At this time of year, the garden should be bursting with colour. Annual and perennial plants at their peak of showiness at the end of spring and before the summer gets too hot to wilt them.

But not this year it seems. They’re doing their best. And thank goodness some June sunshine and warmth have returned... But the recent cold, wet and blowy spring and changeable weather seem to have the plants confused and running behind in their usual growing and flowering patterns.

I’m generalising of course; some plants do better in cooler and wetter conditions. Good for them!

But it’s got me thinking about the conditions we all need to thrive. Part of my training to become a coach focused on Human Givens, a ‘practical, holistic and scientific approach that focuses on what individuals need to live mentally healthy and fulfilling lives’.

Our trainer talked about the example of planting a daffodil bulb and leaving it in a warm, dark cupboard rather than outside in the chillier, light, dry conditions it really needs. I distinctly remember him saying, “It will do its best. In fact it will probably sprout a bit. But it won’t grow to its full capacity and certainly won’t flower”.

And it’s the same for us. Things can be ‘OK’ without the perfect conditions. We may be in a job we don’t like, but earn a decent enough living from it. We may be wary of meeting new people because we have so many friends and family already. And we may even stay in a relationship or friendships that we know aren't the best thing for us but aren't sure how to address or improve things. 

I’m not suggesting for a second that anyone should suddenly pack in their job or stop seeing important people in their lives. Far from it.

But what do you need to really thrive and get the most out of this thing we call life?

Think about it. Like the daffodil bulb example above, are things ‘OK’ but you feel as if you’re treading water? Would you like to feel happier and more fulfilled?

Coaching can help you explore:

• When and where you feel at your best and most alive
• Your work-life balance
• What makes you happy and not so happy 
• The beliefs and habits that are holding you back
• Who you need to have in your support tribe (and who you don't!)
• How you can grow towards a more fulfilled and happier future