New Year, New Us!

A new year brings with it a tapestry of magic and possibilities just waiting to be woven into our lives. As we leave behind a year that may have been filled with challenges or perhaps marked by achievements and cherished memories, we stand on the threshold of fresh beginnings. This is the time to set our goals and embrace the endless opportunities that lie ahead. No matter what 2024 held, the wonder of a new year invites us all to dream big and start anew.

With that in mind, Growing Giants is stepping into the new year with sparkle and fresh ideas! We’re officially relaunching and are thrilled to share our plans over the coming months to connect with as many children and parents as possible. Together, we aim to inspire growth, foster creativity, and make a positive impact in our community.

An important note to share is that coaching is not just for those facing challenges or disruptions; it’s a forward-thinking strategy designed to harness and amplify the many strengths that children possess. By focusing on these strengths, we can help them grow and use them as building blocks for children’s development, preparing them for a life that involves navigating complexities far beyond what we experienced in our own childhood. Equipping them with a robust toolkit to draw from is essential, ensuring they are ready to face the myriad of experiences and opportunities that lie ahead.

Over the past six months, Laura and I have been there for each other, nurturing our little company through significant challenges. To us, Growing Giants is like a child that we lovingly nourish and support. It holds immense value in our hearts, and during this time, we’ve taken the opportunity to deeply understand what we want to provide for the children we’ve met and those we will continue to meet. Our commitment to their growth and development drives everything we do.

Whilst continuing to coach children for the first half of this year, Laura and I will be developing engaging workshops and holiday schemes designed to reach more children. These initiatives will include various groups focused on play, craft, talking, and mindfulness, creating opportunities for creativity and connection. We will spend the second half of the year excitedly preparing to launch our podcasts.

We will also continue with our monthly blogs uploaded to our shiny new website, complemented by our regular social media posts. We value your feedback, so please let us know the topics you would like to hear more about by engaging with us on our social media platforms. Your input is vital in shaping our content and ensuring that we address the interests and needs of our community! We hope these will serve as valuable tools to support you on your journey.

Additionally, by becoming a member of our community, you'll gain access to exclusive opportunities throughout the year to join our WhatsApp group. In this supportive space, you’ll find a wealth of individuals ready to help, guide, and uplift each other. It’s a place to share your wins, discuss challenges, and exchange ideas—creating a vibrant network of support as we navigate the year together!

We recognise that to truly support the children, we must also take care of ourselves and show up authentically.

As we often make New Year resolutions that can easily slip away by February—a topic we’ll be blogging about later this month—we want to share some practices that we currently embrace and will carry into 2025:

Gratitude - This practice involves recognising and appreciating the simple joys in our lives. It's about focusing on the things we already have that bring us happiness, whether it’s a beautiful sunset, a warm cup of tea, or the laughter of loved ones. By cultivating gratitude, we shift our focus away from financial gain or material possessions and instead celebrate the richness of our everyday experiences.

Calmness - Taking time to step outside and immerse ourselves in nature allows us to reconnect with our thoughts and enjoy our own company. Embracing moments of quiet in the fresh air helps foster a sense of calm and clarity, essential for maintaining our well-being amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Laughter - Laughter is a powerful tonic for the soul, releasing feel-good chemicals that elevate our mood and strengthen our bonds with others. It breaks down barriers and fosters a sense of joy, reminding us not to take life too seriously.

Talking - Creating a safe, non-judgmental space for open conversations is crucial. By giving each other the freedom to share our thoughts, hopes, and fears, we have built an enduring friendship.

Hugging – Laura and I are big huggers! Hello, Goodbye or just I have no words for this moment, we hug. Hugging offers emotional connection, non-verbal communication, stress relief and it will boost your mood.

Lastly, we need to mention how incredibly fortunate we are to welcome a new member to our team who shares our passion and vision for the future - Lucy! With her business development approach, she has already taken the reins of our IT and administration, strategically enhancing our operations. We are truly grateful for her expertise and insights, which are driving us forward into an exciting new year. With Lucy on board, we’re confident that we can elevate our mission and make an even greater impact in the lives of the children and families we serve! The double good news is that she also is a hugger!!

Whatever your hopes and dreams are for the coming year we wish you love, peace and wellness.

With love

Laura, Sophie and Lucy xx