May's Reflection
May Reflections, A Month of Movement, Meaning and the Magic of the Everyday
May brought radiant weather, packed calendars, and a powerful invitation to notice the extraordinary in the everyday, both in business and in life.
A Month Lit by Clarity and Connection
May was one of those months that asked a lot, and offered even more. Professionally, it was one of my busiest: onboarding new coaching clients, facilitating masterminds, drafting proposals, managing tax filings, participating in workshops, attending events, networking, board meetings, and conferences. Personally, it was equally full, with 310 kilometres walked across 31 days, an unexpected physical milestone that had me rethinking what rest might need to look like. (Next goal: less mileage, more stretching, and maybe, just maybe, a hobby called sleep.)
This month, I took part in Kate Rooney’s extraordinary everyday challenge. It reframed my focus, helping me see not just the to-dos, but the beauty in between: a sunlit morning walk, a meaningful conversation, a letter sent with intention.
Walking Towards Clarity
The walks gave me more than just fitness. Each morning, I laced up and stepped out for a walk, anywhere from 3 to 14km. But it wasn’t just about movement. It became a ritual of reflection. As I walked, I would check in with myself and asked myself a grounding question: What do I need today? Was I open to a podcast, an audiobook, or something more energising like motivating music?
These moments of intentional tuning-in often set the tone for the day ahead. Over the month, I logged 310km. Yes, really. My legs are tired, but my heart is full. And yes, we’re revisiting that goal for June. It became the most important step, not just for my health, but for my mindset.
Gestalt coaching reminded me why I do what I do.
On May 8th, I attended a one-day Gestalt workshop led by Pamela Fay at the RDS Members Club. The day was immersive and masterfully held, blending practical demonstration with deep professional reflection.
Gestalt is powerful, it sharpens our awareness and presence in ways that can transform a conversation, a moment, a decision. Surrounded by thoughtful coaches, I reconnected with the fundamentals of awareness and co-created transformation. I left re-inspired, with fresh insights for my own coaching practice.
My first PSA showcase talk was a career milestone.
On May 17th, I delivered “Dancing at the Crossroads”, my first PSA showcase talk, designed for business owners standing at a decision point: whether to Step Up and scale or Step Out and exit.
I did it. I stood up. I spoke. I may not remember all of it clearly, but I did what I set out to do, get back on the horse and speak in front of a group. That alone felt like a milestone worth celebrating.
The day was filled with insight and warmth. Andrew Dobbin’s workshop on networking was fresh and practical. Fellow speakers Norma O’Kelly and Michelle Mills-Porter left the room buzzing with inspiration. A special thank you to Aoife Gaffney, to my wonderful guests Nikolina Tijardovic and Marinda Malan, and to Nikolina, who won a book prize beautifully timed for her next chapter.
Writing to My Future Self
On May 25th, I participated in An Post’s Letter to My Future Self campaign. Writing to the version of me who’s done the work, faced the challenges, and chosen her next path, it was more emotional than I expected.
I often tell clients that change starts with one step. Sometimes, that step is a conversation. Sometimes it’s a coaching session. And sometimes, it’s a letter. Taking the time to write to a future version of myself was both quietly powerful and deeply clarifying.
Conversations and Conferences
On May 22nd, I attended the
ACCA Conference,
which opened with a warm welcome from Stephen Noonan, Head of ACCA Ireland. Eoin O’Reilly’s keynote on “The Accountant’s Role in the AI Revolution” was sharp, timely, and thought-provoking. It challenged us to rethink how AI is reshaping decision-making in our profession.
The day was full of energy, meaningful conversations, and high-quality speakers. Connecting with peers in person again was a welcome reminder of how energising professional community can be.
Mairead McGuinness’ talk at the RDS on May 29th, “Europe, What Lies Ahead,” added another layer of depth. She spoke about the power of presence, how listening, observing gestures, and tuning into tone are all part of meaningful negotiation. It was a reminder that clarity in dialogue often begins with how we show up, not just what we say.
Looking ahead
As I reflect on May, I’m gently reassessing what goals serve me best. Less mileage, more restorative movement. Adding stretching. Considering a new hobby called sleep. But more than anything, I’m continuing to ask the same daily question: What do I need today? The answer changes, but the asking, that’s the constant.
If you’re navigating a busy season or standing at your own crossroads, know this, you don’t have to do it alone. Whether through one-to-one coaching, mastermind support, or strategic consulting, there is always a next step. And sometimes, it begins with a walk.
The Walks, the Weather, the Wonder
And finally, May was a month of colour. Thanks again to Kate Rooney’s extraordinary everyday challenge, I saw each day through a different lens. The result? I noticed more. I appreciated more. I have shared some of these photos below.
As I often say to clients: clarity doesn’t just arrive. You create it, step by step, word by word, decision by decision.
Let’s keep turning clarity into action.
