Rachael
“I have been on a journey of discovery learning about who I am”
I trained as a nurse and worked in various nursing roles in the NHS for decades. I loved a lot of the jobs I had, even though there were parts of them that were less enjoyable than others! I had always known since I was a little girl I would be a nurse, without having much concept of what that meant.
I was very fortunate in working with many people who I remain close friends with. Genuine, caring individuals. Ultimate professionals as well as great good fun to be around.
Not long before the ‘silver jubilee’ of my starting my training I was knocked absolutely sideways by a physical condition that meant I was unable to work, or do much more than exist for 15 months. Prior to that I had been fit and well and I was shocked to be so debilitated by an illness that normally people recovered from in about 6 weeks. For those 15 months I was mainly in bed managing symptoms that were totally debilitating, some of which I still have now. I was determined to get back to work and to ‘pay back’ the ‘debt’ I felt I owed the NHS for the sick pay I had had while eligible. I felt I owed it to the NHS for showing faith in me as well as to the tax payers for paying the sick pay I had been entitled to.
I managed to get back to work and after a year returned to my previous job (which I loved!) but events changed and I started to feel out of step with some of the changes that were happening. I recognise the changing nature of working in a big organisation and I realised that my primary driver wasn’t money or a ‘title’ but to be making a difference for patients and staff. In my 30th year I became very unwell and at the start of 2019 I had what could be termed a breakdown. That, coupled with managing the symptoms of my, by then, long term condition was an implosion that led to me losing my job and being ill health retired.
Wallop! My job had become my identity, without it I felt lost and like I had no idea who I would look for if I was going to try to find myself. Since then I have been on a journey of discovery, learning about who I am. During that journey I learned about holding space for myself and others which underpins all I do. I learned Reiki Levels 1 and 2, I became a Subconscious Transformation Facilitator, learning a number of techniques that I use to help others. Along the way I have taken time to learn more about the Weleda products so that I can give well informed, tailored advice to anyone who’d like to know about the skincare, facial care and traditional remedies.
Learning to be resourced and connected. 