LIBERATION

The other day, I had the opportunity to connect with the brilliant Jennifer Rappo, a friend from my childhood who is also an executive leadership coach/consultant. Aside from just catching up on over 20 years of distance (though thankfully we've been connected via social media), Jennifer and I also talked about coaching, the transformative nature of action-focused dialogue, and ways in which our voices and stories propel us in this work.

Jennifer shared that she got into the practice of having a focus-word each year. And, when she shared hers with me, I instantly knew what mine was: LIBERATION.

Even just writing the word LIBERATION comes with a deep breath through my chest and belly; it makes me smile and my eyes soften; and it releases tension in my own body. Thinking about LIBERATION fills me with joy!

Many people come to coaching because something is happening in their lives that is keeping them from feeling full. Some are looking to overcome major barriers while others are looking for that little nudge forward. For me, I sought out coaching because there had been significant changes in my professional life. I was overwhelmed with feelings of disappointment, frustration, confusion, and anger. And, I began internalizing all of those feelings. I gained weight. I wasn't sleeping as well. I burned through THREE teeth-grinding mouth guards in a matter of months. My heart rate became unsteady, and I was put on a heart rate monitor for four weeks by my doctor. I almost passed out at work. All of these things aligned with what was happening to me in my professional life.

I knew that therapy wasn't going to be the right approach for me -- I didn't need to address deep seeded issues and I really needed something to change quickly. The coaching process was the perfect choice for me. Through coaching, I explored issues that were happening in real time and worked with my coach to find 1-2 action items each week that could help me release some of this tension and anxiety and focus on the future. While my coach and I couldn't change the conditions for what was happening, we were able to work through a process that helped me shift my reaction to my situation.

That liberation led me to launching LT Coaching and Consulting, LLC, as a full-time venture. And, being able to engage in a process that keeps me whole, that isn't at the mercy of other people's actions, and gives me some control back in my life is what liberation feels like to me.

But, true to coaching, there are still action steps to take.

As I sit here on my deck on this sunny New England day, I'm going to share with you my action items to keep me in a space of liberation. If you would like to explore how to move forward in your own life, be sure to sign up for a complimentary session to see if coaching is right for you, too!

Liza's Action Items

Go for a walk at least 3 times a week
10 minutes of meditation at least 3x a week
Go to karate classes 2x a week
Beginning in July, read a book each week with the goal of reading 8 books this summer

Notice that these action items aren't necessarily about work or productivity. But, by creating this foundation of wellness and healing, I'm liberating my body and mind from some of the toxicity that has built up. And, when I'm truly in a place that centers my mind and body as important, then things like productivity, momentum, business, and work will follow. For years, I focused on the opposite -- if my productivity, business and work life was booming, then I'd be happy, at peace, and joyful.

But, through coaching, I understood for myself that the opposite is true for me.

Looking forward to learning more about the ways in which you will engage in good mental/physical/emotional health for yourself! Be sure to share those with me! And, if you are ready for some guidance to discover what specifically works for you, get ready for that complimentary call today!

Gratitude and peace,

Liza

LizaApril 28, 2018