Claire Schoen
@clairescouch.bsky.social
Blog (midlife/humour): https://clairescouch.substack.com
Writer - flashed for a bit: WestWord, LIStoryPrize, Funny Pearls, Grindstone Lit. Long stuff: Winner Retreat West novel pitch '22
Writer - flashed for a bit: WestWord, LIStoryPrize, Funny Pearls, Grindstone Lit. Long stuff: Winner Retreat West novel pitch '22
"What one small action would make the biggest difference?"
A deceptively simple question, but when aimed at the right area of your life, it can shift everything.
In case you missed it, this tool can help you pinpoint where to begin.
For the full post: clairescouch.substack.com/p/scared-of-...
A deceptively simple question, but when aimed at the right area of your life, it can shift everything.
In case you missed it, this tool can help you pinpoint where to begin.
For the full post: clairescouch.substack.com/p/scared-of-...
January 30, 2026 at 1:55 PM
"What one small action would make the biggest difference?"
A deceptively simple question, but when aimed at the right area of your life, it can shift everything.
In case you missed it, this tool can help you pinpoint where to begin.
For the full post: clairescouch.substack.com/p/scared-of-...
A deceptively simple question, but when aimed at the right area of your life, it can shift everything.
In case you missed it, this tool can help you pinpoint where to begin.
For the full post: clairescouch.substack.com/p/scared-of-...
Before writing this week's blog, I spent ages looking for my glasses. They were on my head!
Sometimes the answers are not in plain sight, but we usually know where to find them if we stop and think.
New post on searching for fulfilment.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/scared-of-...
#WritingCommunity
Sometimes the answers are not in plain sight, but we usually know where to find them if we stop and think.
New post on searching for fulfilment.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/scared-of-...
#WritingCommunity
Scared of the Dark
Discover why fulfilment often hides in the places we avoid. Stop searching where it feels safe and start looking where the real answers lie.
clairescouch.substack.com
January 24, 2026 at 12:43 PM
Before writing this week's blog, I spent ages looking for my glasses. They were on my head!
Sometimes the answers are not in plain sight, but we usually know where to find them if we stop and think.
New post on searching for fulfilment.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/scared-of-...
#WritingCommunity
Sometimes the answers are not in plain sight, but we usually know where to find them if we stop and think.
New post on searching for fulfilment.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/scared-of-...
#WritingCommunity
That was delightful! My run included some ice-skating this morning - not voluntarily.
When your weather app says "poor weather for running", take the advice!
Made it back, no broken bones. Need to thaw out now before I can write more than this post.
#amwriting #amrunning #balance #writingcommunity
When your weather app says "poor weather for running", take the advice!
Made it back, no broken bones. Need to thaw out now before I can write more than this post.
#amwriting #amrunning #balance #writingcommunity
January 18, 2026 at 2:06 PM
That was delightful! My run included some ice-skating this morning - not voluntarily.
When your weather app says "poor weather for running", take the advice!
Made it back, no broken bones. Need to thaw out now before I can write more than this post.
#amwriting #amrunning #balance #writingcommunity
When your weather app says "poor weather for running", take the advice!
Made it back, no broken bones. Need to thaw out now before I can write more than this post.
#amwriting #amrunning #balance #writingcommunity
If you’re rushing through life like it's a competitive sport, this one's for you. A small shift in pace can bring a lot more calm and purpose. New post on Substack: Snow Slow.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/snow-slow
#coaching #amwriting #slowdown #mindsetshift
clairescouch.substack.com/p/snow-slow
#coaching #amwriting #slowdown #mindsetshift
Snow Slow
Feeling rushed or overwhelmed? A simple shift in pace can bring more calm, clarity and ease to everyday life.
clairescouch.substack.com
January 17, 2026 at 8:25 AM
If you’re rushing through life like it's a competitive sport, this one's for you. A small shift in pace can bring a lot more calm and purpose. New post on Substack: Snow Slow.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/snow-slow
#coaching #amwriting #slowdown #mindsetshift
clairescouch.substack.com/p/snow-slow
#coaching #amwriting #slowdown #mindsetshift
Writers know the power of words, but we rarely notice the ones we use on ourselves.
