What I've Learned Along the Coaching Highway

Last week was international coaching week, I'm sure you had it marked on your calendar :)The other day I had a conversation with my mentor coach, who asked me to think about what I've learned, since I started out.  I thought back to my younger self fresh off the coaching certification block and I came up with quite a list.  A key aspect of cultivating a growth mindset is to take a moment to reflect on everything you've accomplished, and congratulate your successes.  To sit and take stock of how far you've come is one of the most rewarding things a person can do.  It's a shame most of the time we find ourselves just too busy to lean in.  I wanted to share my list with all of you, so here goes...I have learned what real friendship looks like.  I have learned that balance is a key component in any relationship worth having.I have learned there is no such thing as perfect.  Practice makes better.I have learned to question my motivation for why I do things.  Is it to grow and develop?  Or is it to look good?I have learned not to rely on male attention for a feeling of self-worth.I have learned that true assertiveness is not falling back into old reactive patterns but choosing how I want to respond.I have learned to rely on the power of God.  She is real.  She is always with me, especially at my darkest moments.I have learned to recognize my strategies for numbing my emotions.  And that to heal, I have to feel.I have learned that by doing this work, I am a better coach for my clients, and I can really show up for them.I have learned that sometimes I need to take space for myself, and that is okay.I have learned that transformation and change is possible.I have learned to ask myself what is it that I really want.I have learned to surrender and let God take control.I have learned that there will be darkness at times, and without darkness there can be no light.I have learned I can be motivated by new and exciting things that have nothing to do with money, power or prestige.I have learned to embrace my softness.I have learned what makes a good husband and a good wife.I have learned how to make my own choices.I have learned I don’t need flattery.  I'll take it, but I don't need it.I have learned to love my height, every bit of being a six foot one woman.I have learned to live more fully in my body.  I understand the importance of grounding in one's body as a response to fear and trauma.I have learned the healing power of yoga.I have learned to stop name dropping.  Nobody ever cared except for me anyway.I learned I like the piano.I have learned that I am wise.I have learned I am creative.I learned to keep asking questions and never give up on my healing.I learned how to travel the world with one suitcase.I have learned my value is not determined by how much I make or what I charge.I’ve learned to heed the feeling of being comprised and that boundaries are important.  And before I didn’t have healthy ones.I have learned that true vulnerability is a great strength.I've learned that everything I need lies already in me and to beware of false prophets.  There are many out there ready to take your money.I have learned the only person worth competing with is myself.I have learned that if I do the important work on myself, I will attract the exact right clients I need at exactly the right time.I have learned I can write.I have learned that I learn by making mistakes.  And I will make many more.I have learned I have the power to heal my wounds.I have learned I am strong.I have learned that it’s okay to do what you have to do to survive, as long as you learn from it.I have learned that it’s okay to do things just for fun.I have learned that busyness was just a flimsy tool to avoid doing the real work on myself.I have learned to forgive myself.  And with that, all things are possible in this world.