The benefits of a collective oomph – how taking part in AWDT’s ‘It’s all about YOU’ programme led to longstanding connections and a rewarding career

I grew up in Palmerston North and married a farmer. I worked as a nurse until my youngest was born, then we moved to a dairy farm an hour north of Palmerston North and life changed dramatically. I was a stay-at-home mum, very involved in community and support on the farm. I left my nursing job quite definitively. I made the decision that I was moving on to something else, which evolved through my passions for human connectedness, wellness and helping people to thrive. Now I’m a life coach, with a real focus on wellness.

When my youngest was still quite small, my husband spotted an AWDT advertisement for [what was then called] First Steps. He strongly encouraged me to get on board. I applied and then decided, “No, it’s not the right time. I’m not ready for this,” and pulled out. The next time it came up, I made it a priority. The course was my first experience of seeing coaching in action. I remember sitting in the workshop thinking, “I want to do what these ladies are doing” – facilitation, coaching and supporting other people. I had no idea how I would get there, but that was okay. Taking part in the course started me on that journey: seeing what it was I wanted to be doing, having amazing support from the women that I was connected with, and recognising that we’re all on a journey.

This year the cohort has been together and supporting each other for nine years. It is a privilege to be connected with a group of women on this journey; together, we have been through some of life’s big challenges. The group support means we have collective strength and we grow together through the tough times. I think that strength comes from sharing our stories, and the collective oomph that we get when we are together. This kind of support is invaluable.

Anybody who’s wanting to grow personally and consolidate the skills that they’ve built over the years [can benefit from the programme]. The clarity that comes with this enables us to move forward with a clear picture of what we want, where we want to be, and how we want to get there. Coaching is a big part of that. We all get busy. Coaching can help us to slow down, to see what is important. It empowers us to do the things that serve us well.

The [‘It’s all about YOU’] programme meets people at whatever stage they are at. If you don’t quite know your place in this world or are looking for direction, then it will meet you there. If you’ve already got a lot of hats that you wear outside of the farm, career or family and you are just wanting to grow yourself, then it will meet you in that space.

For anyone considering taking part in an AWDT programme, I encourage you to take that courageous next step and enrol. Everyone benefits when you put time into growing you.