If I were in charge...
What three things would you do Sheryl Garratt?
Image: David Swindells. Sheryl Garratt with l-r Mark ( her now husband) and Breeze
I’m an Author and somatic movement educator, my clients call me “the nervous system whisperer." The Soothe Programme is for you if are burnt out, anxious, chronically stressed, or in any dysregulated state impacting your emotional and physical health.
If you’ve been thinking about signing up to The Soothe Programme but are unsure…join me for a chat and Q&A on Monday 2nd December at 7 pm, I’ll also teach a soothing lesson AND let you know about an end of year special offer if you buy now and start in the next few months.
Drop me a YES and I’ll send you the link to join.
Once a month, to give you a break from my thoughts, and to hear from hopeful people, I invite a guest in to tell us what they would do, “If I were in charge.”
This month, please meet Sheryl Garratt - who doesn’t know it, but as the Editor of The Face - she was such an influence on me growing up. The Face and I-d taught me everything about what was going on in London. I love her newsletter for creatives, it is genuinely inspiring, so do sign up below. I LOVE all of the women that I have featured in this monthly series, Sheryl however, is crowned the PM, in my fantasy Government.
Who are you?
I was a journalist for more than 30 years, and editor of The Face and Observer magazines. I’ve written several books including, Adventures In Wonderland, a book about clubbing, and countless features and interviews. Now I’m a coach working with creative professionals. Though I will always also write!
What is your mission?
I believe that creativity is essential: to be we need to create, not just consume. I want to empower more people to tell their stories, show their truths, sing their songs, share their ideas. Because I believe that creativity can save the world. Whether it’s a home, a book, a meal, an album, a window box, a film, a fashion collection or a knitted scarf: what you make matters.
How do you do it?
As a coach I help creatives play big in the world, to take space and express what they want or need to express. As a writer, I just sit at my desk at 8 am every morning – and I see what happens!
Image: Liam McGuire
How do you look after yourself?
I meditate. I write (for me that’s as essential; I’m not myself without it). I surround myself with books, music, and fun, interesting people. I’m lucky to live on the east Kent coast, so long bracing walks along the beach and up into the surrounding countryside.
As I get older I realise that I’m smarter, but I have to spend my time, focus and energy more wisely. There’s just not as much of it as there was!
If you were in charge, what are the first three things that you would do?
If I ruled the world, I'd be making decisions for the greater good of the entire planet, not for countries or companies. So I'd put our beautiful home first, and implement everything possible to reverse climate change and restore nature. As we'd be rewilding the rainforests and building huge solar and wind farms in deserts, this would involve a huge transfer of wealth, jobs and resources from the rich countries that cause pollution to the developing countries who suffer most from climate change. This would mainly be raised by high taxes on multinational companies, and individuals with a net worth of more than £10m. Which would solve a whole host of other problems, too.
War would be illegal. End of. Weapons production would end overnight (including guns for domestic use). Solutions would have to be found by consensus, with everyone affected getting an equal voice. Including women and children, and advocates for the environment.
Every individual on Earth would get a lifetime educational budget. They could spend this on school, courses, developing an art practice, research, reading, sabbaticals, community projects. Further grants would be available to people who can show that further study will advance the greater good. This should produce generations of scientists, doctors, nurses, teachers, artists, writers, musicians, designers, thinkers and talent from all over the globe who will solve all our other issues and spread joy in ways I couldn't possibly imagine.
At this point, I abdicate – because no one should rule the world, and I'd really rather be writing and having fun.
Please recommend a book, a podcast and a film or TV programme.
Book: Playing Big by Tara Mohr. Great for dealing with fear and that nagging inner critic.
Film: All That Breathes is a really beautiful, inspiring documentary. Zoolander is my go-to comfort film. It always makes me laugh.
Podcast: You’re Booked, Daisy Buchanan’s podcast about the books various authors and celebrities love reading. The Tim Ferriss Show is almost always interesting: I loved the recent episode with Elizabeth Gilbert.
Image: Liam McGuire
Is there anything else we should know about what you?
So much! In 2025 I’m aiming to do a workshop online at least every two months, because I’d like to make my coaching more accessible and affordable. Next one will be in late December/early January, about making a plan for your next 90 days. You can get a lot done in that time – without pushing too hard and burning out.
I have courses, and a series of useful little books in the pipeline. It’s all on my website, The Creative Life. The best place to stay in touch is my bi-weekly newsletter, The Creative Companion. It’s full of tips, tools and resources for creatives, and it’s free. Sign up for it here.
Contact
Coaching for creatives: thecreativelife.net
What I’m up to…
The next LIVE session is on Sunday 15th December at 5 pm you can book here. However, If you are a paid subscriber, you can come to the monthly class as part of the benefits of membership. I send the link via the chat. It’s a good time to join as a paid reader.
Don’t miss the next Soothe Day retreat in London is on 18th January - Book here.
The Lefkada Retreat in Greece has 3 rooms left - more info here.
I am getting so many clients contacting me about anxiety issues, I’ve created Soothe Anxiety: 30 Day Somatic Release programme to get you into a habit of soothing your nervous system. Trust me, you don’t need more content, you need a consistent practice. I’ve designed and recorded the most effective somatic lessons to calm your anxiety, they are audio lessons and they are repeated throughout the month so that you embody the learning.
I need 10 people to trial it at £100 off the final price £295 ( instead of £395) it includes a one-to-one session with me to unlock your breathing patterns. Send me an email with Choose me and I will send you the details.
For paid subscribers, enjoy this week’s deeply soothing lesson if - like me- your brain feels fragmented - this will defragg it! It’s a full 48 minutes and something I taught a while ago but I’ve been practising variations of this all week to calm my system. It worked a treat!
Thank you for reading.
Stay human,
Nahid x
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