Welcome back to “The Play of The Week,” bringing you helpful insights and motivation on all things lasting behaviour change towards better health. 

I’m back after a summer filled with family, friends, adventure and joy. I hope you also had a playful summer and are easing back into the routines of reality. 

Today, I want to shine a light on the success story of my client, Monica Richardson, who, like many, had felt stuck—caught in old habits, feeling less in control, and searching for a way to reignite her energy. 

While considering making changes for some time, she had been curious about coaching. It was when she attended the Vital AF Health Retreat last fall that taking action by signing up became the turning point in her journey. She said, “Sometimes things just come your way when you’re ready for them. I was ready.” 

And from there, Monica made another decision—to fully commit to one-on-one coaching. Through our time together, Monica anchored into her vision she had set at the retreat: “I am lighter—physically, mentally, and emotionally. I wake up with a new zest for the day, and I welcome opportunities with positivity.”

She revisited this vision often, measuring her progress not by perfection but by growth, realizing that “this is a journey, not a three-month fix.” Her outlook has completely shifted in several ways that played a crucial role in Monica’s transformation, by tapping into:

• Self-compassion over self-criticism: “In the past, if I fell off track, I’d beat myself up. Now, I’m kinder to myself. If I want a few SunChips, I have them—without guilt. That’s life.”
• Awareness is the first step to change: “One of the biggest discoveries for me was awareness—being conscious of my choices and grateful for the opportunity to change.” That awareness also led to a 10-pound weight loss.
• Belief in herself: “The self-belief has switched. I used to say ‘I can’t.’ Now I say, ‘Why not?’ What’s the worst that can happen? At least I tried.”
• Openness to new experiences: After a lifetime of fearing water, Monica signed up for swimming lessons—something the “old Monica” would have avoided. “It’s opened me up to doing new things. Monica, a year ago, would have said, ‘I can’t.’ Now I say, ‘Why not?'”
• Living in alignment: Monica is about to undergo a second knee surgery, choosing it not out of fear, but because of her vision of hiking, travelling, and staying active. “I’m doing it because I want to live my vision.”

When asked what coaching gave her, Monica said: “A good coach doesn’t have the answers—they help you discover them. Through questions, listening, and tools, Janet helped me find my own way forward.”

She described the process as safe, trusting, and supportive: “I felt comfortable saying whatever was on my mind. Coaching gave me tools for my kit bag, and it changed my perspective.”

What’s changed? “My attitude has changed. My awareness has changed. I feel lighter and more open to what life brings me.” 

While Monica made these changes for herself, she recognizes the wider impact. “I didn’t do it for anyone else, but the ripple effect is real. My family and friends are noticing my energy and positivity,” says Monica.

And perhaps her most powerful realization: “The biggest gift I gave myself was investing in me.” Congrats Monica :) 

Play on!

Your coach and friend,

Jan xo 

P.S. If Monica’s story makes you wonder what’s possible for you, let’s explore it together. Book a discovery call, and we’ll discuss what you want most for your health — and how to achieve it.