My latest post explores how self-talk shapes confidence and contribution. clairescouch.substack.com/p/vips-only
#amwriting #writingcommunity #Mindset #selfworth #substack
My latest post explores how self-talk shapes confidence and contribution. clairescouch.substack.com/p/vips-only
#amwriting #writingcommunity #Mindset #selfworth #substack
VIPs Only
How the way you speak to yourself shapes your confidence and your impact. A reminder that you are more important than you think.
clairescouch.substack.com
January 10, 2026 at 6:44 AM
Writers know the power of words, but we rarely notice the ones we use on ourselves.
My latest post explores how self-talk shapes confidence and contribution. clairescouch.substack.com/p/vips-only
#amwriting #writingcommunity #Mindset #selfworth #substack
My latest post explores how self-talk shapes confidence and contribution. clairescouch.substack.com/p/vips-only
#amwriting #writingcommunity #Mindset #selfworth #substack
A kinder take on New Year’s resolutions.
No pressure, no perfection, just small steps and the truth that progress is rarely a straight line.
New post on Claire’s couch:
The promise of a good thing
clairescouch.substack.com/p/the-promis...
#NewYear #Resolutions #2026 #Coaching #Mindset #amwriting
No pressure, no perfection, just small steps and the truth that progress is rarely a straight line.
New post on Claire’s couch:
The promise of a good thing
clairescouch.substack.com/p/the-promis...
#NewYear #Resolutions #2026 #Coaching #Mindset #amwriting
The promise of a good thing
A realistic look at New Year’s resolutions and why progress is rarely linear. Learn how small, doable actions can help you build habits and keep promises to yourself.
clairescouch.substack.com
January 3, 2026 at 7:44 AM
A kinder take on New Year’s resolutions.
No pressure, no perfection, just small steps and the truth that progress is rarely a straight line.
New post on Claire’s couch:
The promise of a good thing
clairescouch.substack.com/p/the-promis...
#NewYear #Resolutions #2026 #Coaching #Mindset #amwriting
No pressure, no perfection, just small steps and the truth that progress is rarely a straight line.
New post on Claire’s couch:
The promise of a good thing
clairescouch.substack.com/p/the-promis...
#NewYear #Resolutions #2026 #Coaching #Mindset #amwriting
I'm wrapping up 2025 with a smile and a few reflections. The last post of the year is up on Claire's couch if you fancy a read, including prompts for reflecting on your 2025.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/its-a-wrap
See you next year 🥳
#reflecting #amwriting #newyear #oldyear #closure #cachingtips
clairescouch.substack.com/p/its-a-wrap
See you next year 🥳
#reflecting #amwriting #newyear #oldyear #closure #cachingtips
It's a Wrap
A real look back at 2025, the highs, lows and everything in between, plus simple prompts to help you wrap up your own year with clarity.
clairescouch.substack.com
December 27, 2025 at 7:31 AM
I'm wrapping up 2025 with a smile and a few reflections. The last post of the year is up on Claire's couch if you fancy a read, including prompts for reflecting on your 2025.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/its-a-wrap
See you next year 🥳
#reflecting #amwriting #newyear #oldyear #closure #cachingtips
clairescouch.substack.com/p/its-a-wrap
See you next year 🥳
#reflecting #amwriting #newyear #oldyear #closure #cachingtips
As kids, my brother and I put the plastic Christmas tree up – upside down 😅. Mum laughed, and it stayed like that. She's not a perfectionist; I’ve learnt a lot from her.
The magic is usually in the messy bits 🤗.
Fancy a festive read:
clairescouch.substack.com/p/tis-the-se...
#Christmas #FamilyLife
The magic is usually in the messy bits 🤗.
Fancy a festive read:
clairescouch.substack.com/p/tis-the-se...
#Christmas #FamilyLife
'Tis the Season
Embrace a perfectly imperfect Christmas with practical tips on boundaries, expectations and festive stress. Discover why the best memories are often the messy ones.
clairescouch.substack.com
December 21, 2025 at 3:58 PM
As kids, my brother and I put the plastic Christmas tree up – upside down 😅. Mum laughed, and it stayed like that. She's not a perfectionist; I’ve learnt a lot from her.
