THE LITTLE RED LEAF THAT SAYS A LOT

In 2002 I was introduced to a book that ultimately changed my life.

 

Following a little lonely red-headed girl each page takes you on a disjointed journey through a difficult world. With surreal dark images and very little text it really lets your imagination take over. In every single picture amongst all the chaos is a little red leaf...a tiny glimmering symbol of hope.

 

Shaun Tan's “The Red Tree” is the picture book that changed everything for me. I had been a long-time sufferer of mental health issues and I was really able to connect with the story that was unfolding before my eyes. I didn't realise the significance of the red leaf in my personal life until much later on.

 

For as long as I can remember - Every job I ever took on...Every show I ever got involved in...Every pub or restaurant I went in to...Every time I was on public transport...Every comment or status I posted on social media...I always seemed to attract the people who needed to talk. The people who were lost (in life). The people who were in a rut. The people who needed guidance. The people who knew where they wanted to be but didn't know how to get there. They came from all walks of life and all age groups. I had teenagers coming to me agonising over personal and life choices. I had middle-aged people coming to me because they had nowhere else to turn. I had pensioners coming to me wanting to talk about their bereavement or how to move on in life and have fun again now that they were retired. I even had bosses coming up to me seeking advice on how to deal with a certain situation.

 

Quite why it took me 15 years to realise that I should be doing Life Coaching is beyond me...well actually, no it's not – but that's a story for another time! As in The Red Tree, the answer has been there all the time; little hints (Red Leaves) throughout my life and certainly since 2002 when I read the book for the first time.

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Several years ago I finally decided that I needed to act upon my own Red Tree. I trained as a Life Coach, read as widely as I could, attended courses and seminars and listened to as many people as possible – all of which I still do! Nothing gives me greater pleasure than being able to help someone find their value. Nothing brings a smile to my face more than being able to bring a smile to another's face because I've helped them find their path. Nothing gives me a greater sense of satisfaction than a thank you note from someone who has told me that thanks to me they are now able to make decisions confidently and they started a new job because of it.

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Everyone has their own Red Tree but very often they can't see the leaves from it let alone the tree itself! It is my duty and honour to help people find their first Red Leaf which will end up leading them to their (first) Red Tree.

 

The company logo reflects this. A single Red Leaf which has always been there, but you perhaps missed it. There are many paths to your Red Tree and I'd be humbled to be your guide.