We’ve all been there: booking a tropical beach getaway because we desperately need to "escape the daily grind," only to find ourselves a bit under-whelmed? Why do our dream holidays sometimes feel like a psychological mismatch? I believe the problem isn't the destination; it's our vocabulary when planning. Anyone who has worked with me in coaching or training knows I love Clean Language—a communication framework designed to strip away external assumptions and uncover what we actually mean. When applied to holiday planning, I think it could be better than Expedia! What is Clean Language? Developed by psychologist David Grove, Clean Language is a method of questioning that avoids introducing the speaker's own biases, metaphors, or expectations. Instead, it uses a person's exact words to help them explore their own internal landscape. When you apply this to yourself (or a travel partner/s), you stop asking generic questions like, "Should we go to Italy or Thailand?" and start unpacking your true unconscious desires. Unpacking the "Dream Holiday" We often use shorthand metaphors when booking travel, assuming everyone defines them the same way. Clean Language forces us to cross-examine those metaphors before hitting "book now." You say, "I just want to relax." - A Clean follow up Question: "And what kind of 'relax' is that 'relax'?" - The Reveal: For one person, "relax" means lying entirely still on a lounge chair. For another, it means wandering through an empty museum. Asking the question prevents you from booking a beach resort when you actually wanted a quiet city break. OR You say, "I need to recharge my batteries." - The Clean follow up Question: "And when you recharge, you are like what?" - The Reveal: You might realise your "battery" doesn't need passive rest; it needs high-energy inspiration, excellent food, and live music. OR what about The "Escape" Illusion: You say, "I want to get away from it all." - The Clean follow up Question: "And when you get away, what happens to 'it all'?" - The Reveal: If "it all" is digital burnout, a luxury hotel with high-speed Wi-Fi won't help. You need a literal off-grid cabin.

A brilliant day today with an incredible group of people. We walked, talked, coached, and connected in the Lake District — one of my favourite places to reset my mind and open up new perspectives. A few people asked me to share the simple framework I use every time I head out for a walk. It turns an ordinary walk into a powerful NLP‑infused reset. Feel free to use it on your next solo walk or group adventure. I’ll be organising another one in a few months, so keep an eye on the calendar and the posts here. Before I Start — Leaving the Baggage Behind What am I choosing to leave in the car park today? Stress? To‑do lists? Family pressures? Old stories? I like to pick up a small stone, imagine the “baggage” being absorbed into it, and then throw it into the lake or leave it behind. A symbolic pattern interrupt. As I Get Moving — Acknowledging a WIN What’s a recent win I haven’t properly acknowledged? Something I brushed past? Something I achieved but didn’t celebrate? If I’m with others, I talk it through. If I’m alone, I let it roll around in my mind. A moment of mindfulness. Intention for the Walk What clarity would I like to gain today? What question is quietly waiting for attention? If nothing comes to mind, I use one of the prompts below. Pick one or two to “chew on” as you walk if you need inspiration: • Advice you give clients — What do you regularly coach others on that you’re avoiding in your own life? • Playing it safe — Where are you currently choosing comfort over growth? • Radical simplification — If you had to simplify your life over the next 3 months, what would you cut? • Unlearning old beliefs — What outdated belief about yourself are you in the process of releasing? Towards the End — The Silent Stretch Around 20 minutes of silent walking. No talking. Just allowing the unconscious mind to wander, reorganise, and offer up insights. 💖 Lunch — Reflections Sharing insights with others or simply contemplating them myself. Is there anything else I’d like to gain accountability on?

Once every season we meet in London to practice our NLP tools and skills. Saturday was such a happy positive day… a room full of support and growth. Brand new students sitting alongside students we first met almost 20 years ago! Such joy x

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Hi everyone, I’ve noticed many students, clients, and friends are currently balancing everyday life with caring for elderly parents. For example, I have a friend whose mum is in a care home, and I’m encouraging her to lean into her NLP tools and our coaching community for support. Asking questions like, what belief could you choose to support you during this chapter of your life? I’d love to hear if anyone has had direct experience combining NLP thinking and coaching tools specifically to support carers or grown up children walking this path. Thanks in advance for sharing your insights! XX