.

If your organisation is looking to support employee wellbeing through practical and engaging workshops, feel free to reach out.