WHY YOU NEED A LIFE COACH

1. Tell us a bit about yourself 

When I moved to London 6 years ago, I had just finished uni in Lithuania. I studied vocals, jazz singing and told myself that I will give it a year in London to live freely and see what happens. Over the years, I did random jobs from receptionist in Selfridges beauty salon, corporate admin, to office manager at eHarmony.

Deep down I knew I didn’t want to pursue music, but was ashamed to admit it to my family and friends. I was going through a lot in my personal life and I reached my rock bottom. Today I like to call it a spiritual awakening as I dived into self-discovery, soul-searching, did a lot of therapy and completely transformed myself. 

Year after year I got more interested in emotions, behaviours, human nature, spirituality so I decided to study life coaching and counselling. I love this quote by Maya Angelou that says: “When you learn, teach. When you get, give.” I was so amazed by the things I learned and discovered that I wanted to do nothing else but work in this field and share my knowledge with others. I finally found my passion, this is what I’m good at, this is what drives me and this is what I love the most - helping people to discover their best selves. 

6 months ago my husband and I made a move to South of France and now we get to live the dream. My work provides me with luxury of choosing where I can live so now I’m in between Cannes and London. I work virtually and coach people via Skype from all over the world. I also host one day retreats for families and friends who come to French Riviera on holiday and want to relax in a different kind of way - with meditation, visualisation, relaxation, bonding activities, connection and playful fun. 

2. What is coaching / How does it work? 

Life coaching is a professional guidance that helps people achieve specific goals or reach a life change. Work is based on various therapeutic techniques and core psychological principles. I personally use CBT, counselling, NLP, relaxation, and visualisation techniques as well as my own life experience.

Together with a coach, you crystallise and define your vision, bring to light hidden challenges and create a specific plan to achieve changes. A good coach will walk you through the process and help to get to the end goal. 

A good coach will never tell you what to do, instead embrace you to find your own answers, solutions through discussion, reflection, brainstorming. 

3. Why would someone benefit from coaching?

I truly believe that it takes a village to do anything well in life. No one was born with life manual or instructions how to do this thing, so reaching out to others should be normal. 

There is something very special about asking for help - it takes pressure off, gives permission to fail, embraces growth and most importantly, it opens the channel between people to connect, share and discover new possibilities. I think we all should have life coaches to be honest!

4. What are your top 5 tips for a productive day? 

• Rest well at night
• Take 10min breaks every 1-2 hours; stretch your body and drink a glass of water - basic self care
• Be very clear and honest with yourself what is important and what is not. When you admit that, it’ll be much easier to prioritise and commit
• Create clear goals and revisit them on regular basis. In fact, make it a part of your daily routine. Having a clear vision and knowing where you’re headed, makes the biggest difference
• Build boundaries (not walls) with your colleagues, family members and let them know before hand that between specific hours you are not available. They will learn to respect that and you will be able to focus better

5. What are your top 5 tips for relaxing? 

• Chill alone! We are constantly stimulated by our surroundings and it takes energy away… Being by yourself and doing absolutely nothing is what we all should do more of
• Listen to your body. Do not do things just because you are used to them but listen more carefully and notice what your body, mind craves for the most. Ask yourself if you really want another Netflix binge party or you would rather paint? 
• Spend more time outdoors and allow Mama Nature to do the healing magic
• When we’re tired, we tend to isolate ourselves. Nothing wrong with that, but sometimes you have to allow others to love and nurture you. Make a phone call, visit a friend and make that human connection
• When it comes to self-care, never save money, nor time. Make a commitment to yourself - wellbeing is the most important thing in the world!

6. How do you relax yourself?

I am always very generous with time that I give to myself. I have experienced a complete burnout, exhaustion, I know how bad it feels and I never want to repeat that. Naturally I am workaholic so I have to really watch myself. 

Being in nature is a big one for me. Now that I live by the sea, I go to the beach before bed every night. 

Meditation is my number one tool, but I also love to browse Pinterest, especially home design boards. 

However, my favourite way to relax is cuddle with my husband and watch funny YouTube videos in bed. 

7. What 5 things could you not live without? 

• Phone
• Support system that I created for myself - friends, family, therapist, colleagues etc
• Connection to my Higher Power
• Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief
• Solitude

8. What's your favourite GymTote? 

I love them all! They are the most stylish gym bags for women I have seen. Ladies gym bags are normally so ugly. I think I like the Sophia best as she is such a great gym bag for women who go to work and the gym on the same day. If you want a sleek, stylish, gym bag she is just unbeatable. 

Check out our new range of women's organizer bags, laptop backpacks and stylish diaper bags here! www.shopfactandfiction.com