From My Heart to Yours: Embracing Change as a Coach (and a Human!)
Change is hard. No doubt about it. These past few months, I've truly had to lean into the practices and tools I've gathered over the years. And honestly, there are still moments of panic, or that inner voice that tries to tell me I can't, or that I don't deserve something. For almost 25 years, I built a mostly fulfilling career as a public servant. What was once a safe and comfortable path now feels uncertain and prickly. So, what do you do when things outside your control shift, and you feel powerless to stop it?
For me, I turn inward. Over the years, I've learned to navigate life by better understanding who I am. Now, when my inner critic shows up, I quickly recognize it and have ways to quiet that troublemaker!
As a communications professional, I don't remember "coaches" being offered as a solution or support mechanism – outside of sports, of course! It wasn't until five years ago that I discovered the world of coaching. I had just wrapped up a podcast and live show I hosted for my job, and I was heartbroken to "sunset" it. During that time, I had some of the most heartfelt exchanges with people I'd never met. We moved past the masks we often wear, showing up for each other in a safe, non-judgmental space. It felt magical, a connection I wanted to rediscover, but I wasn't sure how. Then one day, I stumbled upon "coaching" and realized this was a real profession, and some people were incredibly successful at it.
One of my core values is knowledge, so naturally, I dove into researching coaching. I found the International Coaching Federation's website, which led me to a life-changing certification program. For about a year, I explored holistic coaching, learning not only how to live a more fulfilling life myself but also how to help others do the same. Being of service to others is another core value, and it truly makes my soul dance.
Once again, I found myself in an intimate and safe space, supporting others as they discovered their innate ability to live more fully. They simply needed to give themselves permission and grace to pause, to rediscover what had always been within them since day one. And I get the privilege of witnessing this beautiful, powerful unfolding—something each of us is absolutely capable of harnessing. That's not to say I haven't received my fair share of coaching; it's been a game-changer for me too.
All of this means, yes, I love being a coach, AND I still struggle at times. We all do, because that's part of the human experience. What I'm thankful for, though, is having a strong community that supports me. Through them, I continue to learn and find new ways to embrace both the hard and soft sides of myself, to find balance and flow in a world that so seductively pulls us away from the music that makes our souls dance.
How to Navigate Life's Transitions:
Navigating change requires intention and self-awareness. Here are a few ways you can begin to lean into those shifts:
Acknowledge and Validate Your Feelings: It's okay to feel uncertain, scared, or frustrated. Allow yourself to experience these emotions without judgment. Suppressing them often makes them stronger.
Create Your Anchor Practices: Just like I rediscovered my morning routine, find simple daily practices that ground you. This could be a few minutes of meditation, a walk outside, journaling, or even just a conscious breathing exercise. These anchors provide stability when everything else feels uncertain.
Embrace Curiosity, Not Catastrophe: When your mind races to worst-case scenarios, gently interrupt that pattern. Ask yourself, "What if something good comes from this?" or "What new opportunities might this change create?" Shifting to curiosity opens up new possibilities.
Tuning In: Listening to Your Body and Intuition:
Your body and intuition are powerful guides, especially during times of transition.
Body Check-Ins: Take moments throughout your day to pause and scan your body. Do you feel tension anywhere? Are you thirsty? Tired? Our bodies offer clear signals about our needs. When you listen and respond, you build trust with yourself. For example, if you feel tightness, take a moment to stretch. If you feel tired, step away from your desk for a few minutes.
Trust Your Gut: That "gut feeling" or inner knowing is often your intuition speaking. When faced with decisions during a transition, pay attention to these subtle cues. Does a choice feel expansive or constricting? Does it bring a sense of peace or dread? Practice honoring these sensations, even if they don't immediately make logical sense. Over time, you'll strengthen this internal compass.
Mindful Pauses: Before reacting to a challenging situation or making a big decision, give yourself permission to pause. This isn't about procrastination, but about creating space for clarity. Take a few deep breaths, connect with your body, and ask yourself what feels most aligned for you.
We have the choice to dare to lead a life that allows us to be our best selves. Perhaps you too are struggling with change. While each of us is uniquely wired, we share some core commonalities. My hope is that we all find the courage to support and ask for help from one another so we can navigate this life with a little more ease and confidence.