The magic is usually in the messy bits 🤗.
Fancy a festive read:
clairescouch.substack.com/p/tis-the-se...
#Christmas #FamilyLife
The magic is usually in the messy bits 🤗.
Fancy a festive read:
clairescouch.substack.com/p/tis-the-se...
#Christmas #FamilyLife
Meant to share this on Saturday but a gammy eye prevented me 😵💫. I was a sight for sore eyes; fear itself would have backed away!
Fitting really, because the post was all about facing fear and rising again. ICYMI: Flourish with Fear.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/flourish-w...
#facefear #amwriting
Fitting really, because the post was all about facing fear and rising again. ICYMI: Flourish with Fear.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/flourish-w...
#facefear #amwriting
Flourish with Fear
Facing our fears fuels our growth.
clairescouch.substack.com
December 19, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Meant to share this on Saturday but a gammy eye prevented me 😵💫. I was a sight for sore eyes; fear itself would have backed away!
Fitting really, because the post was all about facing fear and rising again. ICYMI: Flourish with Fear.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/flourish-w...
#facefear #amwriting
Fitting really, because the post was all about facing fear and rising again. ICYMI: Flourish with Fear.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/flourish-w...
#facefear #amwriting
Success is not only about climbing the ladder.
Inspired by Catherine the Great, my new blog post explores how Gen X can redefine success today.
Enjoy and have a rethink 😊
clairescouch.substack.com/p/the-great
#successredefined #careergrowth #genx #TheGreat #amwriting
Inspired by Catherine the Great, my new blog post explores how Gen X can redefine success today.
Enjoy and have a rethink 😊
clairescouch.substack.com/p/the-great
#successredefined #careergrowth #genx #TheGreat #amwriting
The Great
Beyond reaching the top – because not everyone needs to sit on a throne.
clairescouch.substack.com
December 7, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Success is not only about climbing the ladder.
Inspired by Catherine the Great, my new blog post explores how Gen X can redefine success today.
Enjoy and have a rethink 😊
clairescouch.substack.com/p/the-great
#successredefined #careergrowth #genx #TheGreat #amwriting
Inspired by Catherine the Great, my new blog post explores how Gen X can redefine success today.
Enjoy and have a rethink 😊
clairescouch.substack.com/p/the-great
#successredefined #careergrowth #genx #TheGreat #amwriting
“Is this going to do me any good?” – the question that’s changing how I eat and think.
Want to try the Love, Leave, Missing process yourself? Check out my latest blog post this week.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/you-are-wh...
#bodyandmind #HealthyLiving #clairescouch #amwriting
Want to try the Love, Leave, Missing process yourself? Check out my latest blog post this week.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/you-are-wh...
#bodyandmind #HealthyLiving #clairescouch #amwriting
You Are What You Eat
Taking care of body and mind.
clairescouch.substack.com
November 29, 2025 at 8:33 AM
“Is this going to do me any good?” – the question that’s changing how I eat and think.
Want to try the Love, Leave, Missing process yourself? Check out my latest blog post this week.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/you-are-wh...
#bodyandmind #HealthyLiving #clairescouch #amwriting
Want to try the Love, Leave, Missing process yourself? Check out my latest blog post this week.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/you-are-wh...
#bodyandmind #HealthyLiving #clairescouch #amwriting
Ever stumbled at something you usually do with ease, simply because you were being watched?
My new post Like Nobody’s Watching explores how to stay calm under pressure and true to yourself. Read here: clairescouch.substack.com/p/like-nobod...
#CalmMind #pressure #amwriting #coachingtips
My new post Like Nobody’s Watching explores how to stay calm under pressure and true to yourself. Read here: clairescouch.substack.com/p/like-nobod...
#CalmMind #pressure #amwriting #coachingtips
Like Nobody's Watching
Performing with focus, not for the crowd.
clairescouch.substack.com
November 22, 2025 at 7:44 AM
Ever stumbled at something you usually do with ease, simply because you were being watched?
