From invisibility to standing as Parliamentary candidate
Shâo-Lan Yuen's transformational journey
A few years ago, Shâo-Lan Yuen could ‘act the part’ of speaking in public—but when it came to speaking from an authentic place, it was a whole different story. On the outside, she’d developed a confident persona; on the inside, she kept aspects of herself hidden.
A politically-committed creative seeker, an animal lover who cares deeply about the environment and social justice, Shâo always felt a desire to express her devotion. But it never felt safe. Her poetry (which is tender and evocative and rich in metaphor) remained in her notebooks, firmly private. Invisibility was her protective cloak.
For 9 months (the period of human gestation, as she pointed out), Shâo and I worked together to address the underlying fears that held her back. By figuring out the survival mechanisms she’d developed through life, she began to access those parts of herself she’d concealed.
She says: “I often steal a metaphor shared with me by another healer of a pot plant in really dried out earth. When you try to water it at first the water runs off the surface. It takes consistent watering over time for it to slowly start being absorbed. Coaching sessions with you worked like that for me.”
In the work Shâo and I did together, we uncovered the beauty and uniqueness of her essence, including her gentle ferocity.
Slowly, she began to share her writing with me and a small number of trusted peers. And, as a way to build her self-expression, she has gone on to build a practice of daily writing.
When we ended our one-to-one coaching last year, the UK General Election was on the horizon. Shâo was asked to stand as candidate for Member of Parliament, representing the Green Party in her home constituency. She agreed, on one condition: she would only be a ‘non-target’ candidate’ (which meant that while her name would be on the ballot paper, she wouldn’t have to give any speeches).
When it was time for the hustings (a meeting where the candidates from each party debate policies and answer questions from the audience), Shâo was urged to speak. She had nothing prepared.
Rather than being freaked out, she was strangely calm.
“I let go,” she told me. “I just tuned in to what I believed and why I was doing it and trust that I’d know what to say and how to say it.”
When I asked what enabled that trust, she said: “it was because those hidden parts of me had finally been allowed to speak. It’s like something in me was liberated—the courage to express what I believe, and a willingness to be seen. Because it wasn’t just about me—this mattered.”
I asked her what else had contributed to the shift. She’d been able to ask for help (from writing and practising the speech, to help with pet-sitting, to domestic support from her boyfriend). “It was totally new—asking for help. I’d always toughed it out before, assuming I could do it all on my own.”
Shâo didn’t win the seat in her constituency. But the win was a bigger one. She’d had an opportunity to test her courage, confidence and conviction. A chance to rise to the true power of her inner voice, which cut, with the purity of a tuning fork, through the noise of fear and resistance.
She says: “Now, I can do things I wouldn't have done, had conversations I wouldn't have had and all without a relentless internal critic telling me all the ways I've done it wrong.
The benefits of the work continue in my life, in sometimes quite subtle and sometimes quite clear ways. I know myself better. I am more ‘myself’.”
What’s next?
If there’s something you’re longing to create (a writing project, an artistic creation or new venture) but need more courage and guidance, I’m here to support you expand the power of your self-expression.
Here’s how I can help:
Make an appointment for a virtual coffee (free). I hold 3-4 slots every month for a 20 minute chat so we can get to know each other. Perfect if you’re curious about meeting people and making new connections.
Book a 30-minute connection call (free). This is for anyone—whether you have an idea you want to brainstorm, an issue that’s holding you back, or just want to know about me and/or my work. Think of it as a micro-dose of powerful connection that might help point you in the right direction!
Read my manifesto for creative courage (free). Learn about the core principles of my creativity and follow in serial form the story of how I came to found Wordplay Coaching.
Inquiry of Writing, an intimate group coaching experience. We meet twice a month—in which we use writing as a tool for curiosity, exploration and transformation. Respond to powerful questions, in discussion and in writing; share your experience; get feedback on what you’ve written. Get the support and connection you need to gain clarity about your life and creativity, and develop your confidence. This is currently full but talk to me about joining the waiting list.
Creative Essence 1:1 coaching. Personal guidance to work with you on recognising your survival mechanisms and the fears that hold you back from your full expression. Twice-monthly deep dives on Zoom plus individualised support between sessions. This is ideal for you if you’re looking for deep transformation and powerful support to make changes in your life or with a creative project.