November is upon us, the leaves have changed from their deep green to beautiful notes of amber, gold, red and yellow. Many have already fallen and adorn the ground. In my neighbourhood we are blessed with much wildlife. Some may find it a nuisance, but I love looking out my window to see deer, fox, coyotes, and the occasional goose. This morning there were 8 deer feasting on old pumpkins in the green space, and I could not help but feel thankful for God's creation. There is a purpose for each creature, even us. And as the seasons change, so do the chapters in our lives.
Ten months ago, I embarked on a journey to become a professional life coach. I had felt God prompting me for some time to enter into a season of change, to take a chance, and trust His plan. I did not know exactly what that plan would entail, but I obediently walked in it and began my studies. This path was beautiful, hard, challenging, but life giving in many ways. First and foremost, I learned about "me" because to understand others we must first know who we are. I was enlightened, but not surprised to see that I'm a thinker, a processor who loves abstract details, wrestles with the "why" and wants to do things perfectly. What I learned was that I could let go of striving and the need for perfection, because the root of that comes from insecurity. As I journeyed and discovered my giftings and purpose, there was tremendous peace. It's funny how when we stop thinking we are not enough, and trust whose we are, all things are possible.
In the months that followed my course work, and I began my practicum, I often felt insecurity rise within me. "Am I good enough" or "Why would anyone trust me to partner with them?" This is called imposter syndrome. The innate belief that we are not qualified, and the ability to cut ourselves down before we even try. My coach mentor was so encouraging and thoughtful in how she reminded me of my worth, my giftings, and I started to believe "I could." My practicum was not an easy process…there were cancelled appointments, illness, uncertainty, feeling like my coaching calls were not adequate for submission for grading, and yet that still small voice said, "just trust me and keep going." I'm so glad that I listened and did not give up. I had to let go of a client who really needed more than I could give…I had to find other clients to replace them, and to just put one foot in front of the other. What this process has given me is a clear understanding of surrender, total peace, and new self belief.
As a professional life coach, our mandate is to partner with others to help them discover their life purpose and navigate their unique set of challenges. We do this through self-awareness, building vision, strategic thinking, practical application, setting goals, and accountability. It is a beautiful, hard, amazing journey to see someone who may be stuck or confused, take steps with new vision for their future. I am their partner, confidant, challenger, supporter, and I champion their desires and progress. Coaching is really an amazing tool for forward progress and momentum. If you have not experienced it, I would strongly urge you to consider taking a deeper look at how it might help you.
Personally, I feel so blessed to be able to walk with others in life. My vision has always been to serve others and help them see their giftings and strengths, to live with compassion, and to help them see who God created them to be. It is not lost on me that my career is doing what I love. This past season has also been about slowing down. God asked me to trust Him, and to take it one day at a time. I used to define my success with achievement, and my quest for worth was bi and large based on what others thought of me. I now live already believing I am worthy, already knowing I'm enough, and living from a full vessel of love and life. What a tremendous honour it is.
Each one of you is in a unique stage of life. This may be a season of change, of unknown, indecision, and you may be navigating really hard things. The pressure we can feel from the world, our families, our workplace, school, friendships, and even ourselves can be overwhelming. I would ask you to take a moment in your day to sit in the quiet, or for some of us, noisy thoughts and to just "be." And even if the noise remains, the act of sitting still and just taking some deep breaths might be exactly what you need to do. Then, ask yourself, what matters the most to me right now? What do I value in my life? When you understand those values, then you realize that if you are doing anything outside of your value system, you will be left void of peace and true joy. But, when you live from your values, and do the things that matter to you, then you will be able to rest in knowing you are exactly where you need to be. In this realignment you may need to muster the strength to make the necessary changes.
As 2025 is nearing completion and holiday season fast approaching, spend some time reflecting on the year. Did you have goals? Where those goals aligned with your values, and what are the blessings you can reflect on? Maybe the year was crappy, maybe too busy, maybe stressful…but isn't that how we learn? Sometimes as a result of the things that are hard, we can choose to reflect, reframe, and renew our minds. My challenge to you is to live with a mindset of gratitude for all of it. Nothing about life is easy, but we have a choice to change how we look at it every single day. I'm rooting for you. What is your vision for the future?
You can connect with me athttps://inspirecoach.ca/
Melanie