My new post Like Nobody’s Watching explores how to stay calm under pressure and true to yourself. Read here: clairescouch.substack.com/p/like-nobod...
#CalmMind #pressure #amwriting #coachingtips
My new post Like Nobody’s Watching explores how to stay calm under pressure and true to yourself. Read here: clairescouch.substack.com/p/like-nobod...
#CalmMind #pressure #amwriting #coachingtips
Advice can burden the giver and dismiss the receiver. My new post explores both sides, and why presence often matters more. Stop, Look and Listen!
Check it out here:
clairescouch.substack.com/p/stop-look-...
#advice #support #coachingtips #amwriting
Check it out here:
clairescouch.substack.com/p/stop-look-...
#advice #support #coachingtips #amwriting
November 15, 2025 at 7:22 AM
Advice can burden the giver and dismiss the receiver. My new post explores both sides, and why presence often matters more. Stop, Look and Listen!
Check it out here:
clairescouch.substack.com/p/stop-look-...
#advice #support #coachingtips #amwriting
Check it out here:
clairescouch.substack.com/p/stop-look-...
#advice #support #coachingtips #amwriting
“I can only drive from A to B!” No stopping.
Turns out, that mindset had crept into more than just my driving. This week’s blog is about midlife pressure, online noise, and finding a pace that fits.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/the-road-l...
#midlife #slowsuccess #amwriting
Turns out, that mindset had crept into more than just my driving. This week’s blog is about midlife pressure, online noise, and finding a pace that fits.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/the-road-l...
#midlife #slowsuccess #amwriting
The Road Less Travelled
Slow progress isn't no progress.
clairescouch.substack.com
November 8, 2025 at 6:53 AM
“I can only drive from A to B!” No stopping.
Turns out, that mindset had crept into more than just my driving. This week’s blog is about midlife pressure, online noise, and finding a pace that fits.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/the-road-l...
#midlife #slowsuccess #amwriting
Turns out, that mindset had crept into more than just my driving. This week’s blog is about midlife pressure, online noise, and finding a pace that fits.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/the-road-l...
#midlife #slowsuccess #amwriting
Some people blend in. Others step forward and change direction.
Are you the headline act or the background melody?
New post: how to show up with intention and test your talents.
🎶 Read here: clairescouch.substack.com/p/thank-you-...
#coaching #midlifereflection #creativecareer #amwriting
Are you the headline act or the background melody?
New post: how to show up with intention and test your talents.
🎶 Read here: clairescouch.substack.com/p/thank-you-...
#coaching #midlifereflection #creativecareer #amwriting
Thank You for the Music
Are you the headline act or the background melody?
clairescouch.substack.com
November 1, 2025 at 7:15 AM
Some people blend in. Others step forward and change direction.
Are you the headline act or the background melody?
New post: how to show up with intention and test your talents.
🎶 Read here: clairescouch.substack.com/p/thank-you-...
#coaching #midlifereflection #creativecareer #amwriting
Are you the headline act or the background melody?
New post: how to show up with intention and test your talents.
🎶 Read here: clairescouch.substack.com/p/thank-you-...
#coaching #midlifereflection #creativecareer #amwriting
“You are very old. These are flowers.” My mum didn't appreciate getting this birthday card 😡
New post: Growing Old Gratefully.
Midlife is a maze and a marvel – mindset helps. From purple rinses to perspective shifts. clairescouch.substack.com/p/growing-ol...
#Mindset #CoachingWithHumour
New post: Growing Old Gratefully.
Midlife is a maze and a marvel – mindset helps. From purple rinses to perspective shifts. clairescouch.substack.com/p/growing-ol...
#Mindset #CoachingWithHumour
Growing Old Gratefully
Midlife is a maze and a marvel – mindset helps.
clairescouch.substack.com
October 26, 2025 at 8:51 AM
“You are very old. These are flowers.” My mum didn't appreciate getting this birthday card 😡
New post: Growing Old Gratefully.
