Tag: life coach

The Difference

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“I can’t do this.”

I was pulling my normal crazy of talking to myself but this time my throat was choked with tears and I was peering over my tummy to try to read the scale.

There it was.  The number in all its digital truthfulness.  I had gained again.

Out of deep, long standing brokenness my mind began to twirl with all shades of unhealthy self-talk.

  • I will never conquer the issue of weight in my life.
  • I will always be the “out-going chubby red-head” … you know her, right?
  • Why even bother trying?
  • I’m speaking this weekend… what do I have in my closet to hide behind?
  • They are not going to take me seriously because I’m fat.
  • Why don’t I have any self-discipline?
  • When’s lunch?

Thankfully that very weekend someone entered into my story and agreed to coach me through my weight loss and health journey.  It made ALL the difference.  I have been on my journey for 3.5 weeks now.  I’m losing my cravings for most unhealthy things.  I’m down 8.5 lbs.  I’ve been forced to face the reasons why I want to stuff my face sometimes…even when I’m not hungry.  I am more in tune with my body and what it needs at any given moment.  I’ve realized that I was a Carb-a-holic… is that a thing?  It must be a thing.    I also know precisely why I want and need to do this.  The “why” is critical to success in any endeavor and I don’t know that I would have found it without my coach spurring me to do so. It is not easy.  But having my coach beside me is what has helped me stick it out thus far.  And trust me, 3.5 weeks is a marathon for me when it comes to eating right.

This whole past month just reinforces what I have believed for several years now.  When going through a transition, or stretching a goal, or making big decisions, having a COACH is invaluable.  It can mean the difference between living life in limbo or experiencing fulfilling success.  Why is this?

Because…

A coach...

What goal are you trying to crush right now?

Are you facing a transition that’s left you exhausted and bleary eyed?

Maybe you’re stuck and don’t even imagine a next step.

If you fit into any of these categories, perhaps a coach is just what you need.  In my case, I needed a coach within a specific niche with knowledge of a particular way of eating.  In your case, you may need the definition of coach I shared above.  I know that the times I have partnered up with a coach have been the times when I have experienced the most growth.

In 2017 I became certified as a Professional Coach because I have a passion for seeing people light up when they find their passion and purpose.  If you have ever considered getting a coach, I encourage you to reach out.  You will find the prices reasonable and the benefits invaluable.  Shoot me an email or give me call.  Or simply leave a comment below.  I’m excited to see what you do next!

Living A Better Story

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If your life to this point was published as a novel, what would the title be?  Do you have regrets?  Things you are proud of?  Moments you treasure and that feed your soul when you need them?  Moments that are pushed to the back of your mind to protect yoursStory Articleelf from pain?

Each one of us is living our own unique narrative.  A typical story arc in writing is composed of the following:

  • There is a main character (often referred to as the “hero”)
  • There is something that character wants
  • There is a crisis, obstacle or complication that must be overcome to get it
  • There is resolution

We will find ourselves repeating this arc throughout our entire lives.  The details of the arc might change, but our experiences follow the typical story arc pretty closely.

What happens when the hero of a story doesn’t know how to overcome their obstacle?  Or even discover what it is they really want?  Often an author will create a character to act as a “guide.” The guide does not take over the narrative or usurp the hero role but acts as a support and mentor to the hero, enabling them to accomplish their mission.  One very excellent example of this is found in Star Wars – A New Hope.  Our hero is Luke Skywalker.  He wants to be a Jedi and fight the dark side of the Force.  One of the obstacles to this mission is that he does not know how to use or control the Force.  The character of Yoda steps in and becomes his guide.  Yoda does not “rescue” Luke or perform Luke’s tasks for him.  Instead he guides Luke to the answers he already has inside him.

What makes a story worth telling?  Riveting, flawed characters who are redeemed before the resolution.  A “mission” that has deep purpose.  A crisis or obstacle that others can relate to and requires deep struggle.

Your life is your story. 

Where are you in your current narrative?  Are you still searching for your mission or purpose?  Have you reached an obstacle that is hindering you from finding resolution?  What do others see when they “read your story?”

My purpose as a coach is to be your Yoda.  Are you ready to live a story worth telling?  Pick up your pen and give me a call!

My Road To Coaching

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Several years ago I was stuck.  And I was not happy about it.  In my early-mid forties and I was feeling as if I had peaked in my late 20’s. It was a dark, discouraging place to be.  By chance (or providence) I ran across information for a conference led by one of my favorite writers, Donald Miller.  It was called “Storyline” and hinted at looking at our lives as a narrative.  It sounded intriguing, especially in the mental state I was in, so I signed up.  Storyline completely rocked my world.  For the first time I was able to see how some terrible past experiences could be redeemed.  How they changed me for the better and prepared me for what God had in store for me.

This began a journey that led to adopting our now 9-year old son, joining the board of FASD Network of Southern California and startDonald miller quoteing a support group for members (FASD:  Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder), and to find my own coach.  And here is what I discovered over my three month coaching experience.  I wanted to do what my coach was doing.  I wanted to help people find their purpose.  I wanted to see people break through barriers that ultimately became stepping stones for success.  I wanted to see that moment in a person’s eyes when they realize they had this amazing story inside of them, waiting to be written.  I wanted to see the realization dawn on them that they were the hero in their own story and their story could make a difference in their community and in the world.  Simply put, I wanted to be Yoda.  Or maybe Socrates.  Ask the questions, give the tools, provide accountability and the opportunity to find that spark inside them.  The spark that ignites an amazing epic story.

Your story matters.  

If you need a catalyst to start living out a story worth telling consider working with a personal life coach.  A life coach is not your therapist, your mentor or advisor.  Your coach believes that you have the answers already.  You just need help uncovering them in a confidential and safe place by breaking down your goals into do-able sized steps, and then being held accountable.  A life coach will not critique you or tell you what is right or wrong for your life BUT they will ask the questions that help you unearth the answers yourself.

Have more questions?  Give me a call. Shoot me an email.  I’d love to hear where you are and where you want to be and then help you figure out exactly how to get there!