Jen Dexter............................................................................................................................
Hi from Jen!
My work with Simply Changing has many dimensions, including research and website project work, writing articles and blogs, and involvement in our Diploma in Coaching. All of this i love as it aligns with my belief that life really is for living, for making the most of, for inspiring, for growth, for fun and love and learning! I’m a firm believer in the power of the mind, holding great admiration and respect for the Buddhist philosophy that ‘man (or woman!) is his own master’. In this life we have the ability to embrace self-ownership and authenticity, becoming whatever, or whoever, we wish to be, whilst recognising that time can be our mentor along the journey. The mind is an extremely complex and powerful tool, and it is worth taking the time to try to understand and work with this tool, to enable ourselves to fulfil our dreams and ambitions. We all have the ability to alter aspects of our lives that we may wish to change or enhance, and that is why I’m a firm believer in the mentality and work of SimplyChanging.
I love exploring new and interesting ideas – ways of seeing the world, which is where my passions for philosophy and travel fit into my life. I graduated with a BA Honours in Philosophy from The University of Manchester back in 2006 and still have a pile of books by Heidegger, Plato and Jean-Paul Sartre by my bed that I’ll pick up for some light reading (!) as and when I feel like it. At present I am studying for a MA in Philosophy, Theology and Literature at Nottingham University whilst also writing a fiction novel about existentialism, choices of being, and the power of imagination.
In times when I am not studying or working I travel. I am particularly drawn towards Asia. I lived in Japan upon graduating, working as an English teacher, and am intrigued as to how different cultures interpret the world around them, and how we all prioritise aspects of our lives in such differing manners. I have come to think that sometimes in our society it can be easy to lose perspective on the bigger picture of what really matters, becoming wrapped up instead in the pressures and negativity of what society expects of us. Such thoughts can drag us down and lower our energy levels. Though we all have the potential within to turn that around!
As an ex-client of Louise’s (Founder of SimplyChanging) I have had the benefit of first-hand coaching and exploring how the way that we see the world can determine our present and future happiness. Gradually, we can all transform our lives in the most positive way possible! At the time I was trying to pick myself up off the ground (mentally, spiritually and literally) after finally distancing myself from a toxic violent relationship. My levels of confidence and self-belief were utterly crushed to the point of almost non-existence, and my physical health a shambles. I found in my experience that certain skills and knowledge were vitally important in my full recovery – such qualities that Louise, and some members of my family, hold. All these people supported me along the way.
I began to recognise the importance of setting small, achievable goals along the path towards the bigger goal of making a full recovery, being able to be patient and kind to yourself, recognising that each and every one of us deserves happiness, and having the determination and will to persevere towards this ultimate goal. All in all over time this enabled me to put the past where it belongs (in the past) and reverse negative thought patterns that related to myself and others into more positive ones, ultimately allowing myself to lead a healthier and happier life. As I’ve already mentioned, I’m a firm believer that we as individuals can be our own master. We all have the ability inside of us to develop into fulfilled and successful individuals, making our achievements limitless!Email jenny@simplychanging.co.uk