Midlife is a maze and a marvel – mindset helps. From purple rinses to perspective shifts. clairescouch.substack.com/p/growing-ol...
#Mindset #CoachingWithHumour
New post: Growing Old Gratefully.
Midlife is a maze and a marvel – mindset helps. From purple rinses to perspective shifts. clairescouch.substack.com/p/growing-ol...
#Mindset #CoachingWithHumour
When I told my kids my blog post is called Precious, Pricey and Yours, they asked if it was about them 😅.
It’s not — but it is about valuing your time. Emotionally, practically and financially.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/precious-p...
#time #balance #life #values #amwriting #writingcommunity
It’s not — but it is about valuing your time. Emotionally, practically and financially.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/precious-p...
#time #balance #life #values #amwriting #writingcommunity
October 20, 2025 at 3:56 AM
When I told my kids my blog post is called Precious, Pricey and Yours, they asked if it was about them 😅.
It’s not — but it is about valuing your time. Emotionally, practically and financially.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/precious-p...
#time #balance #life #values #amwriting #writingcommunity
It’s not — but it is about valuing your time. Emotionally, practically and financially.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/precious-p...
#time #balance #life #values #amwriting #writingcommunity
I’m not exactly cartwheeling across the living room (never could), but I’m finding my way back. Check out my blog this week:
clairescouch.substack.com/p/hi-energy
#energy #Balance #amwriting #midlife #reallife
clairescouch.substack.com/p/hi-energy
#energy #Balance #amwriting #midlife #reallife
Hi Energy!
When your energy says goodbye, reclaim it your way.
clairescouch.substack.com
October 11, 2025 at 6:48 AM
I’m not exactly cartwheeling across the living room (never could), but I’m finding my way back. Check out my blog this week:
clairescouch.substack.com/p/hi-energy
#energy #Balance #amwriting #midlife #reallife
clairescouch.substack.com/p/hi-energy
#energy #Balance #amwriting #midlife #reallife
"Deciding is like stopping at traffic lights with a flooded windscreen and ... flicking a switch, to clear the way ahead."
This week’s post is about shrinking big decisions and finding clarity. If you’re feeling stuck, this one’s for you.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/indesizeive
#decisionmaking
This week’s post is about shrinking big decisions and finding clarity. If you’re feeling stuck, this one’s for you.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/indesizeive
#decisionmaking
Inde(size)ive
How to shrink big decisions and speed up clarity.
clairescouch.substack.com
October 4, 2025 at 6:54 AM
"Deciding is like stopping at traffic lights with a flooded windscreen and ... flicking a switch, to clear the way ahead."
This week’s post is about shrinking big decisions and finding clarity. If you’re feeling stuck, this one’s for you.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/indesizeive
#decisionmaking
This week’s post is about shrinking big decisions and finding clarity. If you’re feeling stuck, this one’s for you.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/indesizeive
#decisionmaking
Ever had something you love soured by one person? A job, a project, or a hobby?
My latest blog explores how to proceed and be the hero in your own story, even when “There’s ALWAYS one.”
clairescouch.substack.com/p/theres-alw...
#writinglife #amwriting #blog #wellbeing #careerpath
My latest blog explores how to proceed and be the hero in your own story, even when “There’s ALWAYS one.”
clairescouch.substack.com/p/theres-alw...
#writinglife #amwriting #blog #wellbeing #careerpath
There’s Always One
Other people influence our path – but you hold the power to choose where it leads.
clairescouch.substack.com
September 27, 2025 at 7:47 AM
Ever had something you love soured by one person? A job, a project, or a hobby?
My latest blog explores how to proceed and be the hero in your own story, even when “There’s ALWAYS one.”
clairescouch.substack.com/p/theres-alw...
#writinglife #amwriting #blog #wellbeing #careerpath
My latest blog explores how to proceed and be the hero in your own story, even when “There’s ALWAYS one.”
clairescouch.substack.com/p/theres-alw...
#writinglife #amwriting #blog #wellbeing #careerpath
Constantly striving forces us into a state of physical and mental exhaustion from the outset of any major endeavour. If we never let up or reward ourselves, where is the incentive to work hard and pull ourselves through what lies ahead?
clairescouch.substack.com/p/applause-a...
