Hello! I’m Daurene
Founder & Facilitator
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, my life changed dramatically. Within minutes of a meeting with my then-employer at the beginning of that year, I received a one-page letter without reason or explanation, informing me that I would be without a job in two months. Soon after losing my job, my 14-year marriage ended just as abruptly. In the following months, I lost my car, a business I started to sustain me did not go as planned, and finally, I lost my home.
Words fail me to express just how challenging those days were for me. None of these events made sense, but they were my reality. Despite everything, I was still alive, which meant I had to keep going, not just for myself but also for my then 13-year-old son. There were days I hoped I would wake up and realise it was all just a bad dream. Those were some of the darkest days of my life. Challenging as those days were for me, I quickly and crucially realised I had two options: to swim or to sink. I chose, and fortunately found the strength and support, to swim. And that choice led me to where I am today, sharing this story with you.
I believe that life inevitably presents challenges of some sort to everyone at some stage. Mastering the art of maintaining inner calm amidst these trials is vital in sustaining personal wellbeing. This ensures we can look after and behave responsibly towards ourselves and others through all life’s changing scenes, allowing one’s self to be positively transformed by challenging experiences.
My further belief is that staying calm in the face of life’s challenges is crucial for managing stress effectively. Research has shown that unchecked stress can quickly lead to depression and mental health issues, as well as contribute to physical ailments. Therefore, cultivating a calm mind is essential for overall wellbeing. Living with greater calmness offers significant benefits, although achieving this often requires various forms of support.
For these reasons, I founded Calmer Soul – an online hub dedicated to creating supportive spaces for calm and wellbeing. Accessible remotely from anywhere, Calmer Soul is committed to fostering better living by providing support that nurtures emotional, mental, and physical wellness. Our goal is to help you live life to the fullest, even amidst its challenges, by offering support to manage life’s pressures. In doing so, we help protect against anxiety, which could lead to depression and more serious mental health issues. By engaging with our services, you can achieve a more contented, healthy life and positively impact those around you.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree in Business Management – Human Resource Management, an MSc in Corporate Governance and Business Ethics, and I am a proud member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and the International Association of Facilitators (IAF). With a wealth of experience in stakeholder management and engagement roles across both the UK and Ghana, I’m now eager to contribute to the wellbeing space through Calmer Soul; creating supportive online spaces that foster resilience and calm. Born and raised in Ghana, I now live in Leicestershire, England. Beyond my work, I’m a keen foodie who enjoys exploring global cuisines. In the music department you’ll find me in the 60s, 70, and 80s section, with an appreciation for various genres. And a fun fact – I share a birthday with my son!
My journey has taught me the value of resilience, the importance of community, and the power of shared experiences. Through Calmer Soul, I am dedicated to offering a supportive environment where you can find understanding, appreciation, validation, and key insights for calmer, better living.
I hope that Calmer Soul can support you in living your life with dignity and discernment, fostering inner peace, strength, and hope for your future. Click here for our huddles and to join.
If you need to, please reach out to me at [email protected].
Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.
Kahlil Gibran