Me:I am a life coach.
Used to be everyone ever: What is a life coach?
First I feel it's responsible to tell you what we are not. We are (usually) not licensed therapists qualified to navigate mental health conditions. We tend to look forward rather than back. And I will tell you this. If there is someone thriving in their chosen field, they have a coach. I don't know a coach that doesn't have multiple coaches. I have multiple coaches. There are acting coaches, real estate coaches, writing coaches, health and wellness coaches, business coaches, coaches for coaches... You name it. There's a coach for that.
In general we support clients in moving from where they are to their future self they dream of becoming. Because quite frankly, you just get this one life. A fake it til you make it mantra has led us way off course. At the end of your life you will not get bonus points for staying true to your fake and miserable self.
I personally coach people up and forward after monumental changes laid them flat. I truly believe you can rebuild your life. Again and again if necessary. I know it from first hand experience. You can reinvent and revive. This is resilience. The bounce after the hitting bottom. This takes energy, readiness and help. Does asking for support feel like your next right step? If so, we are lucky to live in a time where help in it's many forms, is ready and waiting .
If you’re like me the MASSIVE challenge is in the asking. I used to think it was just my parents that taught me to stuff the uncomfortable things and never let them see the light of day. Through coaching these past 5 years I am now clear it’s generational. The generation above me generally feels that troubles aren’t for sharing. But I have good news! Welcome to a lucky place where we have the opportunity to be what are called transitional characters. People that change our culture for the better. Plant the seed. Start the ripple. We can model asking for help. We can share our struggles. We can create a place where admitting you need a life coach or a therapist is as open a conversation as going to a dentist when your tooth hurts. A Dr. when you feel that something isn’t right with your health. I read somewhere lately that it will be commonplace for millennials to have a life coach. When that is the commonplace, we’ll get all puffed up and proud knowing we did that. We paved a new and healthy path.
Did you have a favorite coach growing up? Beautiful thing. You can have one again. Whatever you need. Email me through my website. If I’m not it I know someone who is. At least a starting place for you. Someone who has experienced your particular struggle, conquered it- and can coach you through it.
You can screen shot a thousand inspirational quotes. You can take free courses on you tube. But courage pays big dividends. When you are brave enough to share your story with someone who can help you move forward, you are on your way. Not to mention paving a gift of a way for the next generation to follow.