My Story - Merryn Johnston

Midlife can feel like a crossroads - uncomfortable, uncertain and loaded with conflicting priorities. But it can also provide a powerful invitation to grow, realign, and rediscover what makes you feel most alive.

Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate to pour myself into my passions — from music and art whilst young, to achieving German language fluency, racing triathlon at a high level, coaching endurance athletes, and teaching people of all ages how to swim and thrive in the water.

At age 44, a quiet niggle began to grow louder. Eventually I recognised myself busy doing, and not looking inward. I realised I was living out of balance — disconnected from who I thought I was. My body no longer felt like something I could rely on, and I’d lost faith in myself and my future.

That turning point led me to re-evaluate everything — my values, my purpose, and how I valued myself. More importantly the pivot point taught me about living in alignment, with intention and awareness.

Some of my proudest moments are not about podiums or personal bests, but about people – a once-fearful non-swimmer finding peace in the water; helping every day folks discover they’re capable of more than they believed.

Those moments were always about growth, courage, and possibility — grounded in safety, trust, and curiosity.

I’ve come to realise that my heart lies in unlocking people potential – not just in sport, but in life – and  that’s why I now work as a health coach. For me, it’s about walking alongside people as they reconnect with (or even discover) their own strength, resilience, and vitality. It’s about refocusing on life through a new lens.

Midlife isn’t an ending — it’s the springboard to the rest of your life.
And I’d love to help you move forward with confidence and clarity.

FAQ’s about Health Coaching

  • Much of the effectiveness of health coaching is in what it isn’t: health coaches don’t diagnose, prescribe, or tell you what to do. It isn’t therapy, where answers are sought from the past.

    Instead, Health Coaching is set in the present, focusing clients on what they can take control of now that will be a positive step towards the life, health and mental fitness goals they have set for themselves.

     

    My practice is backed by the sciences of lifestyle, nutrition and exercise as medicine and how leveraging these alongside sleep management, stress relief and mindfulness can transform clients’ health and mental wellbeing journey. Prevention is cure! Research shows that in making small yet significant and repeatable changes in any of these key areas can lead to general wellbeing improvement all the way to the reduction or even the reversal of chronic lifestyle-related disease. The effect is felt now, and impacts your future self and health-span (years of life you live in good health).

     

    In the mental health space, coaching can be effective for those experiencing low mood or mild to moderate anxiety and depression; stress, overwhelm or release from damaging self-talk and limiting self-beliefs. I use tools and strategies from the areas of positive psychology and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) to enable a client to move towards the life they want to live, freeing themselves from the hooks that drag them around.

  • You might be wondering if coaching could really make a difference.
    If any of these sound familiar, it just might.

    You may be:

    • Putting everyone else’s needs first and noticing your own health and wellbeing are suffering

    • Feeling tired, flat, or simply not at your best – wanting more energy, spark and fulfilment

    • At a health crossroads, knowing change is needed but unsure where to start

    • Feeling stretched, stressed, or constantly switched on – longing for calm and balance

    • Saying “I know I should…” but finding it hard to turn intentions into lasting action

    • Aware that nothing is really wrong, yet nothing feels quite right either. You’re feeling stuck and wondering how to move forward

    • Wondering “Is this it?” and wanting more meaning or purpose in life

    • Recognising that something’s holding you back and ready to create a shift

    If this resonates, you’re not alone.
    Health coaching offers a safe, supportive space to explore what’s holding you back, gain clarity and build momentum towards the life, health and wellbeing you truly want.

  • It’s all about you.
    You set the agenda — I guide the process, creating a safe space for you to truly be heard and initiate meaningful change. My role is to support you in untangling thoughts, breaking unhelpful patterns, and moving towards the transformation you want.

    First session – 90 minutes

    • Deep dive into who you are, where you’re at, and where you want to be

    • Co-create our focus and goals for your future self

    • Space for your questions about Health Coaching

    • I share my values, philosophy, and approach

    • We finish with your first coaching steps towards change

    Ongoing sessions – 45–60 minutes

    • Focus on a specific area you’d like to explore

    • I listen deeply, ask open questions, and reflect what’s emerging

    • We uncover insights and explore helpful tools or education

    • Each session ends with clear action steps and accountability designed by you

    Between sessions

    This is where real growth happens — as you put ideas into action

    Change can be messy, but you’re not doing it alone I’m here to encourage, challenge, support, and celebrate with you every step of the way