But once inside, I began to see cracks in the system. I no longer trusted the government or the service’s integrity. Instead of being a force for good, I saw decisions influenced by politics, privatisation, and profit—at odds with the values I had joined to defend. Increasing privatisation led to under-resourced training, overburdened personnel, and a system that shifted blame for systemic failings onto individuals.

On a personal level, I faced challenges that shook my confidence and well-being. As a woman, I was treated differently—both systematically and personally. I didn’t feel safe around some colleagues, and the culture often dismissed the importance of meaningful relationships, emotional health, or individuality. When I spoke up about important issues, I was shut down. When I pursued adventure training or sought balance, I was discouraged. Over time, the lack of care and respect—for me and for others—made it clear: this wasn’t a place where I could thrive or make the kind of difference I had hoped for.

So, after years of trying to work with the system, I made the difficult decision to leave.

It wasn’t easy to walk away from something I had worked so hard to achieve. Especially since pilot applications are highly competitive. But I realised that staying would mean compromising my values and well-being. I stepped into the unknown, determined to find a way to live and work with integrity, authenticity, and connection.

What I’ve Learned Since Leaving

In the years since leaving the RAF, I’ve discovered a new path—one rooted in healing, connection, and flow. I’ve learned that the body is a map of our emotional and mental landscapes, and that illness and imbalance often arise from mismanaged emotions and stress. Through breathwork, I’ve come to understand the profound power of the breath as a life force—a tool that directly shapes our experience and well-being.

I’ve also uncovered truths about strength and resilience that challenge the rigid, patriarchal narratives I encountered in the RAF. True strength isn’t about pushing harder or staying silent; it’s about adaptability, self-awareness, and connection. It’s about inviting spaciousness, honouring your needs, and remembering why you do what you do.

My Mission

Today, my work in breathwork is an extension of these lessons. I’ve created a practice that helps others reconnect with their bodies, release the burdens of societal expectations, and find balance in their lives. Through breathwork, I guide individuals to:

– Cultivate resilience and confidence from within.
– Heal emotional and mental imbalances stored in the body.
– Break free from rigid structures and narratives that no longer serve them.
– Reconnect with their natural rhythms and life force.

This work is deeply personal to me. It’s my way of creating meaningful change, one breath at a time. While I couldn’t change the larger system of the RAF from within, I can help individuals transform their own lives, empowering them to live with integrity, authenticity, and connection.

An Invitation

Whether you’re seeking balance, healing, or a deeper connection to yourself, breathwork offers a powerful path forward. It’s a practice of simplicity and transparency, of spaciousness and flow. I invite you to join me on this journey—to breathe, to heal, and to reconnect with the essence of who you are.