I got into coaching grudgingly. I found coaching to be nothing more than conversation and something that I've always enjoyed in my professional circles in the past, so why would I or anyone else have to pay for it. In the past I could drop in on a colleague and start a conversation, expressing myself, my questions, my confusion, and discover my answers when talking to the right people. These people were the ones with the fewest answers and the biggest ears. Often times I left them with the biggest eyes as they sat stunned and overwhelmed by the depth and breadth of the conversation and questions I would raise and answers I'd find. Sometimes, a long gasp of time sucked so much air from my lungs I would be left speechless and still full of questions. It's the choices that took me down a road I didn't understand, choices found in curiousity, wonder, and doubt. Seeing other ways of living, other realms of thought and belief, and with my own journey stalled, I'd venture down a new road wondering if this was the way. Years would slip by and I'd seem to be going deeper rather than climbing higher. At first glance, this going deeper would seem to be a wasted road of sinking into nothing, into failure, into the pit of despair. In retrospect, it can also be seen as a tremendous journey to the depths of my own soul, discovering the strength, the courage, the tenacity, the compassion and desire to understand, not just myself but others too. So now I am a coach and I still experience things that lead me to question my sanity, my direction in life, my true inner-calling, and my dedication. Chasing a dream against adversity can have that effect. Today I feel a new sense of discovery as I realize this complex relationship within myself and the world outside. It is in these journeys and experiences that my questions are raised and answers found. Something is still missing though, for me personally, and that is more of the conversations that allow me to find those answers. I'd do it often through my writing and yet, the dialogue, the interaction with another human being is an element that is missing. I discovered and reconnected to this truth today. My coaching profession offers me much satisfaction as I dialogue with clients. Talking is a powerful way to process what we can't make sense of. I read this sentence in a book I was reading today and it hit me right between the eyes. How many times have I stated this to other coaches, to other friends, to perfect strangers? I thrive on conversations that allow me to delve into the complex questions that I have and cannot make sense of. We're so incredibly rushed in our world today, as the weekend newspaper aptly describes in an article pertaining to the shrinking lunch-hour. Lunch hours have shrunk to less than 20 minutes for many and the healthy lunch is replaced by a quick slice of cold pizza. The article, written in the career section of the paper, continues to say that with this added pressure, less personal time and poor eating habits leads to less productivity. I'll take it a step further: It also leads to less clarity within your own mind, heart and soul. With so much pressure, with so much responsibilities, with so little personal time and even less time to connect to the ever-so important social circles that help us maintain our sense of connectedness, how can anyone find the time to ease their nagging questions? Is it any wonder that I myself am wandering somewhat aimlessly? I've neglected such a very important aspect of my intrinsyc nature. Is it any wonder that you might find yourself numb to your own life as well? It is time to talk. It is time to process those nagging life situations that perplex. This is my job and I do it well with others. Now I do it too for myself. The answers are all there, right there inside of each of us. We just needed the right key to open the truth and the art of talking with the right people will pave the way to find that key. This coach isn't ready to throw in the towel and neither should you. Your questions are valid and your answers are integral to your own self-discovery for a well-lived life. So, let's talk. |
