Almost three years ago, I attended an unusual cocktail party. A roomful of adults was playing make-believe. My class of coaching trainees projected ourselves into the future. We were told to pretend that it was one year later, and that we were here to discuss the wonderful things that had happened to us within the past year. As I paused to prepare for our game, I reflected on my biggest hopes for the future, one of which felt too private to share - almost. I greeted my friends with enthusiasm exceeding the circumstances, given that we'd been sitting in the same room together all morning. And then I shared my big news. "I bought a house!" I said, waving my arms excitedly. "It's a beautiful purple Victorian with amazing original architectural details. ...And such great timing, because -- (deep inhale) -- I had a baby!" Asked the baby's name, I blurted the first thing that came to my mind. "Lola!" -- A girl, I thought to myself. How sweet that would be. "And I published a book!" The most important part of the exercise was to really get into the feeling space of those successes, to act "as if," to better draw the energy of those events into our lives. Of course, it felt a bit ridiculous to be telling people that I had published a book right after having a baby, but they were two of my dreams, so I just went with it. Fast forward one year later. We bought a house, a village colonial which is pretty darn similar to a victorian. It's 100 years old, and has some amazing original details, plus modern touches that I especially enjoy in the winter, like a huge jacuzzi tub and steam shower. It's white with blue shutters. But as of mid-July, it will be painted pale green with cream trim and purple shutters. Two months later, I had a baby girl, Dalia. Another two years have passed, and on April 1st, the anniversary of our big move, I published The Other Baby Book. I co-authored it with a close friend who I didn't know at the time of the cocktail party. Three years earlier, I would have told you that my book would be about finding your life's calling. And now, looking back, I can appreciate that motherhood has truly been that for me. Of course, it's just one part of what I feel called to do. Coaching is a big part of that as well. But three years ago I never would have told you I would be writing a book about parenting. Life doesn't always turn out exactly as we plan it. But the good news is, we have the power to make most of our dreams come true. All it takes is getting clear on what we want, and believing that we can have it. Then we can follow the path of our dreams. I've been offline for a long time. Most of my energy has been going towards writing a book and coaching some truly exceptional clients. Now and then, I catch myself reflecting about the interesting new direction in which my coaching practice has been creeping. While it's still premature, I'm ready to share a bit of a teaser. I'm interested in a shifting definition of work, of career. I think the 9-5 (or 8-7, etc) clock-in, clock-out corporate cubicle model is outdated. It's being shed - for some, slowly, for some very rapidly. How do I know this? First, I was able to leave it, and my world didn't crumble. Then my husband walked out, and never looked back. We're happier and more productive than ever before. And my clients are doing so too. So are my coaching colleagues. The people I trust, value and respect. Just walking away. And not looking back. Second, look at the economy. Today we heard some grim reports about jobs and joblessness. More people are unemployed than ever before. And jobs aren't making a comeback as expected. In fact, major employers are still cutting large amounts of jobs, every day. The convergence of these two factors is pretty powerful. More people are driven to follow their passions than ever before. And less jobs than ever before. The chains that held us to our old desk jobs are being cut, and we're finding meaning. We're also finding money. Yes, it's actually possible that we can walk away from our jobs and earn more than ever before. It takes ingenuity and creativity. And drive. But it's possible. And it's fun! This is just the beginning of an exciting new focus, for me and my clients. Keep your radar up, you'll hear more - from me and from others in this space. It's an exciting new world! Welcome to my new website! We've moved. The world is changing every day, and so am I.
In the last few years alone, I've changed careers, changed homes, and brought a new life into the world. To say that these changes have transformed me would be an understatement. In life, we are on a constant path of transformation - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We are always changing, but we are also becoming more of who we truly are. As our outsides change to reflect our insides, we show the world what we have learned, and how it has redefined our relationship with life. While change is often scary, it's our constant companion, and it's most beneficial if we can embrace its gifts. As I close the door on the first chapter of my coaching business, I am excited for what's to come. While in the past I worked exclusively with career changers, I am now coaching new moms and other Gen Xers undergoing major life transitions. You may not be able to define exactly what it is that's changing in your life. You may just know that you are on the verge of something big. Let's dive into the journey together. I can't wait! |