#WorkLifeBalance
clairescouch.substack.com/p/applause-a...
#WorkLifeBalance
September 20, 2025 at 6:23 AM
Constantly striving forces us into a state of physical and mental exhaustion from the outset of any major endeavour. If we never let up or reward ourselves, where is the incentive to work hard and pull ourselves through what lies ahead?
clairescouch.substack.com/p/applause-a...
#WorkLifeBalance
clairescouch.substack.com/p/applause-a...
#WorkLifeBalance
Starting something new?
Whether it’s a job, relationship, project, life phase or studies – this post is your pep talk with punchlines. Read Starting Something now for my tips on how to make beginnings less dramatic and more doable.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/starting-s...
#BeginAgain #life
Whether it’s a job, relationship, project, life phase or studies – this post is your pep talk with punchlines. Read Starting Something now for my tips on how to make beginnings less dramatic and more doable.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/starting-s...
#BeginAgain #life
Starting Something
Beginnings can be challenging, but they don't have to be exhausting.
clairescouch.substack.com
September 6, 2025 at 5:50 AM
Starting something new?
Whether it’s a job, relationship, project, life phase or studies – this post is your pep talk with punchlines. Read Starting Something now for my tips on how to make beginnings less dramatic and more doable.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/starting-s...
#BeginAgain #life
Whether it’s a job, relationship, project, life phase or studies – this post is your pep talk with punchlines. Read Starting Something now for my tips on how to make beginnings less dramatic and more doable.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/starting-s...
#BeginAgain #life
Is decluttering liberating, or just another chore to add to your endless list?
This week I dive into the paradox of tidying up to free our minds and how it can trap us all over again.
Read why tidy-ish suits me and my writing ☺
clairescouch.substack.com/p/tidy-ish-f...
#WritingCommunity #blog
This week I dive into the paradox of tidying up to free our minds and how it can trap us all over again.
Read why tidy-ish suits me and my writing ☺
clairescouch.substack.com/p/tidy-ish-f...
#WritingCommunity #blog
August 31, 2025 at 11:27 AM
Is decluttering liberating, or just another chore to add to your endless list?
This week I dive into the paradox of tidying up to free our minds and how it can trap us all over again.
Read why tidy-ish suits me and my writing ☺
clairescouch.substack.com/p/tidy-ish-f...
#WritingCommunity #blog
This week I dive into the paradox of tidying up to free our minds and how it can trap us all over again.
Read why tidy-ish suits me and my writing ☺
clairescouch.substack.com/p/tidy-ish-f...
#WritingCommunity #blog
Pic 1: cold and dark. Pic 2 sunshine and stunning views. You never know what’s around the corner!
I don’t glorify struggling – but life is a mix of light and dark. The mix makes it.
If you’re into honest moments and humour, check out my blog:https://clairescouch.substack.com
#life #blog #writing
I don’t glorify struggling – but life is a mix of light and dark. The mix makes it.
If you’re into honest moments and humour, check out my blog:https://clairescouch.substack.com
#life #blog #writing
August 25, 2025 at 6:02 PM
We’ve all been there: hunched over the laptop, finally, the words are flowing. We can’t stop! Fantastic, right?
The productive/creative part, yes. The hunching🤔
Take a break, make a cuppa, and read my blog this week for more on the subject.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/stand-up-f...
#writing #blog
The productive/creative part, yes. The hunching🤔
Take a break, make a cuppa, and read my blog this week for more on the subject.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/stand-up-f...
#writing #blog
August 23, 2025 at 10:15 AM
We’ve all been there: hunched over the laptop, finally, the words are flowing. We can’t stop! Fantastic, right?
The productive/creative part, yes. The hunching🤔
Take a break, make a cuppa, and read my blog this week for more on the subject.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/stand-up-f...
#writing #blog
The productive/creative part, yes. The hunching🤔
Take a break, make a cuppa, and read my blog this week for more on the subject.
clairescouch.substack.com/p/stand-up-f...
#writing #blog