Through coaching, reflective writing and leadership programmes, I help thoughtful people navigate complexity and change with clarity, courage and integrity.

I want to share how my reflective writing evolved into a distinct practice blending journaling, creative writing, coaching, and reflective practice. I've kept a journal since I was nine, when I went away to boarding school, and over the years I've developed a four-part process — gathering, zooming in, zooming out, and capturing — that helps me move between expression and insight. For me, it offers not just release and calm, but a deeper, more honest relationship with myself.

In this article, Jane Willis explores why reflective practice is vital for sustaining those who create, care and lead. Drawing on her own experience and recent sector research, she reflects on the emotional toll of creative and caring work, the power of reflective spaces, and lessons from Wales Arts Health and Wellbeing Network’s How Ya Doing artist support programme on how reflection can restore clarity, connection and joy in our work. 

Next month marks the launch of a major new creative health resource to support the growth of hospital arts programmes across the UK. While not all projects run smoothly, this one was a joy—thanks to a remarkable collaboration with the NAHN Steering Group. Ahead of the launch, I’m sharing a few reflections on what made this process work so well. From clarity of roles to shared purpose, these insights might be useful for anyone navigating cross-sector partnerships.