Over lunch the other day my husband asked me this question and it was brilliant.
Because I couldn’t answer it.
I had been bemoaning the lack of a perfect solution in a few areas of my life - not big challenges, more small niggles that didn’t feel quite right.
I really had to stop and think.
And it turns out that was exactly what I needed to do :-)
I’ve spent a good few hours working 1:1 with someone over the last few weeks, supporting them, coaching them, helping them prepare for a big life event.
And I’ve had almost no idea what they have actually said.
My son has been prepping for his German A level speaking exam, and I’ve been the person listening to him as he practices out loud.
It’s helped something really click - that coaching, or supporting someone in any form, is so often about focusing on the person and not the problem/topic/situation.
Do you have a lot going on in your head right now?
I do.
We have two teenagers, each doing big exams this year.
Work is busy in a brilliant way.
I’ve said yes to a few things that feel good scary.
Some things are closing and others are beginning.
My brain is busy busy whirring away with ideas...
…and I also feel a strong desire to rest.
What to do?
I love spending time on my own close to home. Reading, journalling in a cafe, doing a puzzle. Nesting and resting and being in my own space.
I also love going further afield. Taking a break from the norm, mixing it up and stepping out of my everyday life - a change of scene.
Sometimes it’s just me.
Sometime it really helps to have a like minded companion. Enter my friend - and adventure buddy - Penny.
Who are your champions?
The people who will wholeheartedly celebrate your successes?
Who you get to shine with?
Who see the future version of you that you’re becoming, even when you can’t see it yourself?
Many years ago someone asked me who I got to be unapologetically successful with, and it really stuck with me.
I came upon this sign on one of my regular dog walks recently. It really struck a chord!
Sometimes in life we are clearly moving and growing. Things are happening, there’s a plan and regular progress, we’re on track.
We’re in motion.
Sometimes we’re regrouping. Taking some time to reflect on, and integrate, what’s been. Pausing to let what we have sown grow. Taking stock and working out what’s next.
We’re still.
What’s your relationship with praise?
Do you delight in it, or dodge it?
Do you take it to heart, or skip right past it?
Do you rely on it, but worry that it might not last?
I have done all of these, and often still do.
So, it’s been useful to remind myself to take a closer look at it, in a productive way.
