Jacqueline Kent is a Women's Positivity and Wellbeing Author & Coach. She helps women who have hit a mid-life stumbling block and find themselves searching for something more than 'just this'.
As a woman in your 40’s with so many demands, it’s very easy to fall into the trap of self-neglect, and Jacqueline’s passion for supporting women comes from the fact that she’s been there herself:
‘I know that it’s possible to find so much more fulfilment, even with still having a family, a busy life, work, all of that sort of stuff- It IS actually possible to achieve a healthy balance’.
Jacqueline explains how this all starts with a deeper understanding of your choices. Sometimes it’s about making different choices or working out what is going on in terms of certain things not serving you... Often there are issues around boundaries and learning how to say ‘no’ in a gentle, loving and nurturing way- Women often being naturally so giving and nurturing, they struggle with saying no, and then, in the process of doing good for others, they often end up struggling themselves and suffering for it.Curious to know how Jacqueline arrived at her chosen career path? This might be something you can relate to, yourself!
‘I’ve always, (even as a child), been someone that people approach for help and advice.’
Frequently finding herself in the ‘Agony Aunt’ role at school, and then with her later life experiences, she’s become somewhat of an expert in terms of resilience, and has therefore developed a natural ability (almost by osmosis) to impart those same skills and insights when it comes to her clients. Our conversation revealed that Jacqueline's own life experiences are pivotal in terms of what she offers her clients and the successes she’s able to achieve working with them.
On resilience, Jacqueline share’s how her journaling habit has been fundamental in terms of her understanding and processing some of the most intense experiences of her life. Becoming pregnant at 16, the loss of her son, her 3rd child being diagnosed with a disability and her marriage breakdown are all documented in a series of journals that she’s kept from a young age, encouraged by her Gran - a huge inspiration in terms of her writing and appreciation for the written word.
‘I just love the way you can use words to move people. I think it’s amazing!’
With 3 books in 4 years under her belt (and whilst retaining a good work-life balance to boot!) now seems a good time to ask if she has any tips for anyone thinking about writing a memoir or book of their experiences. Jacqueline offers: ‘Get everything out and don’t filter anything.’ In terms of the process, set the intention to get it done. Develop a writing ritual, which might include starting the day a little earlier. Treat the whole process as a gift to yourself. Your favourite coffee cup, a small bowl of treats, anything that will remind you that this is YOUR time, and your gift to yourself, so it feels less of a chore and more of an experience.
Both in terms of developing a good writing habit, and to maintain good mental health and resilience, gratitude journaling is something that Jacqueline is very much an advocate of.‘Gratitude journaling is something that can really just help you to focus on what’s good, and what’s going well in your life, and even if you’re going through a really tough time, you can always find something to be thankful for’.
This is a sentiment that is very much at the heart of Jacqueline’s teachings. It’s all about the reframe- Flipping the script is something that might be a challenge by yourself, but it’s easy to see from speaking to Jacqueline how her support helps people achieve that reframe so much more easily, before they arrive at the bottom of the slippery slope where the climb back up might be that much more difficult. What does she want for the next 5 years? More writing, naturally! She’s looking for more opportunities for co-authoring to share her work and message, and just the opportunity to help as many women as she can live a life they deserve, whilst also taking care of herself.
A common theme shared by many of our coaches, Jacqueline goes on to comment on how guided meditations have been a game-changer for her. Gifting yourself a relaxed space of being in the moment is great for overall wellbeing, and not only that, it’s brilliant in terms of receiving inspiration and ideas that you might not have otherwise arrived at. Some of Jacqueline’s best ideas and inspirations have come in those small windows of quiet meditation. (Maybe this is something you can relate to, too?)
Continuing, Jacqueline acknowledges that during periods of intense anxiety and uncertainty (such as what the world has been collectively experiencing at the time of this interview) it’s important to shut down or be mindful of your consumption of anything externally which might be triggering, like the news, for example.
As always, we want to know what has been the most difficult about Jacqueline’s coaching journey so far, and what tips she has for anyone thinking about embarking on the journey themselves. A familiar answer comes back- Pinpointing exactly what is different about the way she does things, and finding and connecting with the people she knows she can help. She figured out that being explicit in your unique offering takes some time, effort and focus, but is vitally important to the process and to overall success. Her business has gained momentum via various social media groups where she can offer help and advice, share her message and attract the women who need her. She’s also built her own Facebook Community- Flip The Script, where women (predominantly over 40) gather to benefit from her top tips, daily gratitude prompts, and much more. And then, of course, her books have been a big factor in her establishing her expertise and influence.
In terms of what she looks for herself in a coach, it’s all about shared experiences, she says. What they have been through themselves, what they have experienced, and how that mirrors what she, herself, is looking for. (A good indication of why sharing personal stories and experiences and being true to who you are is so vital in terms of attracting your ideal clients).
And on writing and sharing your story, what is her biggest tip? ‘Just get on with it. Just start! Dip your toe in and momentum picks up from there’. She shares one of her favourite quotes (which we absolutely love!): ‘You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great’
Listen to full episode where Jacqueline Kent is talking about using her Heartfelt Approach, she works together with her clients to identify the cause of their unease, which is often linked to a lack of self-worth, and in a nurturing, supportive way she helps them take steps to uncover the path to a more fulfilling life. One of her unique strengths is helping her clients learn to Flip the Script and understand that by focusing on more of the positives, they can be set free from whatever isn't serving them and reap the rewards of living a life that they love.
Jacqueline was kind enough to offer some time to help us understand more about her work, her clients and how to move forward in life as a woman of a certain age who has fallen into the habit of not putting herself first.
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