Hi there,
This month, we are focusing on how coaching goes beyond the typical understanding in our everyday lives – how “coaching is more than coaching”!
Here’s my take on it: I don’t know about you, but for a long time I only turned to coaching or self-help strategies when I was feeling down, when I was feeling like something inside me needed to be fixed. I’ve gotten pretty good at recognizing obstacles and negative emotions and finding ways to learn from them.
Something I’ve learned is that it is just as important to truly acknowledge the good moments in life, too. Recently, I visited the island of St. John and it was an absolutely beautiful whirlwind. Midway through the week, I found myself in complete dismay that the trip was almost over. But instead of letting myself get sucked into my usual anxiety about the future, I took a deep breath and shifted my focus to the here and now: warm evening breeze, the smell of the ocean, the laughter of my new and old friends. That one simple recognition made the rest of my trip feel richer and fuller.
I used to believe that the best growth comes from the dark, challenging times. This can be true, but if we keep ourselves open to opportunities (like Mastery #2 Perceiving, affirming and expanding potential teaches us) even the good times can be learning experiences. In this instance for me, this is where coaching went beyond anything I’d expected.
Enjoy this month’s updates from IAC President Krishna Kumar and various committees, as well as information about resources available to you and suggestions for ways you can become more involved with the IAC.
If you have any questions, comments, or blog suggestions, we’d love to hear it! Please contact voice@certifiedcoach.org.
Best,
Beth Ann
Beth Ann Miller holds an MFA in Writing from the University of New Hampshire and a native New Englander. She has a professional background in editing and higher education, and enjoys working with youths in the arts. Her stories have appeared in online and print journals and she is perpetually at work on new creative projects.
