My Story

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Growing up, I always struggled with my self-esteem and body image. I was reluctant to try new things (and if I did start a new hobby I gave up pretty quickly) because I was always comparing myself to others and setting unrealistic expectations for myself. Despite (somehow) managing to pass all my exams at school, I avoided it as much as possible, due to a constant lingering anxiety about being in a class where everyone was 'smarter', 'prettier', or 'skinnier' than me. 

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Nonetheless, I made it to University, where I completed my BSc Psychology degree. And, despite constantly fearing going to lectures, I LOVED learning about how and why we think and behave, and this has formed a big part of why I'm here, doing this today.

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But, as I entered my late teens and early 20s, this low self-esteem and confidence manifested as diagnosed anxiety, unhealthy eating patterns, and toxic relationships, which I held on to due to my beliefs of not being good enough. I was stuck in a cycle of hating myself and being so focused on my body image that I developed an unhealthy obsession with food, constantly restricting my calories, then comfort eating, feeling guilty, and punishing myself. Despite losing weight and feeling physically fit and healthy, I was still not happy with myself. I was reliant on receiving validation from others to make me feel 'good'. 

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A few years later, when I started a new job working for the NHS as an Assistant Psychologist, I gained a new sense of purpose for helping people and spent less of my energy focused on all the things I thought I was bad at, instead recognising the positive impact I was having on the lives of others. I also learned to shift some of my all-or-nothing thinking patterns and, whilst still giving priority to my health and fitness, I began to live a more balanced life. I developed a new love for the gym and food that was associated with the way it made me feel, rather than the way it made me look. I invested my time in learning about my body and what would help me to optimise my health and well-being. I developed healthy morning and evening routines comprised of positive habits that helped me to start my day off feeling energised, focused, and at peace. Ultimately, I felt much more in control of my health and my emotions, and I felt way more confident in my skin. 

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Until a series of physical health problems started. I was in severe pain and unable to exercise. I felt a huge sense of loss and frustration. I felt like I was no longer in control. This kicked off a cycle of comfort eating and guilt, which led to me feeling unhappy with my body, again. Then, within the space of  month, I went through a breakup, fell out with my best friend of many years and had to move out of my flat, and left my job. To top it all off, then a few weeks later, one week into my 6 week trip to Australia I ruptured my ACL and meniscus in my knee. This meant I was dealing with more pain again, and my recovery would take even longer now, as I needed an operation. At this point, I was feeling fed up and overwhelmed with life. 

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But, this was the biggest turning point for me. I decided to take a step back and re-evaluate my life and the path I was going down. I realised that, although I felt like I had hit rock bottom, I wasn’t stuck there forever, the only way from there was up, and it was only me who could get myself back on track. I wanted to do everything I could to speed up my recovery and get back to the positive mindset I was in before. I wanted to be living the joyful, balanced life free from anxiety and pain, that I had worked so hard to get.

 

And, that's when I realised, I wanted to help others, who had experienced similar difficulties in life, to do the same. So, whilst recovering from my surgery I studied to become a Certified Life Coach. And whilst learning the science-based tools and methods for coaching, I witnessed the profound impact that coaching has, not just with the clients I have worked with, but on myself, as I began working with my own coach. Now I can easily say I am the happiest I have ever been. I have a new found self love which allows me to live with ultimate balance, and where I approach all aspects of my life with an excitement to learn and grow. 

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So, now it’s my aim to help as many women as possible to overcome the obstacles they are facing, to love themselves, and love the life they are living. 

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If any of this sounds familiar, or, if there's something else you're struggling with, I've got you! Book your free initial 60min call and let’s chat about how we might be able to conquer your problems together and create the life you’re dreaming of. 

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I can’t wait to hear from you!

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Maija x